Nicholas Tamarin | 11.05.2009 | Interior Design
Boosting its reputation as New York's hippest locale for higher learning, Pratt Institute raised more than $400,000 for student scholarships while honoring fashion designer Marc Jacobs, rocker Patti Smith, and David Rockwell at its annual Legends benefit.
The October 29 gala at 7 World Trade Center featured an equally exclusive trio of presenters: Interior Design Hall of Fame member Richard Meier, model Helena Christiansen, and photographer Edward Mapplethorpe. Guests at the star-studded affair included luminaries such as Pratt alumnus and graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister, product designer Karim Rashid, photographer Patrick McMullan, Interpol lead singer Paul Banks, and Gwathmey Siegel and Associates Architects founding partner Robert Siegel, another Pratt alumnus.
Mappelthorpe kicked-off the festivities, created to honor individuals whose accomplishments and values resonate with those of the school, by delivering a stirring introduction for Smith, the former partner of his older brother, the late famed photographer and Pratt alumnus Robert Mapplethorpe.
For her part, Smith accepted her award with recollections of her time spent living near the school. "Even though I never attended Pratt, I was touched by the world of Pratt, by the campus, by the students, by the professors, and I'm very happy to be part of a night that builds resources for scholarships."
Former Legends Award recipient Meier introduced his friend and colleague Rockwell, while Christensen did the honors for Jacobs. Smith wrapped the ceremony up with a four-song performance that included her classic "Because the Night," which she dedicated to Robert Mapplethorpe.
From top: The night's honorees: David Rockwell, Patti Smith, Marc Jacobs, photo by Kevin Wick; Ivana Puric, Karim Rashid, and Peter Barna, photo by Kevin Wick; Anita Cooney, Richard Meier, and Sally Wu, photo by Patrick McMullen; Patti Smith, photo Kevin Wick.