Kay Unger is a fashion designer, entrepreneur and philanthropist based in New York. For more than forty years, her flattering, feminine looks have made her one of America’s most popular designers for first ladies, anchorwomen, businesswomen, partygoers and bridal parties.

Ms. Unger entered the fashion world in 1968 as a design assistant to Geoffrey Beene. Two years later, she founded her own dress firm, Kay Unger – the first of several successful global fashion concerns she both founded and managed, including The Gillian Group, A.J. Bari, Kay Unger New York, Kay J’s Pajamas and Phoebe Couture. In 2012, she formed Kay Unger Design as a means of focusing her boundless energy on unique design projects that benefit from her creative and leadership skills. Ms. Unger continues to consult for both design related companies and nonprofit organizations.

Ms. Unger currently serves as Trustee of The New School and Chairman of the Board of Governors at Parsons School of Design, her alma mater.

Ms. Unger’s commitment to philanthropy began at an early age with her involvement in the Epstein Fine Arts Fund, formed in honor of her brother, Stephen Julius, who passed away in early childhood. In 2010, Ms. Unger founded her own foundation, The Kay Unger Family Foundation, where she now serves as chief executive officer. With its mission of “venture philanthropy,” The Kay Unger Family Foundation continues her family’s legacy of supporting underserved youth talented in the arts and providing them with the tools they need to make a difference. The Kay Unger Family Foundation also supports already existing foundations for cancer care and research.

Ms. Unger’s service activities and honors include President of Fashion Group International, member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, founding member of the Committee of 200, first woman on The Boys and Girls Club of America’s Board of Directors, and winner of the City of Hope Cancer Hospital Spirit of Life Award.

Born and raised in Chicago, Ms. Unger has lived in New York throughout her career; she currently lives in SoHo. She has two sons and six grandchildren.