When an evening brings together driven fashion students, industry heavyweights, and a designer-supermodel duo at the helm, the result is bound to be a night brimming with celebratory pomp. Such was the case at the Fashion Scholarship Fund Gala, where Christian Siriano and Coco Rocha led an inspiring program rooted in recognition, purpose—and a dash of fun.
“Look around the room! Case studies by all of these incredibly talented scholars are displayed by discipline. This is a fashion geek’s science fair—except with better accessories and cuter looks,” Siriano quipped from the stage.
The Glasshouse was transformed into a dynamic showcase spotlighting the evening’s stars: 160 FSF Scholars and Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” Scholars. Their portfolios lined the venue as the students hovered nearby, chatting with friends, family, and curious guests.
The room was filled with industry supporters, including Fern Mallis; designers Wes Gordon, Kim Shui, and Jackson Wiederhoeft; stylists Gabriella Karefa-Johnson and Law Roach; Nordstrom’s Jian DeLeon; The RealReal’s Kristen Naiman; and CFDA CEO Steven Kolb.
Heartfelt tributes and words of encouragement flowed throughout the night, as guests sampled culinary creations by Bronx-born collective Ghetto Gastro and browsed a surprise KidSuper x FSF capsule pop-up by artist-designer Colm Dillane.
This year’s honorees included Macy’s CEO Tony Spring and Fear of God founder Jerry Lorenzo, introduced by Harper’s Bazaar Editor-in-Chief Samira Nasr.
“To all the dreamers here tonight: Know that you are respected and valued. Your stories are necessary,” Lorenzo told the crowd. “It is your job to have a mission—and your responsibility to have character.”
Also recognized were Erin and Sara Foster of Favorite Daughter, presented by designer Danielle Frankel. Backstage, the sisters reflected on their path and the impact of connecting with the young changemakers in the room.
“Being young and ambitious can be so overwhelming,” said Sara Foster. “Anytime we get to be in front of young people to help them feel more at ease—that’s so cool to us.”
The evening closed on a high note with five-time NBA All-Star and New York Knicks player Karl-Anthony Towns presenting the $25,000 Chairman’s Award to Fatmata Camara of LIM College. Camara, beaming with gratitude, addressed the crowd: “Thank you so much. Congratulations to the other finalists—it’s been amazing to work with you!”
