Joseph Abboud

Joseph Abboud will be awarded a Doctor of Fine Arts degree. A graduate of UMass Boston, Mr. Abboud is Chairman Emeritus and Creative Director of Joseph Abboud, an industry leader in menswear. He created the label shortly after leaving Ralph Lauren and soon began receiving critical and peer accolades for his sleek, elegant and flattering cuts that featured earth tones and natural fibers such as cotton, silk, wool, cashmere and linen. His honors include the 1986 Cutty Sark Award as most promising menswear designer; the 1987 Woolmark Award as best designer of menswear; the 1988 Special Achievement Award from the Neckwear Association of America, Inc. and 1994 Menswear Designer of the Year. Mr. Abboud also was named Council Fashion Designer of the Year for 1989-90 by the Council of Fashion Designers of America.