HIV Unwrapped Paired Parsons Designers With HIV Scientists at New York Fashion Week

On September 23, 2026, the Council of Fashion Designers of America published its account of HIV Unwrapped. The event itself took place at Sony Hall on September 9, when +Life presented the initiative's second U.S. edition during New York Fashion Week.

Students from Parsons School of Design collaborated with HIV scientists on original couture drawing from molecular science, human resilience and communities most affected by HIV. Their work formed the basis of an immersive, choreographed runway involving scientists, advocates, models and invited guests.

Science and advocacy on the runway

Participants named by the CFDA included scientists and advocates Allison Agwu, LaRon Nelson and Demetre Daskalakis, a former director of the CDC's Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Lionel Moise, Shia Ho and Michael Macneal were identified as models.

+Life presents HIV Unwrapped as a global initiative that joins fashion, science and storytelling to challenge HIV stigma. Its design collaborations and programming are also intended to reshape public-health narratives and highlight scientists, advocates and people working on the future of HIV.

The New York presentation followed editions in Australia, Rwanda, the United Kingdom and Rio. Gilead Sciences sponsored the U.S. edition, which was presented with ASHM and received additional support from the CFDA.

The experience behind +Life

+Life says the multimedia brand was inspired by Karl Schmid's experience of shame and fear while living with HIV amid ignorance and stigma surrounding the virus. Beyond HIV Unwrapped, the brand publishes first-person accounts about living with HIV, seeking medication access and confronting community and internal stigma.