The Fashion Scholarship Fund held its 89th annual gala at The Glasshouse in West Chelsea, New York, honoring figures like Ciara, Russell Wilson, Law Roach, and Travis Scott while celebrating student talent. Student designer Kuan Jackson received the $25,000 Chairman’s Award. The event highlighted the organization's impact on emerging fashion professionals.
Guests gathered at The Glasshouse in West Chelsea on the first Monday of spring for the Fashion Scholarship Fund’s 89th annual gala, overlooking the Hudson River. The evening featured student work displays and a program hosted by stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, a former FSF scholar herself. FSF executive director Peter Arnold and Farai Simoyi, head of the Virgil Abloh Post-Modern Scholarship and Equity, opened with remarks on the fund's success. Simoyi noted that 90% of alumni continue working in fashion, adding, “What our work continues to show is that when you open doors and say ‘we see you’—those students don’t just enter the industry; they stay, they lead, and they begin to change it.” Honorees included stylist Law Roach, introduced by actor Jeremy Pope. Roach told students, “I really think that fashion gave me my life... I challenge you guys to have that same belief.” Ciara and Russell Wilson arrived with children Sienna and Future in Willy Chavarria outfits. Ciara told Vogue, “Fashion is such a strong form of expression,” crediting digital platforms for new voices. In her speech, she called setbacks “just your beauty marks in the making,” while Wilson emphasized self-talk and their Why Not You Foundation's opportunities for youth. Tommy Hilfiger introduced PVH Corp. CEO Stefan Larsson. KidSuper designer Colm Dillane spotlighted finalists Justin Le, Madison-Jade Bishop, Rylee Funfsinn, and Kuan Jackson. Travis Scott made a surprise appearance, overseeing the Cactus Jack Design Ethos Scholarship, urging, “Keep pushing the limits... just go with your gut and you’ll figure it out.” FSF board president Amanda Smith and designer Raul Lopez of Luar announced Kuan Jackson as the $25,000 winner. Jackson said, “This is not just my win. This is all of our win... Together we win.”
