From masterclasses to immersive exhibitions, February was an exciting month for the Fashion Scholarship Fund community. Through powerful conversations, hands-on workshops, and competitions, FSF Scholars and Alumni engaged with industry leaders, expanded their networks, and showcased their talents on global stages.
THE BLACK VISIONARY MASTERCLASS SERIES
An innovative new collaboration between the Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund and ICON360, The Black Visionary Masterclass Series brought together students, young professionals, and industry trailblazers for three impactful virtual sessions. Across the series, speakers like Patrick ‘Fresh’ Henry, Busayo Olupona, Randy Cousin, Jovan Martin, Imani Ellis, and Travis Burgin shared valuable insights on cultural storytelling, networking, and personal branding, equipping attendees with the tools to navigate and excel in the fashion industry. Through inspiring conversations and practical advice, participants gained a deeper understanding of how to amplify their voices, build meaningful connections, and make their mark in the world of fashion.
THE REVOLISYON TOUPATOU
The Revolisyon Toupatou exhibition and panel at Parsons School of Design was a powerful celebration of Haitian art, fashion, and storytelling. FSF Alumni Jessica Gayo, Joyce Gayo and Daveed Baptiste shared their creative journeys in a dynamic discussion moderated by Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Alum Ahmrii Johnson, highlighting the impact of heritage and community in their work. Attendees explored the exhibition, connected with fellow creatives, and gained insight into how FSF and the Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund are shaping the future of fashion.
THE CACTUS JACK DESIGN ETHOS 101 PROGRAM
In partnership with FSF, The Cactus Jack Foundation recently announced the newly developed Cactus Jack Design Ethos 101 Program. The online curriculum will be made available to FSF Scholars, Alumni and Applicants in the coming weeks. Participants in the course will gain invaluable insights from industry leaders such as Tom Sachs, Bloody Osiris, and Reggie Saunders during the immersive curriculum designed to push creative boundaries. Participants will have the opportunity to complete a final project and enter to win a $10,000 grant. Two winners will be selected and will have the opportunity to participate in an immersive experience at the state-of-the-art Cact.us Design Center in Houston (the hometown of Cactus Jack founder, Travis Scott).
MACY’S I.N.C. DESIGN CHALLENGE
The FSF and Macy’s are thrilled to announce that Hiromichi Suzuki has been selected as the winner of the Macy’s I.N.C. Design Challenge, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Macy’s most iconic womenswear brand. Hiromichi Suzuki impressed the judges with a confident capsule collection that truly embodied the spirit of I.N.C., showcasing innovation and a fresh perspective on modern womenswear. In addition to receiving a $10,000 prize, Hiromichi will see one of his designs brought to life, manufactured, marketed, and sold by Macy’s. Congratulations to Hiromichi and to all of the talented FSF Scholars who participated in this prestigious competition.
Hiromichi impressed the judges with a confident capsule collection that truly embodied the spirit of I.N.C., showcasing innovation and a fresh perspective on modern womenswear.
COMING SOON AT FSF
As we look ahead, the Highsnobiety x Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund T-shirt Competition and the Final Four Case Study Competition Pitch Event promise even more opportunities for students and young professionals to make their mark.
HIGHSNOBIETY X VIRGIL ABLOH™ "POST-MODERN" SCHOLARSHIP T-SHIRT COMPETITION
Highsnobiety and the Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund are collaborating to create a limited-edition t-shirt that celebrates the power of collaboration in fashion and design. As part of Highsnobiety’s 20th anniversary, 20 brands will co-create 20 unique t-shirts to be presented at Men’s Fashion Week in Paris this coming summer. Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholars and Alumni have competed to design one of the 20 t-shirts, which will be included in the collection to be celebrated at Men’s Fashion Week. Applicants were challenged to visually interpret the theme of collaboration—whether through symbols, graphics, or statements—and submit a digital design, written explanation, resume, and a 90-second video showcasing their creative process. The winner of this competition will be announced in the coming weeks and will be awarded a $1,000 design stipend, along with the opportunity to fly to Paris for Men’s Fashion Week in June.
FSF “FINAL FOUR” PITCH EVENT
We invite you to tune in on Tuesday, March 11 at 6pm EST as the FSF Four Finalists present their top-scoring case studies. Watch as the top-scoring finalists present their innovative case studies to a panel of esteemed industry experts, competing for the prestigious FSF Chairman’s Award. This $25,000 award recognizes the most outstanding scholar, and the winner will be revealed live on stage at FSF LIVE 2025 in New York City on April 7. Get to know our Four Finalists below.
Chloe Allen (Virginia Commonwealth University)
Fatmata Camara (Virgil Abloh™ "Post-Modern" Scholar, LIM College)
Flora Medina (Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah Campus)
Ryan Cheung (University of California, Berkeley)
