Designer lauded for his vision of Americana and inclusion of the American quilt

The American Folk Art Museum (AFAM) is pleased to announce that it will honor Raf Simons, the Chief Creative Officer of Calvin Klein, Inc., at its annual benefit gala on October 2, 2018.

AFAM is recognizing Mr. Simons specifically for his work with American quilts at Calvin Klein. Since joining Calvin Klein in 2016, Belgium-born Simons has been at the helm of the brand’s creative vision, including infusing his cinematic outsider’s take on Americana into the brand’s DNA. Under his creative direction, the American quilt has become a new visual language for Calvin Klein—appearing in collections, advertising campaigns, and most recently in a design project with Cassina that debuted at Design Miami/Basel.

“Raf Simons is one of the world’s most influential designers, and his focus on American quilts shines a light on a potent art form that the American Folk Art Museum has long collected, exhibited, and championed,” said Monty Blanchard, President of the Board of Trustees, American Folk Art Museum. “AFAM has one of the world’s most significant collections of American quilts. Quilts are a powerful creative expression, and we enthusiastically applaud Mr. Simons for his work at Calvin Klein.”

The American Folk Art Museum gala will also honor Elyse and Lawrence B. Benenson, noted social and cultural charitarians; and the Wunsch Americana Foundation, which is dedicated to education and investment in American decorative arts, particularly among younger generations. The event will be held at the Ziegfield Ballroom, 141 West 54th Street, New York. For further information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://501auctions.com/afamgala2018, or call 212.595.9533, ext. 318.

 

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American Folk Art Museum

The American Folk Art Museum is the premier institution devoted to the aesthetic appreciation of traditional folk art and creative expressions of contemporary self-taught artists from the United States and abroad. The museum preserves, conserves, and interprets a comprehensive collection of the highest quality, with objects dating from the eighteenth century to the present.