This weeks episode is definitely a special one!!! We have the one and only Joseph Abboud. Joseph is an American menswear fashion designer and author. I would put him on the top of the list right next to Ralph Lauren, Versaci, Tommy Hilfiger and any other mens fashion designer.

The National Arts Club has been awarding its Medal of Honor to some of fashion’s biggest names since 2003, starting with Geoffrey Beene and including Carolina Herrera, Betsey Johnson, Norma Kamali and Anna Sui. But it has never honored a menswear designer.

That will change Friday night when Joseph Abboud is singled out for his illustrious career in the men’s industry.

Abboud joined Ralph Lauren in 1981, eventually becoming associate director of menswear design. He launched his own label in spring 1987. In 1988, JA Apparel was created as a joint venture between Abboud and GFT (Gruppo Finanziario Tessile) USA.

The designer, who graduated from the University of Massachusetts-Boston and studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, got his start in fashion at the Louis Boston men’s store in his hometown before working for Ralph Lauren as a menswear designer. He launched his namesake brand in 1987.