The Neiman Marcus Group hosts a panel discussion on the designer’s undeniable impact.
BY SHELBY YING HYDE FEB 23 2022, 12:20 PM EST
After news broke last November that famed designer Virgil Abloh had died, there was an outpour of love and support from the masses. Furthering the conversation of the creative’s undeniable impact, Harper’s Bazaar Digital Director, Nikki Ogunnaike moderated a discussion between key industry players highlighting the ways in which the late Off-White founder paved the way for people of Black, African American, and African descent in fashion.
In a Black History Month paneled event titled, NMG Presents: Celebrating the Legacy of Virgil Abloh and our Commitment to Rising Black Talent, Neiman Marcus President and CMO Lana Todorovich, Off-White CEO Andrea Grilli, Founding Director of the Center for Diversity, Inclusion of Multicultural affairs Trinice McNally, Executive Director of the Fashion Scholarship Fund Peter Arnold, founder and CEO of Pink Cornrows Ifeoma Ike, along with assistant buyer Mecca Hodge recounted Abloh’s achievements for the community. His long list of accolades includes serving as Artistic Director for Louis Vuitton and the creation of the “Post Modern” Scholarship Fund, in partnership with the Fashion Scholarship Fund or FSF. An initiative the Chicago native founded as a way to support the next generation of Black fashion industry leaders.
“I’ve always been passionate about giving the next generation of students the same foundation for success that was given to me,” the late designer said when announcing the news in 2020. “That’s why I’m excited to launch this Fund in partnership with the FSF, which has an outstanding track record of helping college students achieve successful careers.” He continued, “I’m also grateful to my partners for their donations, which are just a part of the long-term commitments I am working on with them to create greater opportunities for Black people in and outside of their organizations.”
During the hour long event, the group went on to discuss the importance of Abloh’s scholarship, as well as, how it aligns with Neiman Marcus’s Belonging journey and its commitment to increase diversity representation in leadership roles. This year’s class includes 123 recipients, all of which come from different backgrounds. Other standout moments include personal accounts of the designer, that included (professionally) sliding into social media DMs and outfit compliments from the Creative Director, himself.