Ken C. Hicks, president and chief merchandising officer of J.C. Penney Co. Inc.; Karen Murray, group president of men’s wear, midtier, international alliances and licensing of Liz Claiborne Inc., and Paula Abdul of “American Idol” will receive AMY Awards Jan. 10 at the annual fund-raiser for the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund, established by the Young Menswear Association.
The AMY Awards Dinner celebrates outstanding YMA student scholars. Since 1971, the YMA Scholarship Fund has provided $4.2 million to college students studying fashion-related disciplines. It has distributed a record 124 grants this year.
The Grammy- and Emmy-winning Abdul launched the Paula Abdul Jewelry Collection on QVC in April. Originally designed as gifts for fans of “American Idol,” the collection bears inspirational inscriptions. YMA is honoring this encouraging spirit as well as Abdul’s support of education.
“I am a great believer in supporting young people, particularly in their quest for higher learning,” said Abdul in a statement. “I truly admire the Fashion Fund and what it stands for.”
The award will be presented by Tim Gunn of “Project Runway,” who also chairs the Department of Fashion Design at Parsons The New School for Design. He is returning as the host of the event, which will be held at the Marriott Marquis in New York.