BROWNE WINS: The fourth time was the charm for Thom Browne, who has locked up the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award for fashion. A finalist in 2006, 2008 and 2009, Browne found out he had earned the 2012 title a few weeks ago but had to keep it under wraps until the news was revealed by the Smithsonian’s National Design Museum. The designer along with the rest of this year’s winners will pick up their prizes at a David Stark-designed gala Oct. 17 at Pier Sixty in Manhattan.
Reached by phone Thursday, Browne said he didn’t even know he was in the running. “I was totally surprised. I am really happy because it is one of those awards that crosses over so many genres of design. It seems really important,” he said. As for how he will celebrate, Browne said, “Maybe I’ll have an extra glass of Champagne tonight.”
First-time jury member Behnaz Sarafpour helped select the honorees, which include Scott Wilson for Product Design; Evan Roth for Interaction Design; Rebecca Méndez for Communication Design, and Clive Wilson Architects for Interior Design. Others who have reason to celebrate are Richard Saul Wurman for Lifetime Achievement; Janine Benyus for Design Mind; Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects for Architectural Design; Design That Matters for Corporate and Institutional Achievement, and Stoss Landscape Architects for Landscape Design.
Source: WWD