New York Fashion Week 2025 became the stage for a powerful cultural moment as +Life, the multi-media platform dedicated to dismantling HIV stigma, introduced the U.S. debut of HIV Unwrapped. The event, held September 13 at the Nexus Club, blended fashion, science, and storytelling in a way never before seen during Fashion Week.
Set against panels from the historic AIDS Memorial Quilt, the evening paired student designers from Parsons School of Design with leading HIV researchers to create an imaginative, one-of-a-kind runway. Each couture piece drew inspiration from molecular science and the resilience of communities affected by HIV, transforming complex themes of survival, innovation, and hope into wearable art.
The choreographed showcase went beyond a traditional fashion presentation, weaving together design, performance, and lived experiences to shine a light on those impacted by HIV and the collective effort to bring the epidemic to an end.
The audience and runway were filled with well-known advocates, artists, and media figures, including Broadway’s Javier Muñoz (Hamilton), Dr. Demetre Daskalakis (former CDC leader), singer and activist Mila Jam, journalist Jay Valle (NBC OUT), and Broadway performer Mark MacKillop. Their presence underscored the event’s commitment to uniting art and advocacy.
After acclaimed editions in Australia, Rwanda, and the U.K., this U.S. premiere was made possible through the support of Gilead Sciences and presented in partnership with GLAAD, ASHM, and EqualPride. Additional backing came from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), with mentorship for the Parsons students provided by fashion house Tanner Fletcher.
“We were inspired by the creativity of these students — their vision, their stories, and the way they translated them into fashion,” shared the Tanner Fletcher team. “Collaborating on a project that bridges design with advocacy was both energizing and deeply meaningful.”
Gilead Sciences, which focuses on developing and commercializing innovative medicines for life-threatening diseases, partnered with +Life’s HIV Unwrapped to help spark conversation and dismantle stigma through the intersection of science and art. At the event, Shreya Jani, Senior Vice President at Gilead, shared:
“It’s so inspiring to bring together brilliant minds from the worlds of art and science to ignite ideas, fight stigma, and—as I’ve heard—rewrite the story of HIV, which is incredibly necessary. While they may seem like polar opposites, the worlds of fashion and science are both driven by curiosity and innovation. Both thrive on experimentation, collaboration, and the drive to create a better future. Fashion and science champion change, empower people, and break stigma—they inspire hope. When these worlds collide, as they do today, they remind us that progress is often the result of unexpected allies working together. The garments you’re about to see knit together work from emerging designers and HIV researchers to tell transformative, powerful stories of resilience and experience. So let’s honor the innovation we see by continuing to fight for a world free of HIV stigma, in addition to cures.”
With its fusion of style, science, and social impact, HIV Unwrapped offered a fresh reminder that fashion can be more than self-expression, it can be a catalyst for visibility, dialogue, and change.
