Behr Recognized with Distinguished Alumni Award

Jennifer Behr, BFA ’96, has been recognized with WashU’s Distinguished Alumni Award, part of the university’s annual Founder’s Day celebration.

Behr is an internationally acclaimed fashion designer and entrepreneur known for her sustainable business practices. Her eponymous luxury accessory brand is a favorite of numerous celebrities, including Lady Gaga, Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lawrence, and Taylor Swift. Behr’s unique pieces, including headbands and barrettes, are inspired by her sculpture and art history studies at WashU. As a businesswoman, she is intentional about offering fair wages, minimizing waste, and reducing her carbon footprint by sourcing materials locally and shipping orders from her Brooklyn studio. 

Behr began her career as a designer at the beauty brand Frédéric Fekkai in New York in 2000, striking out on her own in 2005 to found Jennifer Behr, LLC. She gained early endorsements from renowned fashion houses Bergdorf Goodman and Henri Bendel and has been featured in many fashion publications, including ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, and Vogue. In 2017, Behr expanded her brand to include a jewelry line while actively promoting long-lasting fashion and using vintage materials whenever possible.

Behr’s sustained commitment to WashU includes an active role in the fashion design program at the Sam Fox School. She has appeared on numerous alumni network event panels and has served on the Sam Fox School’s National Council since 2022. She has also served on WashU’s Alumni Board of Governors since 2018, including as vice chair from 2021-23. Behr is a loyal scholarship supporter and is committed to mentoring WashU students, creating internships, and collaborating with alumni.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in sculpture and received an Award for Distinction from the Sam Fox School in 2016.

Founders Day is an opportunity to reflect upon the university’s many milestones and accomplishments — and the people who helped make them possible. WashU began celebrating Founders Day in 1953 to commemorate the university’s 100th anniversary. Since then, this special event has honored WashU’s distinguished alumni, outstanding faculty, and most treasured friends.