73rd annual Parsons Benefit selects honourees

The 73rd annual Parsons Benefit is set to be hosted by The New School, and it has selected its honouree visionary figures.

The following honourees have been selected as they are involved in areas including design, fashion, fine arts and philanthropy that incorporate the university’s devotion to creativity, inclusivity, innovation and sustainability.

These include Tory Burch, executive chairman and chief creative officer of Tory Burch LLC; Lauren Santo Domingo, co-founder and chief brand officer of Moda Operandi; Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation and Kehinde Wiley, visual artist.

Rachel Schreiber, executive dean of The New School’s Parsons School of Design, said in a statement: “Parsons is proud to be honouring this entrepreneurial and diverse group of leaders who are all visionaries in their respective industries and fields and for their deep commitment to the values that guide Parsons in everything we do.

“Parsons was founded upon the idea that design, art, and business can change the world, and these exceptional honorees are reimagining the creative and commercial landscape in unique ways that will positively impact a range of disciplines for years to come.”

Arts and design school Parsons host the benefit annually to raise funds for student scholarships so to provide the next generation of fashion designers the opportunity to pursue studies in art, design, liberal arts, music, social innovation and technology.

Tory Burch added: “It is an honour to be recognised by Parsons. This school is synonymous with New York fashion, and its students are our industry’s future.

“I’m so inspired by their creativity and ingenuity, as well as by the incredible faculty led by Rachel Schreiber and Ben Barry. They’re training the designers of tomorrow — the ones who will push fashion-forward and solve its biggest problems.”

The benefit will take place on 23 May at The Glasshouse in New York City.