The rising generation of fashion’s leaders is one that rejects gender binaries and promotes an all-encompassing space that allows for individuality, expression and authenticity. The demand for more gender nonconforming and gender-inclusive options is indisputable and Pacsun is committed to offering innovative gender neutral collections. Together, Pacsun and the Fashion Scholarship Fund are seizing this opportunity to spotlight the next generation of design talent and their interpretation of unisex.

The Fashion Scholarship Fund and Pacsun are pleased to announce that FSF Alumni and the Class of 2021 FSF Scholars have the opportunity to compete to have their winning gender neutral collection developed, manufactured, marketed and sold at Pacsun!  Two winners, each of whom will receive a creative services fee of $10,000, will work closely through the summer with Pacsun design and product development teams to bring their co-branded collections to market for Holiday 2021.

ELIGIBILITY

You must be a former FSF Scholarship recipient to apply.

details

Design an original gender neutral capsule collection for Holiday 2021 that best reflects your design aesthetic. Consider creativity, identity, and the clarity of storytelling.  You are encouraged to conduct in depth research on Pacsun that includes the company’s heritage, product assortment, pricing, digital campaigns, and most important, its customer. 

Submit a professional quality digital portfolio in a PDF format that is a maximum of 5GB in size.  The portfolio should be a representation of all aspects of research, process, presentation, content, and visual narrative. 

The design elements of your portfolio should include:

• An inspiration board for the collection.

• A collection with 8 gender neutral looks that include 10-12 pieces in the fabrications of, but not limited to, knits, fleece, wovens, and denim.

• Technical flats for 6 pieces that include front and back drawings with design call outs.

• Materials, swatches, and color concepts with examples of details and trims.  Include prints and patterns that coordinate with the color palette

• Excerpts from design journals, process books, and other design development to showcase your research.

In addition to a digital portfolio, participants should also submit the following items:

1. One-page response to:

   • What is the concept / inspiration behind your project?

   • What is your brand statement?

   • Provide an explanation of the gender neutrality strategies related to your product designs.

   • How does this project best demonstrate your unique aesthetic and perspective?

2. One 60 second video introducing yourself, your concept and what you believe in, that includes answers to:

   • Who are you as a designer?

   • What is your power as a creative?

   • How will you use your unique strengths and approach to advance the issue of gender neutrality? 

   • What matters most to you?

3. Detailed CV

Timeline

March 23rd – LAUNCH

• The portal is open and applicants may submit their applications

April 19th – DEADLINE

• Scholars and Alumni have four weeks to create and submit their applications

April 19th to May 5th – PRELIMINARY JUDGING

• FSF Judges and Pacsun representatives review applications and propose up to ten applicants as the Finalists

May 6th – FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

• Finalists are announced and provided details for the next round of judging

May 20th – FINAL JUDGING

• Finalists present to a panel of Industry Leaders

• Two Winners are announced post-judging event and deliberation