Image: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for the Fashion Scholarship Fund
At the Glasshouse in New York City on Monday night, 160 students were awarded a total of more than $1.9 million in scholarships, thanks to the work of the Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF). For its 89th annual event, the non-profit organization brought together notable designers (such as Christian Siriano, Wes Gordon, and Daniella Kallmeyer), stylish celebrities, industry-wide experts in advertising and business, and students from across the country, offering scholars a networking opportunity unlike any other.
Four of those students – Madison Jade Bishop (Merchandising), Kuan Jackson (Sales), Justin Le (Design and Product Development) and Rylee Funfsinn (Business Strategy) competed for the association’s Chairman’s Award (which comes with a $25,000 grant) and presented their respective courses to a crowd of hundreds.
To announce the winner, the host of the event, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, was joined by FSF Board President and Fairchild Media Group CEO Amanda Smith, Luar Creative Director Raul Lopez, and Travis Scott, who funded the FSF Scholarships through his Cactus Jack Foundation.
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In the end, Jackson took home the grand prize after presenting his imaginative collaboration between KidSuper and Lego. “This is not just my win. This is all our win,” he said on stage. “True success takes time and patience. You have to put yourself down and fix your spirit and fix your mind…I want you to understand that you can’t lose, because every loss is a lesson. Together we win.”
Earlier in the evening, Jeremy Pope introduced Law Roach, who was also a judge for the competition, as an FSF honoree for his work as an illustrator and stylist. “I really think that fashion gave me my life. Growing up on the south side of Chicago, I didn’t know that I was going to be able to be the person that I was,” Roach said. “But what I understood was that something told me I was special. And I listened to that voice when everyone else told me I wasn’t…I urge you to listen to your voice, not someone else’s.”
Image: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for the Fashion Scholarship Fund
Pictures: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for the Fashion Scholarship Fund
Cosmopolitan and Seventeen Editor-in-Chief, Willa Bennett, introduced the following honorees: Ciara and Russell Wilson, who were joined by their two children to accept the award.
“Fashion doesn’t play around. It shapes culture. It makes statements. It brings people together,” said Ciara. “Don’t be afraid of hard times along the way. Every challenge, every obstacle, every time you go through doubt…trust that those are your marks of excellence. Keep dreaming big. Keep believing in your vision.”
The final honoree of the evening was Stefan Larsson, CEO of PVH Corporation. Tommy Hilfiger introduced Larsson, saying, “What consistently sets him apart is his ability to connect consumer, product and brand – coupled with a collaborative approach, tireless dedication and deep faith in people. True leadership is not just what you build – it’s about the people you raise along the way and the impact you create. Stefan is a true game changer for our industry.”
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