Norma Kamali. Photo: Getty Images
The still-stunning 65-year-old American designer, a Studio 54 regular who created '70s and '80s iconic designs like the high-heeled sneaker and sleeping-bag coat, graduated FIT with a degree in fashion illustration in 1964.
Now FIT is honoring Kamali, who has had a second wind of late, for her long career of innovation, defined by creating museum-collected pieces and being one of the first designers to embrace technology by presenting a collection online and launching e-commerce.
And, lucky for the students, Kamali won't be the only fashion star at the May 25 event: "Project Runway" judge Nina Garcia, a 1992 FIT graduate, will give the keynote address.
The best part? If you don't have a ticket to the invite-only ceremony at Radio City Music Hall, you can still watch Kamali accept her degree and Garcia give no-nonsense advice to the youngsters by watching the live stream at fitnyc.edu/commencement.
Meanwhile, Karl Lagerfeld is also being honored for his contributions to the fashion world.