Municipal Art Society of New York Honors Diane von Furstenberg at Annual Gala

NEW YORK, April 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Municipal Art Society of New York will present the 2011 Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal to Diane von Furstenberg at its annual fundraising gala on Thursday, April 28, 2011.  Hundreds of civic minded and philanthropic New Yorkers will gather at The New York Public Library as the fashion icon is honored for her tireless work as an urban pioneer, civic activist and preservationist.  

Serving as Honorary Chairs are Tim Gunn, Caroline Kennedy, and Chair of The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, Robert B. Tierney, who will present the award to von Furstenberg.  Also speaking at the event will be Municipal Art Society Chairman David M. Childs and President Vin Cipolla.  

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal, MAS' highest honor, is presented annually to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the built environment of New York City.  The medal was named for Mrs. Onassis in 1994 to commemorate her tireless efforts to preserve and protect New York's great architecture.

"Diane von Furstenberg has been an active champion for preservation here in New York City," said Cipolla.  "Her significant revitalization efforts in the Meatpacking District have added grace and beauty to this unique and vital neighborhood."

As one of the first designers to open a studio in the Meatpacking District, von Furstenberg was integral to the rebirth of the neighborhood and successfully fought to establish it as a historic district.  A longtime resident of the district, she was an early supporter and key advocate for the rescue and remarkable transformation of the High Line.

Ms. von Furstenberg said, "Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was an arbiter of taste and style and this extended to New York -- a city that she loved.  Receiving this medal named in her honor is a proud and humbling moment."

Serving as Gala Co-chairs are Annie and David Childs; Lisa Atkin and Tony Kiser; Katherine Farley and Jerry Speyer; Agnes Gund; Kitty Hawks and Lawrence Lederman; Alexandra and Philip Howard; Frederick Iseman; Coco and Arie Kopelman; Julie Menin; Janet C. Ross; and Yeohlee Teng.  

The Municipal Art Society fights for a more livable New York, and advocates for intelligent and equitable urban planning, design and preservation.

SOURCE Municipal Art Society of New York

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