Fashion Scholarship Fund Summer Series Spotlights Industry Leaders

The Fashion Scholarship Fund has long been a cornerstone for aspiring fashion talent, providing a platform for diverse students to break into the industry. The 2024 FSF Summer Scholar Series amplified this mission by offering a 10-week virtual program packed with industry insights and career guidance.

The series comprised two key elements: master classes and workforce preparedness courses. While the former provided a platform for scholars, applicants and alumni to engage with industry experts on contemporary challenges, the latter delved deep into the nuances of business strategy, design, marketing and merchandising.

In a world still adjusting to post-pandemic realities, the FSF has successfully leveraged the power of virtual engagement to unite young scholars and alumni with the crème de la crème of the fashion world across diverse disciplines such as business strategy, design, product development, marketing and merchandising. Tiffany & Co., Neiman Marcus Group, Fendi, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton and WHP convened to enrich the learning journey of participants, offering insights into industry challenges and career-building strategies.

Peter Arnold, executive director of the Fashion Scholarship Fund, reflected on the series’ inception and continued relevance. “The Summer Scholar Series was birthed out of necessity during the height of the pandemic in 2020. Its evolution into a staple for learning and connection among our community brings great pride and satisfaction,” Arnold said. “We owe a debt of gratitude to our magnanimous speakers and moderators whose invaluable insights continue illuminating the path for our scholars.”

The 2024 edition of the SSS was elevated via experiences and reflections shared by industry leaders with varied backgrounds and inspiring achievements. Some highlights:

Advocacy, Passion and Being True to Oneself

In the “Black in Fashion” session with Bethann Hardison, pioneering fashion model and activist, and Tonya Blazio-Licorish, WWD archives editor, the two discussed the role of self-awareness, passion and advocacy.

“This business is an evolving business, and that’s also a great part of it,” Blazio-Licorish said. “A lot of my journey was choice, it was strategic, it was, ‘Where am I most passionate? How do I bring that passion?’ I pivoted from design to where I am today, but I brought all that knowledge here, which helps me be a better researcher and makes me want to be more educated and share that knowledge.”

When asked what designers can take into consideration when paying homage to Black designers of the past, Hardison was straightforward. “You’re not a Black designer, you’re a designer,” she said. “And what you want to do is compete with everybody that’s out there. That could be from any country, any background. That’s the most important thing. Whatever you have to bring to the table, bring it because it’s a competitive business.”

Hardison also shared her insights about how intentions change over time. “I think sometimes people come in [the industry] as activists to change something…but then later you become an advocate of the situation because you’re not always having to be active in it,” she said.

Empowerment Through Experience and Resilience

Maria Cornejo, a New York designer, offered candid insights about trusting one’s instincts in an industry often swayed by glitz. Cornejo said it is pivotal to stay grounded and true to one’s essence amid the industry’s sparkle, underscoring the value of building a supportive community that evolves organically.

When asked to offer advice to young talent on how to overcome challenges, Cornejo’s response was heartfelt. “There were many times I wanted to give up, to be honest,” 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 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 to be humble.”

New York-based designer Daniella Kallmeyer shared lessons on perseverance and the importance of mentorship, noting early career mentors might change as people evolve. Peers can also become mentors, helping to broaden one’s horizons.

Kallmeyer offered advice for recent graduates looking to navigate the current landscape. “Get in wherever you can,” Kallmeyer said. “Figure out what you love because if you are really attracted to a brand or a certain type of work, just get in however and where you can and be around it.”

Kallmeyer urged attendees to find an internship or apprenticeship. “I learned so much not only about the industry, I 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. Education exposure is so important.”

Celebrating Creativity and Authenticity

Designers Christopher John Rogers and Colm Dillane discussed the creative process and how they approach it. Rogers stressed the importance of a broad viewpoint in design, noting that designers craft worlds, not just garments — encouraging aspirants to draw inspiration from diverse sources. Dillane, known for an unconventional route into fashion, reflected on the accessibility and democratic nature of fashion.

“I was always really good at drawing and was always an art type of kid, but it wasn’t always so fashion-driven,” Dillane said of his early career path. “I started doing these T-shirts where I would draw and spray paint and it [introduced] me to all these different people. It was an amazing connector. I realized that fashion is the lowest barrier of entry art form: everyone is wearing it, it doesn’t have to be super expensive, and it’s pretty easy to get into it — you just need a T-shirt, a spray can, a stencil and a Gildan T — and the whole world opened up to me.”

Rogers said adopting a good research process is key. “One of my formative professors at SCAD wanted us to create a mood board, and he told us, ‘I don’t want to see any runway references. I don’t want to see any fashion references unless they are archival, and I also want you to think of where this person is living. What are they eating? Where are they traveling? What artwork references are they obsessed with?’ And it really helped expand my view that we’re building a world,” Rogers said. “Something as boring as a line on the street can be a reference.”

Navigating 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 hitches through better planning and self-awareness.

“Everyone is born with that drive and ambition, but it takes a couple of people in your life to keep igniting and turning it up,” Bolden said. “I was so lucky; growing up, I had constant igniters who did that for me: my grandmother, my mother and my godparents. I also created great relationships and friends that became family who supported that.”

When asked what advice he would give his younger self, he said, “It’s going to be OK. Don’t rush it. Everything that you want is worth the wait. Sometimes, I tell everybody in my office to take a beat and come back. Sometimes you need a friend, sometimes it’s yourself. You got to tug on yourself and bring yourself back.”