On September 30, FSF Scholars, Alumni, and industry friends gathered at the Saks Fifth Avenue flagship in New York City to celebrate five years of partnership between the FSF and Exemplar Luxury Group.
The evening was hosted by Bruce Pask, AVP, Men's Fashion Office, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. The FSF community gathered inside Let's Go, a concept shop curated by Chloe King, Fashion Director, Neiman Marcus & Saks, and inspired by Saks' fall fashion campaign and New York City's creative energy. Guests caught up over drinks, met fellow members of the FSF community, and spent the evening surrounded by fall fashion.
Photo courtesy of Hannah Turner-Harts
A PARTNERSHIP WORTH CELEBRATING
Since the partnership began five years ago, Exemplar Luxury Group has supported FSF Scholars through scholarships, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
FSF's Farai Simoyi, Head of the Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund & Equity, welcomed guests and thanked the Saks and Exemplar Luxury Group teams for their ongoing support. She also acknowledged that the gathering coincided with what would have been Virgil Abloh's birthday, a meaningful date for a community dedicated to supporting emerging creative talent.
Photo courtesy of Hannah Turner-Harts
Pask, who has mentored FSF Scholars throughout the partnership, spoke about what he's learned from the experience. He's consistently impressed by the ingenuity and curiosity of the students he meets, and says he often leaves their conversations feeling just as inspired as they do.
"Mentorship, it turns out, can be a mutually inspiring experience," he shared.
He also had some practical advice for the Scholars and Alumni in attendance. "Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to people whose work or talent you admire, in person, via email or DM."
His encouragement to follow up, take chances, and nurture professional relationships felt especially fitting for an evening spent making new connections.
Thank you to Bruce Pask, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Exemplar Luxury Group for bringing the FSF community together and for five years of support for our Scholars.
Take a look through the photos for more from the evening.
