The Fashion Scholarship Fund has long been a cornerstone for emerging fashion talent, providing a platform for diverse students to break into the industry. The 2024 FSF Summer Scholar Series amplifies this mission by offering a 10-week virtual program packed with industry insights and career guidance.
The series consisted of two main elements: masterclasses and job preparation courses. While the former provided a platform for academics, applicants and alumni to connect with industry experts on contemporary challenges, the latter delved deeper into the nuances of business strategy, design, marketing and merchandising.
More from WWDIn a world still adjusting to the post-pandemic reality, FSF successfully harnessed the power of virtual engagement to unite young academics and alumni with the fashion industry's crème de la crème across disciplines including business strategy, design, product development, marketing and merchandising. Tiffany & Co., Neiman Marcus Group, Fendi, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton and WHP came together to enrich participants' learning journey and provide insights into industry challenges and career-building strategies.
Peter Arnold, Executive Director of the Fashion Scholarship Fund, reflected on the series' creation and continued relevance. "The Summer Scholar Series was born out of necessity during the height of the pandemic in 2020. Its evolution into a foundation for learning and connection within our community brings great pride and satisfaction," Arnold said. "We are indebted to our generous speakers and moderators, whose invaluable insights continue to light the path for our Scholars."
The 2024 edition of the SSS was elevated by experiences and reflections shared by industry leaders from diverse backgrounds and inspiring achievements. Some highlights:
Plea, passion and being true to yourself
In the "Black in Fashion" session with Bethann Hardison, groundbreaking fashion model and activist, and Tonya Blazio-Licorish, WWD archive editor, the two discussed the role of self-awareness, passion and advocacy.
"This company is an evolving company, and that's a big part of it," Blazio-Licorish said. "A big part of my journey was choice, it was strategic, it was, 'What am I most passionate about? How do I bring that passion?' I went from design to where I am now, but I brought all that knowledge here, which helps me be a better researcher and pushes me to be more educated and share that knowledge."
When asked what designers can consider when honoring Black designers of the past, Hardison was blunt. "You're not a Black designer, you're a designer," she said. "And what you want to do is compete with everyone out there. That can be from any country, any background. That's the most important thing. Whatever you have to offer, bring it, because it's a competitive business."
Hardison also shared her insights on how intentions change over time. "I think sometimes people [the industry] "As activists to change something... but later you become an advocate for the situation because you don't always have to be active in it," she said.
Empowerment through experience and resilience
New York designer Maria Cornejo shared candid insights on trusting your instincts in an industry often influenced by glitz. Cornejo said it's crucial to stay grounded and true to your essence amid the industry's sparkle, and emphasized the value of building a supportive community that evolves organically.
When asked to give advice to young talent on how to overcome challenges, Cornejo's answer was sincere. "There were many moments when I wanted to give up, honestly," she said. "You have to remember what you went into [fashion] for. Not everybody is going to have that covenant client business and it's more how do you navigate yourself in a business that is very competitive. It's always about the newest, youngest, latest, loudest. The only way you can compete is with your [own] creativity and humility."
New York-based designer Daniella Kallmeyer shared lessons on perseverance and the importance of mentorship, noting that mentors early in a career can change as people evolve. Peers can also become mentors, which helps broaden one's horizons.
Kallmeyer offered advice to recent graduates trying to navigate the current landscape. "Get in where you can," Kallmeyer said. "Find out what you like, because if you're really drawn to a brand or a certain type of work, just get in where and how you can and be involved."
Kallmeyer encouraged participants to seek out an internship or apprenticeship. "Not only did I learn so much about the industry, I also had a window into so many different departments and resources," Kallmeyer said. "Keep a little black book of contacts and people you come in contact with. Intern, learn, be humble, but also don't isolate yourself in the industry. Teaching experience is so important."
Celebrating creativity and authenticity
Designers Christopher John Rogers and Colm Dillane discussed the creative process and how they approach it. Rogers emphasized the importance of a broad viewpoint in design, noting that designers create worlds, not just garments - and encouraged aspiring designers to draw inspiration from a variety of sources. Dillane, known for his unconventional route to fashion, reflected on the accessibility and democratic nature of fashion.
"I was always really good at drawing and was always an artsy kid, but it wasn't always so fashion-driven," Dillane said of his early career path. "I started making these T-shirts that I would draw and paint on and it [introduced] I met all these different people. It was an amazing connection. I realized that fashion is the lowest barrier to entry into an art form: everyone is wearing it, it doesn't have to be super expensive, and it's pretty easy to get into - all you need is a T-shirt, a can of spray paint, a stencil, and a Gildan T-shirt - and the whole world opened up for me."
Rogers said adopting a good research process is key. "One of my formative professors at SCAD wanted us to do a mood board, and he said, 'I don't want to see runway references. I don't want to see fashion references unless they're archival, and I also want you to think about where this person lives. What do they eat? Where do they travel? What art references are they obsessed with?' And it really helped broaden my vision that we're building a world," Rogers said. "Something as boring as a line on the street can be a reference."
Navigating the industry dynamics with tenacity and vision
Stylist Jason Bolden emphasized the importance of vision and voice in carving a niche in fashion. Bolden shared his approach to overcoming initial career challenges through better planning and self-awareness.
"Everyone is born with that drive and ambition, but it takes a few people in your life to keep it stoked and stoked," Bolden said. "I was so lucky; growing up, I had constant lighters that did that for me: my grandmother, my mother, my godparents. I also built amazing relationships and friends that became family and supported that."
When asked what advice he would give his younger self, he said, "It's going to be okay. Don't rush it. Everything you want is worth waiting for. Sometimes I tell everyone in the office to take a hit and come back. Sometimes you need a friend, sometimes it's you. You have to pull yourself together and bring yourself back."
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