I Am Legend

Marc Jacobs, Patti Smith, and David Rockwell honored at Pratt's Legends Scholarship Benefit
Friday, October 30, 2009

(NEW YORK) "Is it too late to apply to Pratt?" joked Helena Christensen last night at the art school's annual Legends Scholarship Benefit. The gorgeous model, who arrived at the fête to present Marc Jacobs with one of the evening's Legends awards, wasn't the only one contemplating going back to school after watching a video highlighting the school's impressive programs and illustrious alums. But though the primary reason for the big bash was to raise money for Pratt's scholarship programs (a goal that was met and then some; the night raised $400,000), it was also to honor three legendary artist: Jacobs, architect David Rockwell, and Patti Smith.

"I think the biggest part of the honor for me is sharing the night with Patti Smith, who's someone I've loved and listened to since I was a kid," said Jacobs, "and whose music and poetry is so amazing. She's somebody I really think is a legend. I'm a hardworking designer, but I'm not a legend!" A sentiment, clearly, that many would disagree with. Jacobs spent the evening surrounded by great friends, but his number one fan was missing in action. Where was Lorenzo? "He had a business meeting! For some reason, I thought this event was a week or two from now, so I didn't give him enough notice. I'm kind of bummed, I would have liked him to be here, but I understand. He's got to work!" Another close friend of Marc's who couldn't make the awards ceremony was a Legends winner of last year: "Takashi [Murakami] sent me beautiful flowers today," shared Jacobs.

Edward Mapplethorpe, brother of the late photographer Robert (a Pratt alum!), presented Smith with her award. The iconic rocker, poet, and artist was visibly touched by the honor and shared her memories of Pratt; though she didn't attend ("I was too erratic a student to get a scholarship!" she laughed), Robert would bring her work in to his classes to have it critiqued. Following the awards ceremony and a dinner of shortribs and polenta, the sharp-dressed partygoers decamped to another room on the gorgeous 49th floor of 7 World Trade Center for a special performance by Smith herself. Legendary, indeed.
EMILY GYBEN