Jason Wu and HUGO BOSS to be Honored at 2014 Fashion Benefit
On May 21st, Parsons The New School for Design will hold its 66th annual Fashion Benefit, this year honoring former Parsons student Jason Wu and global fashion brand HUGO BOSS. This is one of the fashion calendar’s can’t-miss events, and one of the university’s most high profile and sparkling evenings. In past years, honorees have included Donna Karan, Diane von Furstenberg, Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, Hudson’s Bay Company’s Bonnie Brooks, and Calvin Klein, Inc.’s Tom Murry. A highlight of the Fashion Benefit is the runway show of select collections by graduating BFA Fashion Design students, and the naming of the Designers of the Year. This year, for the first time ever, the benefit is being held in The New School’s new University Center.
“I am incredibly honored to be recognized at the 2014 Parsons Fashion Benefit and to help raise scholarships for future generation of designers,” said Jason Wu. “I learned so much at Parsons and continue to use many of the skills throughout my career.”  Wu launched his collection in 2007 and created a distinctively feminine esthetic. Through merging classic American sportswear with an uptown chic attitude he created a supremely womanly and unapologetically glamorous sensibility. His designs have been worn by many influential women, including Julianne Moore, Kerry Washington, Diane Kruger, and Reese Witherspoon. Perhaps his most famous fan, however, is First Lady Michelle Obama, who wore his designs on the cover of Vogue, and to both the Inaugural Balls in 2009 and 2013.
HUGO BOSS is being recognized for its significant contributions to the field of design. Its core brand epitomizes authentic, understated luxury. The men’s collection offers modern, refined business- and eveningwear along with sophisticated casual looks. The women’s collection of the BOSS core brand stands for feminine styles with a strong focus on fine fabrics and sophisticated details. The rich array of modern business wear, exclusive leisurewear and glamorous evening apparel fuses fashionable silhouettes with excellent design and timeless elegance.
The Benefit and fashion show will both be available to watch live on The New School’s Livestream page. For more information, please visit the Benefit’s homepage.