Fashion Scholarship Fund + Virgil Abloh "Post-Modern" Scholarship Fund Annual Gala
The Fashion Scholarship Fund is the largest non-profit in the country offering scholarships to fashion students at over 70 universities. Scholar recipients study all aspects of the industry, inclusive of design, marketing analytics, merchandising, business development, sustainability, and supply chain.
Each year SKB Event Shop works in partnership with Liberty & Co to executive produce the FSF’s annual fundraiser in NYC, called FSF Live, each time hosted by a notable personality and honoring members of the industry that have made significant contributions or changes to the industry that year. Past honorees have included Virgil Abloh, Geoffroy Van Raemdonck (CEO, Neiman Marcus Group), Anna Wintour, and Emma Grede (Founder, Skims), with hosts including Renee Elise Goldsberry and Karli Kloss. In 2024, the event honored Tracee Ellis Ross, Michael Burke (CEO and Chairman, LVMH Group), and Pete Nordstrom (President, Nordstrom).
As part of the FSF, Virgil Abloh established his “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund in 2019 with the sole purpose of advancing Black talent and representation across all areas of the industry. Over 100 students have now been the recipient of a “Post-Modern” Scholarship, with scholarships doubling starting in 2025. The scholarship most notably comes with mentorship by some of the industry’s leading talent, as well as access to valuable internships around the world.
Both the FSF and “Post-Modern” are supported by nearly every major brand and fashion house in the industry, with the 750-guest cocktail reception attracting major designers, executives, stylists, educators, and press each year. It is also supported by peripheral industry notables including Ghetto Gastro, as well as DJ Gonnie Garko, and is annually supported by the full portfolio of Moet Hennessy.
The event includes the production of a full exhibition showcasing the student’s case studies, a substantial press/arrivals area, staging, and a full program consisting of remarks by the host, FSF Board Members, presenters, and honorees. Additionally, the event features a live storytelling moment by the evening’s four student Finalists, competing to win a larger Scholarship prize called the Chairman’s award, where each student presents their work to the room on a central stage.
