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.

​

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).

​

 

​

Kerby Jean-Raymond:Artist & Fashion Designer

Kerby Jean-Raymond is a Black Artist and the founder of fashion label Pyer Moss.

He entered the fashion industry at age 14 under an apprenticeship with designer Kay Unger. After years as a Designer and Pattern Maker, Jean-Raymond launched Pyer Moss in 2013, a celebrated label he describes as a “timely social experiment" that intersects fashion, the arts, and activism to produce thought-provoking storytelling as cause for sociocultural change.

In the short time since its creation, Jean-Raymond’s Pyer Moss has amassed support from press, industry professionals and consumers from around the world. Pyer Moss continues to redefine itself every season with collections and seasonal drops that combine debate, theatre, nostalgic themes and social commentary; all while using collaboration with artists and brands as a medium to further the dialogue around distinct themes.

Throughout his storied career Jean-Raymond has accumulated commendations for his many interests. As a fine artist, Jean-Raymond’s sculpture “Aquos” was featured at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. He has also served as Director on several critically acclaimed film projects with other talented artists and musicians. In 2018, Jean-Raymond won the top honor at the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund Awards. The following year, 2019, he was named Footwear News Person of the Year and listed on TIME’s 100 Next list credited as an emerging leader shaping the fashion industry and the future. In 2020, he was awarded Harlem Fashion Row’s Designer of the Year and CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year.

Jean-Raymond has consistently used his creativity and expanding platforms to raise awareness on social justice issues such as racism, police brutality and mental health, and to combat corporate interests that have a history of appropriation and suppression. Through Pyer Moss’ Exist to Resist platform Jean-Raymond has amplified the messages of those marginalized by society and uplifted the voices of non-profit organizations including Innocence Project, Rock the Vote, and The Marsha P. Johnson Foundation while also donating to each cause. In 2020, Jean-Raymond partnered with Kering to launch Your Friends in New York, a platform designed to empower the next generation of innovators and creators.

For the past four years, Jean-Raymond has worked with Reebok on the groundbreaking Reebok by Pyer Moss collaboration. In 2020, Jean-Raymond became Global Creative Director for Reebok where he provides creative leadership across all design disciplines.

​

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

​

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.

​

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.