On Saturday, September 13, 2025, during New York Fashion Week, the world witnessed a groundbreaking fusion of fashion and science at HIV Unwrapped, an unprecedented collaboration hosted by +Life, in partnership with GLAAD, EqualPride, and Gilead.
The event, which will be filmed for a broadcast special on Hulu this November 30 in observance of World AIDS Day 2025, aimed to challenge HIV stigma, celebrate resilience, and bridge generational divides in the fight against HIV.
A Celebration of Science, Storytelling, and Fashion
HIV Unwrapped is a first-of-its-kind event pairing HIV scientists with emerging designers from Parsons School of Design to create custom looks inspired by HIV research and personal stories of those impacted by the virus. The resulting collection was visually stunning and deeply meaningful, leveraging the global platform of NYFW to ignite conversation and awareness about HIV, particularly in communities still affected by stigma.
The event featured a star-studded lineup, including Javier MuΓ±oz, Demetre Daskalakis, Frankie Grande, Lux Noir London, Rickey Thompson, Gigi Gorgeous, Sydney Harcourt, Chris Klemens, Kevin Aviance, Timo Weiland, Geneva Carr, Stephen Mikhail, and many more. Karl Schmid served as host, guiding the eveningβs narrative and performances.
Voices and Perspectives from the Frontlines
During the event, I spoke with Brittney Vincent-Buckmire, Senior Program Coordinator overseeing the Letβs Talk Sex Health and HIV Program at the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health. She highlighted the persistent stigma from the 1980s, particularly in Black communities, and the critical role of education in combating misconceptions.
βWeβre so misinformed about HIVβit increases stigma overall. Talking about it openly, as Tamar Braxton does, helps make HIV a normal conversation in Brooklyn and beyond,β Vincent-Buckmire shared.
She emphasized a significant gap in PrEP awareness in Black and Latinx communities, especially in neighborhoods like East Flatbush, Bed-Stuy, Crown Heights, Far Rockaway, and Queens. Despite the proven effectiveness of PrEP in preventing HIV, many residents remain unaware of its availability, highlighting the need for community engagement and advocacy from both organizations and individuals.
Though not in attendance, Tamar Braxtonβs advocacy for PrEP, particularly for Black women, was recognized as a vital force in pushing against HIV stigma. Celebrity voices, regardless of platform or position, continue to amplify awareness and normalize dialogue around HIV prevention and care.
Fashion Meets Science: The Story of Ayinde Bradford
I also had the pleasure of speaking with Ayinde Bradford, a Parsons Fashion Design & Society Masters student and featured designer at HIV Unwrapped. Bradfordβs journey is inspiringβhe taught himself to sew during the COVID-19 pandemic using YouTube tutorials, supported by his mother, who has a background in costume design. Prior to Parsons, he studied architecture at Princeton University, where he honed craftsmanship and intentional design skills that now inform his fashion creations.
Bradfordβs look was a direct collaboration with science. His digital print pattern was inspired by HIV replication processes and tissue studies, using a rectal tissue biopsy image provided by scientist Luis Montaner from the Wistar Institute. The colors reflected the BEAT-HIV Delaney Collaboratory, while the silhouette drew from 1980s Harlem and Bronx ballroom culture, paying homage to iconic figures like Pepper LaBeija, Willi Ninja, and Angie Xtravaganza. Key elements included padded shoulders, ruched dresses, bootcut flare pants, bright jewel tones, and costume jewel accessories.
βIt was an honor to create something that recognizes both the struggle and celebration of the HIV community. Bridging science and ballroom culture in my design was an unforgettable experience,β Bradford shared.
Bradfordβs Masters collection is currently in development and is expected to be featured during NYFW 2026.
Dance, Movement, and Symbolism
The storytelling extended beyond fashion to performance art. Three Black dancers emerged wearing lab coats over red tank tops, symbolizing the fusion of science and the human body, with movements reflecting blood cells and HIV research processes. The choreography, developed by Jordan Stoute, complemented the visual and narrative aspects of the evening.
You can support these incredible dancers and follow their journeys here:
A Night to Remember
Overall, HIV Unwrapped was a profound evening of education, inspiration, and artistry. The event successfully wove together stories of struggle, resilience, and advocacy through fashion, science, and performance. Being present to witness the creative expression, hear from experts, and engage with the designers and dancers was an experience I do not take for granted.
Through events like HIV Unwrapped, the message is clear: stigma can be challenged, awareness can be raised, and art can be a catalyst for change.
