Renowned designer and Syracuse University alumnus Henry Grethel will be honored with the 2009 Icon of Style Award at Vision with Action, the New York City senior juried fashion show of SUs College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA), on Wednesday, June 3, at 7 p.m. at JPMorgan Chase, 270 Park Ave., 50th floor. The show will feature the top collections from fashion design seniors in VPAÃ's School of Art and Design as previously selected by a jury of industry professionals and design faculty.

VPA held its first juried New York City fashion show in 2008 to expose to designers and the media the high quality of design and craftsmanship created at SU. The college has presented an annual fashion show on the SU campus for more than 20 years.

The college created the Icon of Style Award to honor those individuals in the fashion industry who are bold, innovative and visionary. The inaugural award was presented in 2008 to VPA alumna Emme, a prominent model, author, lecturer, clothing designer and women's advocate.

Grethel, a designer, merchandiser and marketer, is president of HG Designs International. Known for deftly combining the casual, modern essence of American sportswear with sophisticated colors and fine fabrics, he was an early factor in business casual clothing and remains a vital, creative force designing for the rapidly evolving lifestyles and priorities of today[s consumer.

Grethel's marketing education and vast business experience have made him an entrepreneurial concept creator and product producer. In addition to holding executive positions at such major apparel companies as C.F. Hathaway, Eagle Shirtmakers and Manhattan Industries, he originated and developed the John Henry brand in men's and women's wear prior to debuting his own collections for men and women. His interconnected trademarks Henry Grethel, Equipment by Henry Grethel, Henry Grethel Platinum and Henry Grethel Studio represent originality, creativity and salability.

Grethel has received numerous honors for marketing and design, including membership in the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America. He was also selected to design the opening ceremony uniforms for Team USA at the Albertville and Barcelona Olympic Games. For more about Grethel, visit http://www.joanhansen.com/henry_grethel1.html.

Tickets for the show are $175 for preferred seating and pre-show reception at 6 p.m.; $75 for admission to the show only; and $44 for admission to the show only for current SU students and SU alumni who graduated from 05-09. Tickets may be purchased May 11-29 at http://invite.syr.edu/vision. Seating is limited.

Focused on design and creative development, VPA's fashion design program offers an intellectually stimulating environment with a global perspective. This, coupled with practical and theoretical skills, technology and the study of the cultural context in which fashion exists, provides a broad-based education in fashion. In addition to Grethel and Emme, notable alumni from SU and the fashion design program include Betsey Johnson, Donald Brooks, Tom and Linda Platt, Lisa Kline and Danna Weiss.

VPA is committed to the education of cultural leaders who will engage and inspire audiences through performance, visual art, design, scholarship and commentary. The college provides the tools for self-discovery and risk-taking in an environment that thrives on critical thought and action. Learn more at http://vpa.syr.edu