Joseph Abboud, a leader in American fashion design for more than 25 years, will deliver the commencement address for Lasell College on Sunday, May 18, 2014, announced Lasell College President Michael B. Alexander.
Known for his eponymous fashion and lifestyle label, Abboud has led a successful career in the fashion industry with award-winning designs from his own label and later collaborations with other designers and merchandisers, including Hart Schaffner Marx and Hickey Freeman.
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“Joseph Abboud is an example of an American success story who has stayed true to his beliefs and sensibilities. I am confident he will have sound advice to share with our graduates as they prepare to enter the world of work,” said Alexander.
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Abboud began his fashion career in the Boston area, working first for Louis Boston as a buyer, merchandiser, and Coordinator of Promotion and Advertising, then for Polo/Ralph Lauren as a director of menswear design.
In 1986 he launched his famous menswear label, dressing notable celebrities and politicians, and also created additional design collections including eyewear, footwear, jewelry and home furnishings bearing his name. Most recently he became creative director for national retailer Men’s Wearhouse Inc. to relaunch his Heritage Label as part of the Joseph Abboud brand.
Abboud is the author of Threads, his autobiography, and the recipient of multiple fashion industry awards including the Menswear Designer of the Year award two years in a row, The Cutty Sark Award, and the Woolmark Award. He has also been honored by the Japanese government and the U.S Department of Commerce for his contributions to the industry.
Born in Boston, Mass., the long-time Red Sox fan received his BA from the University of Massachusetts Boston and also studied at the Sorbonne in Paris. He resides in Chestnut Hill, MA and Bedford, NY with his wife Lynn and is the father of two daughters.
At Commencement, which will be held at 11 a.m. on Taylor Field at Lasell's Newton, MA campus, Abboud will also receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters.
