The event celebrated renowned packaging designer Marc Rosen, architect Toshiko Mori, and filmmaker Charles Burnett.
Jamie Matusow, Editor-in-Chief10.14.24
On Thursday, October 10, Pratt Institute hosted its annual Legends Gala, honoring three luminaries in the fields of packaging design, architecture, and film. Renowned packaging designer Marc Rosen was honored for his career as one of the world’s most famous designers of perfume bottles, as well as his long career at Pratt; esteemed architect Toshiko Mori; and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Charles Burnett. All were celebrated for their groundbreaking contributions to their respective industries during an elegant evening at Lavan Midtown in Manhattan. (Rosen is also a member of Beauty Packaging’s Board of Advisors.)
Legends 2024 serves as a key fundraiser for student scholarships at Pratt, where approximately 80% of students rely on financial aid to achieve their educational goals. More than 300 guests gathered to honor these visionary figures and support scholarships that promote diversity and inclusion in the creative fields of art, design, and architecture.
The award ceremony commenced with Juliana Curran Terian, a close friend and fellow Pratt trustee, introducing Rosen. Reflecting on their 25-year friendship, she praised Rosen’s “illustrious career” as Vice President of Elizabeth Arden, his award-winning designs, and his deep commitment to Pratt, including his creation of the Pratt Legends Gala. Rosen, expressing his connection to Pratt, said, “Ever since my professor at Pratt encouraged me to show my work to Avon—an opportunity that launched my career—Pratt has been in my blood.” (He bought a Volkswagen Beetle with his earnings).
“I am very proud of my designs, but being a trustee, a professor, creating scholarships and symposiums has enabled me to give back to the students who are just starting out,” said Rosen. “I hope I inspire them as much as my professor did me.” Rosen then charmed the guests with a reminder from his fragrance experience, “Perfume is ephemeral, sensuous, glamorous, aspirational, and inspirational. Tonight, the air is filled with eau de Pratt!”
Photos: Top Left to Bottom Right: Eric Vanin, Annik Klein (Photo: Andrew Werner), The 3 Legends: Marc Rosen, Toshiko Mori, Charles Burnett (Photo: Andrew Werner), Marc Rosen, Jamie Matusow, The Three Legends, Rosen accepts his award.
