John Varvatos to Be Honored at Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation Benefit
The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation will host its 18th annual Benefit Dinner & Auction, honoring men’s fashion designer and Hamptonite John Varvatos on Thursday, November 12, in Manhattan at Cipriani Wall Street.
Known affectionately by New Yorkers as “The Waxman,” this yearly fête is considered to be among the top fundraising events in New York City, attended by more than 1,200 corporate executives, board members, and their guests. In recent years, “The Waxman” has raised millions of dollars to support the Foundation’s research efforts to produce a cure for cancer.
This year, the event will feature a special performance from legendary American singer-songwriter John Fogerty. The evening will be hosted by Chris Wragge, co-anchor of CBS 2 News This Morning, as master of ceremonies. The evening’s live and silent auctions will offer guests the opportunity to bid on an exciting selection of exclusive items.
Varvatos grew up in Detroit, the music melting pot of America. This influence can be seen as a unifying theme in his design and it is deeply ingrained in every expression of his brand, which includes his famed 315 Bowery boutique in New York City, formerly the seminal underground music club CBGB’s. With this unique brand position that unites a rock n’ roll sensibility, old world craftsmanship and modern innovation, Varvatos has become one of the most well-known menswear designers in the world. Launched in 2000 with a collection of tailored clothing and sportswear, the John Varvatos brand now represents an entire lifestyle that includes belts, bags, footwear, eyewear, fragrances and Converse by John Varvatos. Varvatos has been recognized by the CFDA with the Perry Ellis Award for New Menswear Designer in 2000, and as Menswear Designer of the Year in 2001 and 2005. In December 2007, he was named GQ magazine’s Designer of the Year for its 12th annual Men of the Year issue. In October 2013 John released his first book titled John Varvatos: Rock in Fashion, which documents the elements of rock style that have embodied the music community for decades. Most recently, further rooting the brand in music, Varvatos has entered into a strategic partnership with Republic Records to launch John Varvatos Records in February 2014.