The New School will host the 72nd annual Parsons Benefit, honoring visionary figures in fashion, technology and the arts that embody the university’s commitment to creativity, innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. The evening recognizes Jeff Gennette, Chairman and CEO of Macy’s, Inc.; Angela Ahrendts DBE, Former SVP of Apple Retail and CEO of Burberry; designer Gabriela Hearst; designer Kerby Jean-Raymond; multi-platinum selling artist and innovator Travis Scott; and artist Carrie Mae Weems. The Parsons Benefit will take place on June 15, 2021 at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in the Seaport District, New York, New York, and will also be streamed virtually.
This year’s honorees are being celebrated for their numerous contributions to design, retail, entrepreneurship, the arts, sustainability, and social justice, as well as their long-standing commitment to supporting and creating opportunities for future generations of artists and designers. The honorees are all innovative leaders in their respective industries, and believe in the transformative power of design, a core theme of The New School and Parsons’ mission, vision, and curriculum.
“We are thrilled to be honoring this diverse and creative group of leaders who are all visionaries in their respective industries, and for their deep commitment to the values that guide Parsons in everything we do,” said Rachel Schreiber, Executive Dean of The New School’s Parsons School of Design. “Parsons was founded upon the idea that design can change the world, and these exceptional honorees are reimagining the creative and commercial landscape in a way that will positively impact a range of disciplines for years to come.”
Parsons, one of the leading art and design schools in the world, hosts the Parsons Benefit each year to present and empower the next generation of fashion designers and to raise instrumental funds for student scholarships. Donors’ generosity through the Benefit supports education that enables students to pursue studies in art, design, liberal arts, music, technology, and social innovation.
“On behalf of our Macy’s, Inc. organization, I am grateful to be included among this group of distinguished honorees and accept the Parsons Table Award,” said Macy’s Inc. Chairman and CEO Jeff Gennette. “There is a deep and long-standing relationship between Macy’s and Parsons School of Design. To further that legacy, we are honored to announce the newly created Macy’s Endowed Scholarship Fund for Parsons School of Design that will benefit Parsons undergraduate students of color, supporting them on their path toward becoming the design leaders of tomorrow.”
“I’m incredibly proud to be honored by Parsons, alongside a group of brilliant creatives, and entrepreneurs,” said Angela Ahrendts. “Throughout my career, I have championed fashion and design as a force for positive social change, so I’m thrilled to be recognized by an institution that aligns with my values and principles.”
“The team and I are so grateful for this recognition from Parsons, one of the most prestigious design schools in the world,” said Gabriela Hearst, Founder and Creative Director of Gabriela Hearst. “But most of all humbled that we are awarded for what fuels our mission, the daily quest on creating a design house that is in balance with our environment and protects one another.”
“Parsons is well known for empowering creatives to change the world for the better through design, so it’s a special honor to be recognized by the institution for making a difference through my work as a designer, I’m extremely grateful,” said Kerby Jean-Raymond. “It has always been my goal to leave the world a better place than I found it and to encourage future generations to create the change they wish to inspire.”
“I’m very excited to be receiving this honor from The New School and grateful to be a part of this group of innovators,” said Travis Scott. “I’ve always tried to fuse fashion, technology and the arts into everything I do. These are all linked and a natural extension of my work. It has never been about specific brands or labels for me. It’s about the vision. It’s about making your own things, seeing what’s out there, and never compromising.”
“I am humbled and honored to be the first visual artist to receive the Parsons Table Award,” said Carrie Mae Weems. “I have always believed in the power of art to institute cultural and political change and I am grateful to be recognized for my work as an artist among such a talented and visionary group of leaders and creatives.”
Jeff Gennette, Angela Ahrendts, Gabriela Hearst, Kerby Jean-Raymond, Travis Scott, and Carrie Mae Weems join an esteemed list of past honorees. From Donna Karan, Jason Wu, and Vera Wang, LVMH to Neiman Marcus, Pharrell and Rihanna to Sarah Jessica Parker, Solange, and Gucci’s Marco Bizzarri, The New School celebrates the creativity and vision of past, present, and future leaders.
Liz Rodbell, Steve Madden Group President, and Gena Smith, SVP Human Resources & Head of Global Executive & Creative Recruitment, LVMH Inc., serve as the Parsons Benefit Co-Chairs. This year’s Parsons Benefit will also include a presentation of student work from programs throughout Parsons.