Parsons honors marc jacobs and lvmh at 67th annual FASHION Benefit

Event Raises $1.7 Million for Scholarships at Parsons School of Design

Announcing Womenswear Designer of the Year Lucy Jones, Menswear Designers of the Year Jon Max Goh and Sungho Kim, Childrenswear Designer of the Year Jennifer Lia Kim, and Accessories Designer of the Year Steffi Tsz Wing Lau

Marc Jacobs and Anna Wintour on the red carpet of the 67th Annual Parsons Fashion Benefit. (Photo by Samantha Nandez)

NEW YORK, May 20, 2015—Last night, Parsons School of Design honored alumnus and fashion icon Marc Jacobs and global luxury products group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton at the 2015 Parsons Fashion Benefit, held at the River Pavilion at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York.

Jacobs received his award from Vogue Editor-in-Chief and Condé Nast Creative Director Anna Wintour. Chantal Gaemperle accepted the award on behalf of LVMH from Marc Metrick, the president of Saks Fifth Avenue. Vanessa Friedman, New York Times Fashion Director, gave the evening’s keynote address. Champagne, wine, and spirits at the event were graciously provided by Moët Hennessy USA.

Now in its 67^th year, the perennial event is a New York fashion calendar highlight and introduces the next generation of fashion design leaders, honors icons in the field, and raises funds for student scholarships. During the event, Kay Unger, member of the Parsons Board of Governors, announced to the 940 guests in attendance that the benefit had raised more than $1.7 million.

Following a runway show highlighting select collections by graduating students, Simon Collins, Creative Advisor and member of the Parsons Board of Governors, and Marc Jacobs announced the 2015 Designer of the Year awards, an honor previously bestowed upon Jacobs himself in his graduating year in 1984. This year’s recipients are:

Womenswear Designer of the Year Lucy Jones;
Menswear Designers of the Year Jon Max Goh and Sungho Kim;
Childrenswear Designer of the Year Jennifer Lia Kim;
Accessories Designers of the Year Steffi Tsz Wing Lau

LVMH and Jacobs, a two-time honoree, were recognized for their significant contributions to the field of fashion design. Past honorees include Jason Wu and Hugo Boss (2014), Proenza Schouler and Hudson’s Bay (2013), Donna Karan (2012), and Reed Krakoff (2011).

“LVMH has an extraordinary commitment to quality, craft, and exquisite design.They support young designers, industry innovation, and have been deeply supportive of Parsons and our students. We are honored to be honoring them, ” said Parsons Executive Dean Joel Towers.“Marc Jacobs is a visionary. Through his unparalleled collections and brilliant design, Marc has long been a source of inspiration for generations of Parsons students and, indeed, the entire fashion industry. We are proud to honor him today as the exceptional leader in the industry that he is and also as an alum.”

"I am so pleased to be recognized by Parsons for this award,” said Marc Jacobs. “It is truly an honor to be part of such an amazing institution's legacy."

EDITOR'S NOTE: For runway and event images, please contact Kasia Broussalian in The New School Communications Office or click here to download.

The New School’s Parsons School of Design is a global leader in design education, with programs that span the disciplines of design and the fine arts. With the launch of its fashion design program in 1906, Parsons is credited with the rise of Seventh Avenue, the epicenter of American fashion. Parsons offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design, Associate degrees in Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing, and a Master of Fine Arts Program in Fashion Design and Society initiated through the support of Parsons alumna Donna Karan. Parsons has educated generations of leading American fashion designers, including Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Isaac Mizrahi, Tracy Reese, Narciso Rodriguez, Anna Sui, Prabal Gurung, Derek Lam, Proenza Schouler, Vena Cava, Alexander Wang, and Jason Wu. For more information, visit www.newschool.edu/parsons.

About LVMH

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is represented in Wines and Spirits by a portfolio of brands that includes Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot, Krug, Ruinart, Mercier, Château d’Yquem, Hennessy, Glenmorangie, Ardbeg, Wen Jun, Belvedere, Chandon, Cloudy Bay, Terrazas de los Andes, Cheval des Andes, Cape Mentelle, Newton and Numanthia. Its Fashion and Leather Goods division includes Louis Vuitton, Céline, Loewe, Kenzo, Givenchy, Thomas Pink, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, Loro Piana, Nicholas Kirkwood and Berluti. LVMH is present in the Perfumes and Cosmetics sector with Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain, Parfums Givenchy, Parfums Kenzo, Perfumes Loewe as well as other promising cosmetic companies (BeneFit Cosmetics, Make Up For Ever, Acqua di Parma and Fresh). LVMH is also active in selective retailing as well as in other activities through DFS, Sephora, Le Bon Marché, la Samaritaine and Royal Van Lent. LVMH's Watches and Jewelry division comprises Bulgari, TAG Heuer, Chaumet, Dior Watches, Zenith, Fred, Hublot and De Beers Diamond Jewellers Ltd, a joint venture created with the world’s leading diamond group.

About Marc Jacobs International

Marc Jacobs International was founded in 1984, by Marc Jacobs and Robert Duffy. With over 200 free standing stores across the globe, the brand now includes Women’s and Men’s RTW and accessories, a children’s line called Little Marc Jacobs, multiple award winning fragrances, the bookstore Bookmarc and most recently Marc Jacobs Beauty. Jacobs continues to be committed to giving back to the communities where the companies have stores and beyond. MJI has been involved with over 100 charities worldwide and the ongoing support of many of these charitable projects—as well as new collaborations--continues to be a top priority.

###