CFDA awards record $1.5 million in fashion student scholarships

The Council of Fashion Designers of America is marking the 30th anniversary of its Scholarship Fund with a record $1.5 million in scholarships set to be awarded to fashion design students across the United States.

Founded in 1996, the CFDA Scholarship Fund has become one of the organization’s longest-running initiatives supporting emerging American fashion talent.

This year’s funding is being supported by a new group of scholarship partners, including Bezos Earth Fund, Carolina HerreraThe Melvin and Monique Rodriguez Family Foundation, The PVH Foundation and Veronica Beard. They join the long-running Geoffrey Beene Design Scholar Award program, while an additional student award will be presented in honor of Liz Claiborne. both the Geoffrey Beene and Liz Claiborne awards are designated as permanent scholarship initiatives.

The CFDA said this year’s scholarship challenges encourage students to explore a broad range of design disciplines and emerging practices, including wearable technology, digital fabrication, sustainability and advanced material sourcing. Participants are also being asked to engage with unconventional creative concepts such as using hair as a design medium and drawing inspiration from the legacy of Geoffrey Beene.

“As we celebrate 30 years of the CFDA Scholarship Fund, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the next generation of American fashion,” said CFDA CEO and president Steven Kolb.

“With a record $1.5 million in funding to be awarded this year, we are proud to support students whose creativity and vision will shape the industry’s future. This impact is made possible by the generosity of our partners and a shared belief in the power of education.”

Looking ahead, the CFDA said the Scholarship Fund will continue evolving in partnership with educators and industry leaders to ensure students are equipped with the skills and resources needed for a rapidly changing fashion landscape.

This week, the CFDA also announced the second cycle of their Jewelry Designer Award program with Tiffany & Co., expanding the initiative with a new scholarship. The $25,000 scholarship and summer internship opportunity is aimed at early-career jewelry design students.

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