On Monday night, despite a drizzly, cold New York evening, 950+ guests joined the party as the Fashion Scholarship Fund brought its annual celebration of next-gen talent to life with FSF LIVE—an evening packed with inspiration, innovation, and unforgettable moments.
And the industry took notice. Major fashion media, including WWD, Vogue, Essence, Fashionista, and People, were on hand to capture the night’s standout moments—from red-carpet arrivals to heartfelt Scholar stories and honoree highlights.
Co-hosted by industry powerhouses Christian Siriano and Coco Rocha, this year’s event welcomed the Class of 2025 Scholars, honored visionary designer Jerry Lorenzo, Founder & Creative Director of Fear of God; dynamic entrepreneurs Erin and Sara Foster, Co-Founders of Favorite Daughter; and retail icon Tony Spring, Chairman & CEO of Macy’s, Inc., and awarded one standout student with the coveted $25,000 Chairman’s Award. With 160 Scholars in the room, including 60 Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship recipients, FSF LIVE proved once again why it’s a cornerstone event for the future of fashion.
A FASHION FAMILY REUNION
From the moment Coco and Christian took the stage, the pair’s playful banter and heartfelt advice set the tone for a night dedicated to celebrating ambition and authenticity. Their message was clear: say yes to the unexpected because every moment can lead to magic.
The audience was filled with educators, mentors, brand partners, and fashion executives—and the Scholars who will one day work alongside them. Case studies lined the room like a fashion-forward science fair, with students ready to pitch their boldest ideas in merchandising, marketing, design and product development, and business strategy.
Co-hosts Coco Rocha and Christian Siriano. Photo courtesy of BFA; Jason Lowrie & Matt Borkowski
BIG PROGRESS, BIGGER DREAMS
Fashion Scholarship Fund Executive Director Peter Arnold and Head of the Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund and Equity, Farai Simoyi, shared FSF’s impressive impact numbers. With a record-breaking 1,400+ applications and more than $1.9 million awarded in scholarships, the FSF’s growth is tangible. Highlights included:
A jump from 130 to 160 Scholars, each receiving at least $10,000.
Increased diversity: 66% BIPOC, 36% Pell Grant eligible, and 14% first-generation college students.
Doubling the Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” class from 30 to 60 Scholars.
Launch of the Bridge Fund, helping students access internships and housing.
The upcoming launch of FSF University, an open-access virtual curriculum for potential FSF scholarship applicants.
Farai Simoyi and Peter Arnold. Photo courtesy of BFA; Jason Lowrie & Matt Borkowski
SPOTLIGHT ON TALENT: THE 2025 FINALISTS
One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the FSF Finalist storytelling segment, hosted by 2023 Chairman’s Award winner Clay Lute. Four standout students took center stage as their case studies—and personal journeys—inspired a room full of industry leaders, mentors, and peers.
Chloe Allen, a student at Virginia Commonwealth University and Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholar, explored the possibilities of luxury outerwear for space tourism. Drawing from her own experience navigating a rare childhood brain condition that limited her physical world, Chloe imagined how garments designed for the extreme environments of space could be reimagined for ice hikers—a bold fusion of fashion and fiber innovation for extreme explorers on Earth.
From the University of California, Berkeley, Ryan Cheung shared a powerful story of how childhood bullying shaped his understanding of fashion’s emotional weight. After being mocked for his hand-me-downs and off-trend Vans, he began exploring clothing as a form of self-expression and belonging. That journey led him from vintage reselling to founding Saturn Los Angeles, a streetwear brand that recently pivoted into climbing apparel—filling a gap in a community where he finally felt seen. “Clothing isn't just functional,” Ryan said. “It's emotional. It's a sense of identity.”
Fatmata Camara of LIM College took the audience on a journey from undocumented teen to assistant buyer at Macy’s. Her case study, Smart React, presented a forward-thinking, AI-powered skincare system rooted in sustainability and accessibility. “The Fashion Scholarship Fund changed my life,” she said. “I remember meeting Peter [Arnold] three years ago and feeling his genuine support when he said, ‘We are here for you.’ This is proof of the power of investing in people.”
