LIM Fashion Education Foundation Honors Amanda Smith and Sam Edelman for Supporting Future Fashion Leaders
The LIM Fashion Education Foundation (LIM FEF) honored two fashion industry leaders — Amanda Smith, chief executive officer of Fairchild Media Group (FMG), and Sam Edelman, founder and creative director of his namesake brand — on Tuesday night in New York.
Both received LIM FEF Fashion Forward awards for their contribution to the academic and professional development of LIM college students.
“We honor their commitment and measurable contributions to the lives of so many of these students who are going to be the next generation of leaders in the industry of fashion,” Arnold Cohen, president of the LIM FEF board of directors, said during a cocktail event at Todd Snyder, Rockefeller Center. “Our sole focus of all the board members and us being here tonight is solely to raise funds to give a scholarship to students. And these students are deserving students and are in need.”
Most recently, Smith has provided support for LIM students via her involvement in the school’s annual fashion show. She also has hosted students for on-site visits at FMG’s offices.
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“Our industries rely on students for our future, and we need to support them with meaningful connections, information and a world class education,” Smith. “I am continually impressed with the next generation of talent, and proud to help support them. As you can see from the students here tonight, they are talented, they’re articulate and they’re driven.”
Sam Edelman, meanwhile, has been committed to shaping future talent through his internship program and LIM Master Classes. He was also the commencement speaker for LIM’s Class of 2024, where he received an honorary doctorate.
“I’ve given the same advice for a very long time, but what my whole reason to be is to work with young people. And I work with 75 young people every day. I tell people to find a mentor, and that’s the biggest piece of advice,” he told FN. “If you really love a brand, get into that company and find somebody that you can learn from and develop with. If you don’t like it, get out and find another one.”
Guests were encouraged to shop and take part in silent auction to raise funds for LIM scholarships. A portion of sales at Todd Snyder were also donated to LIM FEF.
