The lab coat just got queer

During New York Fashion Week next month, the lab coat — a symbol of medical authority — will be reimagined as a work of couture.

On Sept. 13 at the Nexus Club New York, HIV Unwrapped presented by +Life, will make its U.S. debut, bringing together emerging designers from Parsons School of Design and leading HIV scientists in a collaboration that fuses fashion, science and storytelling. The initiative asks these emerging designers to create a custom garment inspired by their partnered scientist, transforming a clinical garment into a canvas for resilience, gratitude and activism.

The runway show will be staged as an immersive, choreographed experience, drawing on the lived experiences of people impacted by HIV and those working to end the epidemic. Original garments, inspired by molecular science and the communities most affected by the virus, will share the spotlight with the personal narratives behind them.

“I’m thrilled to bring HIV Unwrapped to life during New York Fashion Week, because let’s be honest, HIV deserves better PR, and what better way to do that than with fabulous fashion?” said Karl Schmid, Plus’ alum of The Switch and HIV Unwrapped executive producer. “This isn’t just a runway show; it’s a bold statement to smash stigma, spark conversation, and remind the world that HIV is only part of our story. I’m proud to be part of a team turning science into style and compassion into couture – and you won’t want to miss a single stitch.”

The event will be filmed as a +Life original broadcast special premiering in conjunction with World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. Viewers will see exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, from sketching and fittings to interviews with designers and groundbreaking scientists. The special will also revisit HIV Unwrapped’s earlier editions in Australia, Rwanda and the United Kingdom.

Following its international iterations, the U.S. edition is sponsored by Gilead Sciences and presented in partnership with equalpride, GLAAD, and ASHM, with additional support from the Council of Fashion Designers of America and design mentorship from New York label Tanner Fletcher.

“GLAAD is proud to support HIV Unwrapped at New York Fashion Week,” said Anthony Ramos, GLAAD vice president of communications and talent. “By merging fashion, storytelling, and science, this initiative opens new doors for HIV awareness and visibility, especially for younger generations who may not realize the ongoing impact of this epidemic. It’s a powerful reminder that ending HIV stigma requires creativity, collaboration, and unapologetic visibility.”

+Life, the multimedia platform behind the project, produces social and streaming content, including its flagship roundtable talk show +Talk, focusing on love, relationships, health and stigma reduction.

For the emerging designers, designing a lab coat or garment is more than an assignment — it’s a way to honor the professionals who help them navigate life with HIV. For the doctors, it’s a reminder that science and humanity are always intertwined.

More information, including red carpet details, broadcast dates, featured participants and a guest list, will be announced in the weeks ahead.