Ryan Stroup is a 2020 FSF Scholarship recipient and a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (Class of ‘21). Today, he is a Technical Designer for Men’s Outerwear and Swim at Abercrombie & Fitch Co., bringing precision, curiosity, and a thoughtful approach to product development.
Ryan credits FSF with easing the pressures of an unpredictable senior year and helping him build early connections that carried him through the start of his career. His journey reflects the resilience, mentorship, and community support that define the FSF network—and continue to shape his path forward.
FSF: How would you describe your personal style in three words?
Ryan Stroup: Minimalist, classic, comfortable.
FSF: What’s the most important lesson you learned through FSF?
RS: To believe in myself and my point of view.
FSF: The future of fashion is _____.
RS: Utilitarian and more sustainable.
FSF: How did FSF help you embark on your career—and how do you continue to tap into the community or its resources today?
RS: About three months after our awards gala, the COVID-19 pandemic began. Thanks to the scholarship I received as a Case Study Competition winner, I was able to cover expenses during my final year of college. Having one less burden during such an unconventional time allowed me to focus on my senior capstone and my post-graduation job search. Staying in touch with some of the professionals and fellow Scholars I met during our trip to New York also helped the world feel a little less small while we were all in lockdown.
FSF: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your fashion journey so far?
RS: My grandmother has always been my biggest supporter. She encouraged my creative interests from an early age and was the one who taught me how to sew. I was proud to honor both of my grandparents in my senior capstone, Grandma’s Boy. You can view that project here.
FSF: Can you tell us about a recent project you’re proud of?
RS: About a year ago, I worked on the launch of A&F’s new line of men’s suiting. As someone with limited tailoring experience, the challenge felt daunting at first. Through strong collaboration with our design team and vendor partners, we produced high-quality products we were genuinely proud of—and the line resonated with our customers, as well.
FSF: What role do you see mentorship playing in the future of fashion?
RS: Mentorship is an essential part of growth. In the Technical Design department at A&F, we have a rotating mentorship program, and since joining, I’ve had several mentors who helped strengthen my technical skills and offered guidance on how to advance in my role. I’ve recently started mentoring new hires, which has helped me develop my leadership skills in a casual, supportive setting. I highly recommend taking on a mentorship role if you have the opportunity.
FSF: Are there any lessons from your time as an FSF Scholar or Alumnus that continue to resonate with you today?
RS: My time as a Scholar taught me that industry professionals are often more willing to make time for a conversation than we expect. In a fast-paced environment like fashion, it can feel intimidating to reach out, but setting aside 30 minutes to learn from someone else’s experience or seek feedback can go a long way. It’s a practice I continue to use to build stronger working relationships with my peers and managers.
FSF: Any upcoming projects you’d like to share?
RS: As we look toward our Fall 2026 outerwear season, our Tech team is planning to integrate 3D technology into our development process more than ever before. It’s an exciting evolution in how we work and a reminder that change is constant in this industry.
FSF: Anything else you’d like to add?
RS: As I reflect on my professional journey, I’m always struck by how often FSF connections appear. I worked with one of my design counterparts for multiple seasons before realizing we were both FSF Scholars—and we only made that discovery at an alumni event in the office. It’s a testament to how expansive the FSF network truly is and how it continues to grow with time.
📲 Follow Ryan’s journey: LinkedIn
