NEW YORK, Mar 19, 2012/ — William P. Lauder, executive chairman, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., and William T. Dillard III, vice president, Dillard’s, Inc., were honored by the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and the FIT Foundation at the college’s annual benefit gala, Two People, Two Companies, One College Make a Difference, on Thursday, March 15 at Cipriani in New York City.
FIT celebrated the honorees’ outstanding leadership and achievements in retailing before an audience of approximately 640. The event raised just under $2 million to benefit FIT’s Educational Development Fund, which provides scholarship, technology, and student services support, among other priorities.
FIT President Dr. Joyce F. Brown welcomed guests. Leonard A. Lauder, chairman emeritus, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., and father of William P. Lauder, presented the award to Mr. Dillard. William T. Dillard II, chairman and CEO, Dillard’s, Inc. and father of William T. Dillard III, presented Mr. Lauder with his award. Singer-songwriter Natasha Bedingfield performed.
As a special feature of this year’s gala, 28 FIT Packaging Design majors were challenged to design a new package for pleasures, the iconic fragrance from Estée Lauder. A team of judges from Estée Lauder and Dillard’s selected Nina Juang as the winner who received $5,000 in cash. Rob Stevens and Alica Tagliasacchi were named runners-up and each received $1,500 in cash. The winning designs were displayed at the gala.
