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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Jeff Gennette is Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Macy’s, Inc. which includes the Macy’s, Bloomingdales, and bluemercury brands. While Gennette started his career at Macy’s in the stores, he is a fashion merchant at heart and is committed to ensuring that the next generation of designers have access to higher education.  

Gennette has been CEO of Macy's, Inc. since March 2017 and assumed the role of chairman in February 2018. Gennette previously held the role of president of Macy's, Inc. from 2014 through August 2017.  Prior to that, he was the chief merchandising officer of Macy's. In this role, Gennette oversaw Macy’s merchandise assortment and marketing strategy – both in stores and online. When he transitioned to the role of president, he continued to oversee the merchandising division and gained oversight for Macy’s private brands, which play a vital role in delivering fashion, quality and value to Macy’s customers.
 
Gennette began his retail career in 1983 as an executive trainee at Macy's West in San Francisco. He held positions of increasing responsibility, including vice president and division merchandise manager for men's collections, and senior vice president and general merchandise manager for men's and children's. In 2004, Gennette was appointed executive vice president and director of stores at Macy's Central in Atlanta. From February 2006 to February 2008, Gennette served as chairman and chief executive officer of Seattle-based Macy's Northwest. Gennette returned to San Francisco from February 2008 to February 2009 as chairman and chief executive officer of Macy's West.
 
Gennette is the chairman of the NRF Foundation Board of Directors and a member of the NRF executive committee.  He also serves on the Board of Directors of The Partnership for New York City, and the Board of Advisors of The 30% Club.

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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.