Cutting through the stigma and misinformation surrounding HIV requires bold and creative approaches. Enter HIV Unwrapped, a global fashion show that pairs leading HIV scientists with emerging fashion designers.

During its U.S. debut at New York Fashion Week in September, students from the Parsons School of Design teamed up with HIV scientists to create couture lab coats inspired by those working to help end the epidemic. The project starts with a thoughtful prompt question: What would you wear as an HIV scientist or researcher to amplify your work in HIV?

For Mitchell Warren, Executive Director, AVAC, the white suit created by his fashion design partner is adorned with rhinestones to represent the light and vibrancy of those living with HIV. AVAC is an organization focused on building advocacy, access and equity in HIV.  

The design affirmed that HIV is no longer a death sentence: “There is hope, there is life,” Mitchell says.

The project also offers an important way to reach individuals who don’t usually attend HIV conferences or read HIV journals, the scientists emphasized.

“Fashion is a way to get to the masses,” says Dr. Michelle Cespedes, Professor of Medicine with a focus on infectious disease at the Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai. She's working to expand awareness about treatment and prevention options, as well as break down myths. “People’s misperceptions are often why they walk into my office for the first time.”

HIV Unwrapped began in Australia in 2024, with a focus on lab coats. It spread to the UK and Gilead co-sponsored a version in Rwanda during the International AIDS Society (IAS) conference last July, and then solely sponsored the New York Fashion Week edition.

“Both fashion and science champion change, empower people, break stigma and inspire hope. When these worlds collide, they remind us that progress is often the result of unexpected allies working together,” says Shreya Jani, Senior Vice President, Gilead Public Affairs.

To commemorate World AIDS Day, there will be an hour-long behind the scenes look at HIV Unwrapped: Where Fashion Meets Science on Hulu on Nov. 30.