The New School has named the honorees for the 76th annual Parsons Benefit. They are Artemis Patrick, president and CEO of Sephora North America, Madelyn Wils, CEO of the Fifth Avenue Association, and designer Willy Chavarria.
“Every year, Parsons seeks to honor leaders who are creating a positive impact within the design industry and the world at large, and our honorees reflect those values,” said Yvonne Watson, executive dean of Parsons School of Design.
For his part, Chavarria shared a message to the next generation of fashion talent: “I believe that design is the most sophisticated voice in communication. Our future designers will have the tremendous responsibility of influencing the way society thinks and feels, and the ability not only to shape culture but also to guide it in a way that creates a better world.”
He, alongside Patrick and Wils, will be presented with The Parsons Table Award, which recognizes individuals who have made a noteworthy impact on the design industry and their influence across fashion, beauty, retail and more by championing social innovation and creativity.
This year’s benefit coincides with the Parsons BFA student festival, which will showcase collections from this year’s graduating students. The gala event will take place May 20 at not-yet-disclosed location in New York City.
Past Parsons Benefit honorees includes designers Donna Karan, Jason Wu and Vera Wang as well as artist Kehinde Wiley, singers Pharrell and Rihanna and industry mogul Marco Bizzarri.
