#FashionAlert The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Presents Its Second Annual Live Art Duel--an Electrifying Night of Art, Competition, and Creativity Our Coverage Sponsored by Hallak Cleaners the Couture Cleaner @hallakcleaners @hallakcouturecleaner
For over fifty years, Hallak Cleaners the Couture Cleaner has been entrusted with Manhattan’s finest wardrobes. The official cleaner of Whom You Know since 2012, Hallak is the only cleaner Peachy Deegan would ever use and we are honored to work with them. New York’s fashion boutiques have been recommending Hallak to their loyal customers for years. They understand the importance of quality fabric care and protecting their client’s investment. While Hallak is known for their expert handling of couture and other precious items, they also make it a point to give your more casual garments the same level of attention. Their representatives are always on the look out for the hard-to-notice stains, loose seams, missing buttons, etc. You can trust Hallak Cleaners with your entire wardrobe and then some. A sample of some of their specialized services:
Tables & Bed Linens
Suede, Leather & Furs
Couture & Casual Wear
Custom Interior Services
Expert tailoring department located at both locations.
Complimentary Pick Up and Delivery Service 6 Days a Week.
Hallak Cleaners
1232 Second Avenue (near 65th)
New York, NY 10065
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a pick up, please feel free to email us at info@hallak.com
***
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) announces the return of Live Art Duel, where art meets competition in real time. Taking place Thursday, November 13, 6–9 pm, in FIT's John E. Reeves Great Hall, this one-of-a-kind event brings together student artists, celebrity judges, and art enthusiasts for a night of live painting, spirited rivalry, and community celebration.
Guests will watch as FIT student artists transform unexpected materials into masterpieces during three timed rounds of competition. Contestants will not learn what medium they'll be working with—will it even be painting?—until right before the rounds begin, making every piece a surprise for both artist and audience. Each round culminates with voting by a panel of esteemed judges, leading to a final championship face-off. Works created during the competition will be auctioned, with all proceeds directly benefiting FIT students and programs that help foster the next generation of creative talent.
Adding star power to the night, renowned New York-based pop artist and entrepreneur Ashley Longshore will serve as host. Dubbed the "feminist Andy Warhol," she's built a global following and art empire with her irreverent humor, bold style, and authenticity.
"I believe in creativity! I believe in the next generation of artists and designers," Longshore said. "Now is when they must be celebrated the most. I can't wait for this ginormous explosion of FIT talent—counting the days!"
The Live Art Duel judging panel features artists, designers, and creatives, including:Ariel Adkins, founder, Artfully Awear
Isaac Boots, fitness and TV personality and creator, Torch'd
Racquel Chevremont, art curator, advisor, model, and TV personality
Kirstin Cole, Emmy Award-winning reporter and anchor, WPIX-TV
Kareem Gayle, senior vice president of human resources, Parfums Christian Dior; board member, FIT Foundation
Rachel Glicksberg, women's fashion and new initiatives lead, The RealReal
Katie Kime, founder and CEO, Katie Kime
Kate McGuire, founder, Converted Closet
During the competition, guests will enjoy hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and live music, making this event both a showcase of talent and a celebration of FIT's creative community. Guests will also be able to mingle with collectors, influencers, and supporters of education in the arts.
Live Art Duel is generously supported by Burton, Parfums Christian Dior, and Rimowa.
Event DetailsDate: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Time: 6–9 pm
Location: John E. Reeves Great Hall, Fashion Institute of Technology, 227 West 27th Street (entrance on West 28th Street near Seventh Avenue), New York, NY 10001
To purchase tickets or learn more, please visit Live Art Duel.
About the School of Art and Design at FIT
The School of Art and Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) offers 17 creative majors led by passionate artists and designers who are also industry professionals. With a hands-on, real-world approach, the school prepares students to turn ideas into finished work—whether on paper, in digital form, or in production. Committed to educating the next generation of creative, socially responsible, and globally engaged professionals, the School of Art and Design inspires innovation, collaboration, and experimentation across the broad spectrum of art and design fields.
About FIT
A part of the State University of New York (SUNY), FIT has been a leader in career education in art, design, business, and technology throughout its history. Providing approximately 9,000 students with an uncommon blend of hands-on, practical experience, theory, and a firm grounding in the liberal arts, the college offers a wide range of affordable programs that foster innovation and collaboration. Its distinctive curriculum is geared to today's rapidly growing creative economy, including fields such as computer animation, toy design, production management, film and media, and cosmetics and fragrance marketing. Internationally renowned, FIT draws on its New York City location to provide a vibrant, creative community in which to learn. The college offers nearly 50 majors and grants AAS, BFA, BS, MA, MFA, and MPS degrees, preparing students for professional success and leadership in the new creative economy. Among notable alumni in fashion are Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Norma Kamali, Reem Acra, Brian Atwood, Stephen Burrows, Dennis Basso, Francisco Costa, Nanette Lepore, Bibhu Mohapatra, Ralph Rucci, John Bartlett, Peter Do, Daniel Roseberry, and Michelle Smith. Other prominent graduates include Leslie Blodgett, creator of bareMinerals; international restaurant designer Tony Chi; and Nina García, editor-in-chief of Elle.
