Rihanna is heading back to school — that is, she’s going to The New School to be honored at the 69th annual Parsons Benefit.
The honor, according to a release, recognizes exceptional individuals who empower young women on a global scale through self-expression and leadership. The Parsons Benefit, hosted by Parsons School of Design in collaboration with The New School’s College of Performing Arts, will be held at Pier 60 in New York on May 22.
“Parsons is proud to present Rihanna with this honor, as she has inspired millions through her powerful music and distinct style,” said Joel Towers, executive dean of Parsons School of Design, in a statement. “She has championed our recent alumni on a number of occasions by wearing their designs. She is also creating important philanthropic programs, which support communities by fostering effective education, health and emergency response programs around the world through her Clara Lionel Foundation.”
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The multihyphenate will be honored alongside designer Eileen Fisher and luxury retailer Neiman Marcus Group at this year’s event. Previous honorees include Donna Karan, Sarah Jessica Parker and Arianna Huffington.
RiRi has worn a number of designs by Parsons MFA Fashion Design and Society graduates, including Melitta Bauemeister, Matthew Dolan, and Snow Gao, and BFA Fashion Design graduate Melody Ya Jun Lin.
“I consistently find creative and exciting designs coming from Parsons alumni, so I feel a deep connection to the school,” said Rihanna. “But, I am especially grateful that Parsons would recognize me for the work I’ve done in regards to philanthropy.”
The performer was most recently honored at Harvard with this year’s Humanitarian of the Year Award.
It seems RiRi has no problem schooling us in life or, in the case of her recent Fenty collection, on the runway, either.
