2026 Summer Scholar Series
The 2026 FSF Summer Scholar Series — ten weeks of robust virtual programming — consisted of two components:
Workforce Preparedness Courses: virtual sessions focused on hard skills and best practices that provide relevant and tangible takeaways.
Master Classes: virtual sessions dedicated to industry experts sharing their insights on current topics and challenges of the industry.
The FSF community tuned in for a virtual Master Class on creative direction, world-building, and bringing ambitious ideas to life. Audience members heard from Faye McLeod and Andreas Neophytou, co-founders of CLOSER, a creative studio working across brands, campaigns, experiences, and cultural moments for some of the world’s most influential fashion, luxury, and lifestyle companies. Their work spans global brand platforms, campaigns, large-scale public installations, and immersive environments, including projects for Louis Vuitton, Dior, Prada, Nike, Miu Miu, and Estée Lauder.
Faye is internationally recognized for her visionary approach to luxury storytelling and experiential design, having held creative leadership roles across Louis Vuitton, Dior, Selfridges, and the wider LVMH ecosystem. Her influential collaboration with the late Virgil Abloh helped redefine the possibilities of fashion communication and immersive retail experiences.
Andreas is an award-winning creative director whose work explores the intersection of strategy, design, culture, and technology. Across more than two decades, he has developed brands, campaigns, and experiences that help build distinctive worlds for brands.
Members of the FSF Community joined us for the second virtual Master Class in the 2026 FSF Summer Scholar Series. Audience members tuned in for Where Culture Meets Symbolism: Contemporary Design featuring Soull and Dynasty Ogun, founders and creative directors of L’ENCHANTEUR (and 2024 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winners).
Known for their distinctive approach to design and multidisciplinary creativity, Soull focuses within the realms of metalwork and jewelry, while Dynasty works across textiles, fibers, accessories, and garments. Together, they have cultivated a distinctive practice that seamlessly blends fashion, art, culture, and entrepreneurship.
Since its formation, Soull & Dynasty have grown and catapulted L’ENCHANTEUR into a multifaceted design house, producing unique works worn by Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Erykah Badu, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Michelle Obama, and other notable figures. Their work demonstrates how a strong creative vision can evolve into a globally recognized business while remaining deeply rooted in authenticity and heritage.
FSF community members joined us for the first Masterclass in FSF’s Summer Scholar Series, featuring Tonne Goodman, legendary Vogue Fashion Director and Sustainability Editor, in conversation with designer Colleen Allen, CFDA Emerging Designer of the Year nominee and 2026 LVMH Prize finalist.
One of fashion’s most influential editorial voices, Tonne has helped define the visual language of modern fashion media for decades. Joined by Colleen Allen, she explored the role of styling, storytelling, and visual direction in shaping fashion culture and building a lasting creative point of view.
Together, they discussed creative collaboration, navigating careers in fashion and media, and the evolving relationship between editorial, design, and sustainability in today’s industry.
This one-hour virtual session offered inspiration and practical insight for anyone interested in editorial, styling, branding, publishing, creative direction, design, and the broader creative industries.
FSF Scholars, Scholar Applicants and Alumni, joined us for the first virtual session of FSF's 2026 Summer Scholar Series, moderated by Calvin Klein’s Chief Design Officer and FSF Board Member, Jess Lomax. This conversation explored the 2027 FSF Case Study theme – How Brands Recognize and Connect With Specific, Unique Consumer Segments Whose Needs Are Unmet or Underserved.
Attendees heard from Christopher Bevans, Sr. Director, Apparel Excellence Jordan Design at Nike, Michael Mangan, Director of Men’s Brand Marketing at J.Crew and Charlotte Warshaw, General Manager of Jewelry and VP Americas Wholesale, Global Licensing & Collaborations at Kate Spade New York on how they’ve successfully engaged with new audiences to expand their consumer base and drive sales.
From digital detoxing to breaking through gender stereotypes, discover how Nike, J.Crew and Kate Spade New York are lucratively tapping into niche markets that are eager for their attention.