NEW YORK, NY(SMI-FASHION, 06.15-06.16.21)-The Parsons School of Design, also known as "The New School" hosted its annual Parson Benefit Gala Today (Tuesday, June 15), honoring: Jeff Gennette, Angela Ahrendts,Gabriela Hearst, Kerby Jean-Raymond, Travis Scott & Carrie Mae Weems, Celebrating Its 125th Anniversary and for their Contributions to the World of Design, during special virtual and in-peson awarding honoree presentation & ceremony at the Seaport District in New York City.

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The 2021-72nd Parsons benefit gala was produced by JWP and co-chair by Liz Rodbell(Group President, Steve Madden) and Gena Smith (SVP, Human Resources & Head of Global Executive & Creative Recruitment, LVMH Inc).

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Gabriela Hearst/Founder & Creative Director, Gabriela Hearst and Creative Director, Chloé : 

Born in Uruguay, Gabriela Hearst grew up on her family’s ranch, Santa Isabel in Paysandu, surrounded by horses, cattle and sheep, where the notion of luxury meant things were beautifully crafted and made to last. In Fall 2015, Gabriela launched her eponymous label with the aim to create a brand that reflects a slower pace and process: where things are made with care and detail, where tradition is more important than trend, where there is a purpose to every piece. Gabriela’s commitment is to make a strong and modern collection without compromising her ethics and key values, taking into consideration where materials come from and who is making them: luxury with a conscience or in other words, “honest luxury”.

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Gabriela is the winner of the 2016/17 International Woolmark Prize for Womenswear and the 2018 recipient of the Pratt Institute Fashion Visionary Award. She was nominated in 2017 for the CFDA Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent and in March 2018 received a nomination for the CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year. In 2018, she was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Save the Children. In December 2020, Gabriela Hearst was named the new Creative Director at Chloé.

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The Notable attendees/Guests included:

● Brent Faiyaz, Musician

● Donna Karan, Designer

● Elaine Welteroth, American Journalist

● Joey Bada$$, Musician

● Jonathan Singletary, Musician

● Kennedy Yanko, Artist

● Lena Waithe, Actress/Writer

● Rishi Rajani, Film Producer

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About the Parsons Benefit

The Parsons Benefit is an annual celebration of the inspirational and transformational role that fashion, design and the arts play in today’s world. The evening highlights the outstanding work of our fashion, design, and performing arts students, and brings together an esteemed group of tastemakers, industry leaders, Parsons alumni, and other luminaries from the global Parsons network. Most importantly, the event raises critical scholarship funds for current and future students who would be unable to attend without the generosity of our donors.

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The New School was founded in 1919 as an institution dedicated to intellectual and artistic freedom. Today it is a leading university offering some of the nation's best-respected degree, certificate, and continuing education programs in design, the social sciences, liberal arts, management and public policy, and performing arts.