Boehringer Ingelheim is teaming up with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York to extend The Unwearable Collection, a four-piece art collection that illustrates the physical and emotional burden of generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP). 

Over the course of the partnership, working in the FIT DTech Lab, FIT students will be invited to create a fifth design which, upon its reveal in late June, will become a permanent addition to the Collection. 

“Unless you or a loved one is living with GPP, it can be difficult to truly understand what a profound physical and emotional toll this disease can take,” says Claudia Beqaj, Executive Director, Dermatology, Sales and Marketing, Boehringer Ingelheim, in a news release. “As we recognize Rare Disease Day, we are thrilled to announce this partnership with FIT and look forward to working with the talented team of faculty and students to elevate the profile of GPP through The Unwearable Collection and empower those affected by the disease.” 

Originally created by internationally renowned designer Bart Hess in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim, The Unwearable Collection uses raw materials like shards of glass, paper, knives and razor blades to convey the physical and emotional pain of life with GPP, as patients living with the disease authentically revealed to Hess and in turn, sparked the creative direction of the Collection. Hess will serve as a mentor to FIT students as they work to create a fifth look, inspired by global patient insights, that complements the original four designs.  

“The FIT DTech Lab is organized around a vision to lead the creative industries worldwide with socially conscious solutions that have a positive impact on the world. Under the guidance of FIT’s faculty and Bart Hess, this partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim offers our students the unique opportunity to use their skills and experience to deliver a fifth design that brings to life what it means to live with this rare disease,” says Michael Ferraro, Executive Director, FIT Design and Technology Lab.