Finally, Flora Medina of Savannah College of Art and Design imagined a campaign for Crocs that harnessed generative AI to allow users to design their own Jibbitz. Through a touching story of growing up navigating identity and mental health, Flora explained how fashion became her outlet for self-expression. Her case study was more than a marketing idea—it celebrated individuality, inclusion, and creative freedom.
Finalists Fatmata Camara, Ryan Cheung, Flora Medina, and Chloe Allen. Photo courtesy of BFA; Jason Lowrie & Matt Borkowski
CELEBRATING INDUSTRY ICONS
Throughout the night, FSF honored trailblazing industry leaders who are reshaping the fashion landscape with vision, authenticity, and heart.
Visionary designer Jerry Lorenzo, Fear of God’s Founder and Creative Director, was recognized by Harper’s Bazaar Editor-in-Chief Samira Nasr for his bold leadership and ability to create a brand that balances cultural relevance with timeless design. As Lorenzo shared from the FSF Live stage, “The goal is never just to create clothes — it’s to create moments, memories, and meaning. Fashion at its best is about connection.”
Next, Erin and Sara Foster—sisters and Co-Founders of Favorite Daughter, brought laughter and real talk to the room. Their remarks blended comedic timing with deep insight into building a brand, navigating rejection, and staying true to your creative instincts. “Talent is something you have no control over,” said Erin. “Success is everything else. And that you do control.” Sara added, “You already have the secret to success. The story of the person next to you isn’t yours. Your story is.”
The evening also honored Tony Spring, Chairman and CEO of Macy’s, Inc., for his longtime partnership with FSF and commitment to nurturing future leaders in retail. In his remarks, he underscored the human side of the industry: “Retail is more than business—it’s about people: our customers, our colleagues, and our communities.” Spring reflected on Macy’s decades-long collaboration with FSF and celebrated the next generation of talent, calling their ideas and energy “essential to the industry's future.”
CLOSING OUT WITH PURPOSE
The evening wrapped with FSF Board President John Tighe and five-time NBA All-Star and Center for the New York Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns, announcing the winner of the 2025 Chairman’s Award, Fatmata Camara. Fatmata took to the stage to congratulate her other finalists and share the award with her mother, crediting her support and encouragement for giving her the strength to pursue her goals, no matter the obstacles. It was a moment that brought the night’s purpose into sharp focus—recognizing the talent, drive, and perspective that will shape the future of the fashion industry.
Coco Rocha summed it up for all of the Scholars in the room: “Keep being unapologetically you because clearly, it’s working.”
From the KidSuper x FSF capsule collection. Photo courtesy of BFA; Jason Lowrie & Matt Borkowski
For those who didn’t get a chance to attend—or want to take a piece of the night home—the limited-edition KidSuper x FSF capsule collection is now available to shop online. Designed by KidSuper designer Colm Dillane and first unveiled at FSF LIVE on April 7, the capsule is a bold blend of creativity and purpose. Even better, 100% of the net proceeds benefit the Fashion Scholarship Fund. The exclusive merch drop is available for a limited time, so don’t sleep on it.
Additionally, you can watch highlights from the evening’s onstage moments here.
Anna Wintour, Peter Arnold, and Fatmata Camara. Photo courtesy of BFA; Jason Lowrie & Matt Borkowski
The Fashion Scholarship Fund is proud to recognize the sponsors and partners who made FSF LIVE possible, including Finalist sponsors BCI Brands, LVMH, Macy’s Inc., Peerless Clothing, Ralph Lauren Corporation, Saks Global, SKIMS, and WWD, as well as Cactus Jack Foundation, Eric Emanuel, Nordstrom, PVH Foundation, The TJX Companies, Inc., and The VF Foundation. Special thanks to creative collaborators KidSuper, who designed exclusive merch with all proceeds benefiting FSF, Ghetto Gastro for providing this year’s culinary experience, and Venus X for DJing the evening. A longtime partner, Macy’s Inc. hosted pre-event programming and spotlighted Scholar-designed collections in stores. WWD also hosted a pre-event panel and SKIMS led a networking breakfast for all 160 Scholars the morning after FSF LIVE.
