The Council of Fashion Designers of America, which has been awarding scholarships for 30 years, will bestow a record $1.5 million in scholarships to design students across the U.S. this year.
Since its founding in 1996, the CFDA Scholarship Fund has served as one of the industry’s most enduring commitments to supporting new voices shaping American fashion.
The milestone year is made possible in part by a group of new scholarship partners: Bezos Earth Fund, Carolina Herrera, the Melvin and Monique Rodriguez Family Foundation, the PVH Foundation and Veronica Beard.
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They join the long-term Geoffrey Beene Design Scholar Award. In addition, a student will receive a special award in honor of Liz Claiborne. The Geoffrey Beene and Liz Claiborne awards are both in perpetuity.
This year’s scholarships challenge students to push the boundaries of contemporary design spanning wearable technology and digital fabrication, mastery of traditional techniques and a thoughtful approach to sustainability and material sourcing.
“As we celebrate 30 years of the CFDA Scholarship Fund, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the next generation of American fashion,” said Steven Kolb, chief executive officer and president of the CFDA. “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.”
Established as a merit-based scholarship at Parsons in the name of former CFDA president Perry Ellis, the program was spearheaded by CFDA member Monika Tilley. Tilley worked to establish expanded engagement with peer institutions such as the Rhode Island School of Design and Otis School of Art + Design, making regular in-person visits to meet faculty and mentor students on campuses.
Designer Stan Herman, CFDA president from 1991 to 2006, spoke about how important the scholarships were to the purpose of the CFDA.
“I give most of the credit to Monika Tilley and Patricia Underwood,” said Herman. “They constantly pushed me on scholarships. Personally, I feel the council grew up when that committee was formed; it was the first time we started to give back in a consistent way. It represented the best of the council and she [Tilley] would be so proud of what the CFDA Scholarship Fund has become. We were pumping new life into our world and began to become an organization that truly helped service the industry. It’s one of the most important things we can do to keep the industry alive.”
Monique Rodriguez, founder and CEO of Mielle Organics, said, “As founders, we understand how transformative access and opportunity can be. I often say, ‘How are people supposed to get in the door if they can’t even get to the door?’ and that belief is at the heart of the work we do through the Melvin and Monique Rodriguez Family Foundation. Our goal is to support the next generation of creatives by helping remove barriers and opening doors. Partnering with the CFDA Scholarship Fund allows us to invest in young designers who will not only shape what’s next in fashion but also bring new ideas, perspectives, and innovation to the industry.”
Emilie Rubinfeld, president of Carolina Herrera, said, “Through its scholarship initiative, the CFDA is transforming the lives of the next generation of designers. By discovering and nurturing new talent, this platform ensures the broader industry continues to thrive and flourish. At Carolina Herrera, we leverage this program to deepen our commitment to supporting and empowering women in creative fields.”
Wes Gordon, global creative director of Carolina Herrera, added, “Supporting the CFDA scholarship program feels very personal to us, and it’s a natural extension of our Women in the Arts commitment. Mrs. Herrera began because someone recognized her talent early, and that idea of access has always started with the house. Scholarships give young designers — especially women — the space to focus on craft and develop a real point of view. It’s about shaping the future of fashion in a way that is lasting and meaningful.”