The Tamesis
Ciara, Gwen Jackson, Russell WilsonMatt Borkoski/BFA.com
At the Fashion Scholarship Fund’s annual event, one thing is certain: the future of fashion is in good hands. On the first Monday of spring, guests gathered at The Glasshouse in West Chelsea, with the Hudson River and seemingly endless horizon as their backdrop. Regardless, the room full of college students from all over the country was filled with boundless energy and creativity.
The organization organizes a series of performances that keep the audience completely spellbound until the end. Stylist and fashion editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson served as the evening’s host; given that she is a former FSF scholar herself, it was a complete moment. Opening remarks were given by FSF Executive Director Peter Arnold and Virgil Abloh Head of Postmodern Scholarship and Equity Farai Simoyi. “Our work continues to show that when you open the door and say ‘we see you,’ these students don’t just enter the industry; they stay, they lead, and start changing it,” Simoyi said, referring to the 90 percent of fund alumni who go on to work in the fashion industry.
Actor Jeremy Pope, wearing an espresso-colored corduroy trench coat, took the stage to introduce his old friend, collaborator, and first honoree of the night: Law Roach. Before speaking, Ariana Grande, the “image stylist” behind Zendaya, among others, flipped his famously slicked locks – echoing Pop’s introduction – a move that had the audience erupting in laughter. As Roach addressed the students, the mood quickly turned to reflection. “I really think fashion has given me life,” he said. “I am who I am because I believe I can be, and I challenge you to believe the same.”
Honorees Ciara and Russell Wilson arrived with their children, Sienna and Future, dressed in head-to-toe Willy Chavarria uniforms — a fitting choice for a night centered around heritage and the next generation. “Fashion is such a strong form of expression,” Ciara told Fashion As she walked down the red carpet, she noted that today’s digital platforms have opened doors for emerging voices.
