JOSEPH ABBOUD RECEIVES MEDAL OF HONOR FROM NATIONAL ARTS CLUB

We often talk about the intersection of fashion and art, but Joseph Abboud’s skills as a designer and artist—as well as a compassionate and generous human being—were on full display at New York City’s National Arts Club last Friday night, where he was awarded the prestigious club’s Medal of Honor at a gala black-tie celebration. Abboud is the first menswear designer in the Club’s 125-year history to receive the award, and, to our minds, that sets the bar pretty high.

Abboud was lauded by actor Chazz Palminteri, news anchor and journalist Ernie Anastos (who conducted Abboud’s first television interview when Joseph was 22 years old and working at Louis Boston), and WWD’s James Fallon.

Tailoring forms—dressed in some of Abboud’s most memorable runway creations—were scattered throughout the space, and video of some of his fashion shows was projected throughout the dinner. Abboud’s newly painted portrait, which was also prominently displayed, will be hung in the club along with the winners from previous years.

Tales of Abboud’s early life and career were shared with attending club members and guests. The young Bostonian studied French at the Sorbonne, originally planning to become a teacher. Upon arriving back in the United States, however, he spotted a resplendently dressed couple getting on the “T” train near the Boston Opera one evening and knew he wanted to be a part of that world. After working at Louis, he moved to the design staff at Ralph Lauren and, in 1987, launched his own collection. Anastos pointed out that he knew Abboud had truly arrived when he was referenced in a Jerry Seinfeld episode.

Perhaps most moving of all, however, was the designer’s acceptance of the award and then his thanking the cutters, sewers, and craftspeople—several of whom were in attendance—of the New Bedford, MA, factory where he’s made much of his tailored clothing over the years.

Notes MR’s editor-in-chief Karen Alberg, a longtime Joseph Abboud fan, “There are very few clothing designers whose work is instantly recognizable. A guy walking down the street need not display his designer label when wearing Joseph’s clothing: the rich earth tones, the balance of textures, the contrasting patterns that complement but never match, the classic but sophisticated styling, a cashmere turtleneck, buttery soft leather gloves, the perfect suede belt, all say Joseph Abboud in a whisper, not a shout. MR awarded Joseph our Lifetime Achievement award a few years back and he’s proven us prescient, time and time again. Congratulations Joseph for this well-deserved National Arts Club Medal of Honor; we look forward to your next chapter.”