In a rapidly changing world, consumers’ tastes change quickly, and brands and suppliers need to keep up—and think ahead. Thus, a new partnership between Unilever U.S. and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) aims to do just that, through a research project with FIT’s Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management (CFMM) master’s degree program.

Unilever U.S. will be the sponsor of the 2014 CFMM capstone research project and presentation. The college’s Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management program, now in its 14th year, was developed in collaboration with the beauty industry as a leadership development program for outstanding mid-career executives. This partnership, rooted in research, is a natural fit for Unilever U.S., which grounds all brands in both consumer insight and world-class innovation.

“Evolution of the beauty landscape” will be the focus this year as the FIT students explore “The Changing Face of the Beauty Consumer.” Under this theme, they will research three challenges that shape the way beauty companies operate, from economics to gender to ethnicity.

“The Beauty industry is evolving rapidly. We are rushing to adapt to demographic, socio-economic, and global changes that promise to transform our business and dictate what consumers want from us. We at Unilever are proud to collaborate with FIT and its world-class students to acquire their expert view on how we build the beauty business of the future to meet the needs and wants of our changing consumer,” said David Rubin, brand building vice president for United States hair care at Unilever North America.

“The new beauty consumer will pose challenges to the way today’s top beauty companies operate – from innovation to execution,” said Stephan Kanlian, FIT professor and chairperson of the CFMM master’s program. “This year’s capstone research with Unilever U.S. will help industry leaders understand how to approach current and future beauty consumers with innovations in new products and enhanced engagement.”

Research results from the 2014 Capstone program will be released in June 2014.