2019+Annual+Report+Final+v2

2019 Annual Report

Investing in
FASHION’S
FUTURE
The Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) supports the careers of the country’s most
talented young students from all backgrounds. The FSF awards over $1.2 million
each year in scholarships to help these students succeed in all sectors of the
industry: design, merchandising, marketing and analytics, and supply chain.
In short, the FSF is investing in the future of fashion.
The FSF also provides scholars with internship and career opportunities,
mentorship, networking, professional development and unprecedented access to
the industry’s most influential leaders and companies.
FSF was founded in 1937 and is the foremost fashion-oriented education and
workforce development nonprofit in the U.S.

“I WILL BE FOREVER
GRATEFUL TO
THE FASHION
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
FOR TAKING MY
HUMBLE ROOTS AND
PLANTING THEM
IN A FLOURISHING
GARDEN.”
Michal MacMorran
2019 FSF Scholarship Recipient
Indiana State University

TABLE OF CONTENTS
6
Introduction
8
2019 Impact
9
Scholarships
15
Internships/Career Placement
17
Mentoring
18
Summer Events
21
Alumni
22
Accelerator Grant
23
Gala
26
Awareness/Development Events
27
Partnerships
28
Board of Governors
29
Financial Overview

5

LETTER
FROM THE
PRESIDENT
As the largest and oldest scholarship organization
supporting the country’s up-and-coming fashion
talent, the Fashion Scholarship Fund creates
educational and career opportunities for young
people across the U.S. In 2019, we awarded over
$1.2 million in scholarships.
We realize the future of the fashion industry is
directly dependent on our success. We impact
thousands of young lives and provide both the
financial means and confidence needed for
emerging talent to keep moving forward.
As the President of the Board of Governors of the
FSF, I’m passionate about the work we’re doing—
the work is personal to me.
I urge you to explore how you, too, can become a
part of our community of supporters and help us
fashion the future.
After all, what is the world without fashion? It
looks pretty uninspiring indeed.
Marc Mastronardi
FSF Board of Governors President;
SVP, Customer Experience & Store
Operations, Macy’s, Inc.
LETTER
FROM THE
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR
Since its launch in 1937, the Fashion Scholarship
Fund has been tirelessly working with and for the
fashion community by identifying and nurturing
its most promising young talent. The FSF leads
the industry in its support of and commitment to
education and career placement in all of fashion’s
arts, tech, and business disciplines. Annually,
we award scholarships ranging from $5,000 to
$35,000 to students from over 60 colleges and
universities nationwide.
Our scholarship, internship, mentorship, and
educational programs inspire students at all stages
of their lives—from their Scholar years to Alumni
status and through their professional careers. We
at the FSF are committed to advancing the futures
of today’s students and young professionals—and
to supporting the next generation of the fashion
industry.
The FSF’s mission mirrors my own personal
passion—helping as much young talent succeed in
our industry as possible.
Peter Arnold
FSF Executive Director
6

7

2019 IMPACT
740
SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICANTS
207
SCHOLARSHIP
RECIPIENTS
82
YEARS OF
EXCELLENCE
OVER $1,200,000 AWARDED
$5,000–$35,000 AWARD TIERS
62 FSF MEMBER SCHOOLS
100+ CORPORATE RECRUITMENT PARTNERS
500+ FASHION INDUSTRY MENTORS
8

FSF SCHOLARSHIPS
FSF CASE STUDY SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION
For students, the first step to joining the FSF community is to compete in the annual FSF Case Study
competition. Divided into four disciplines—design, merchandising, marketing and analytics, and supply
chain—the Case Study is a merit-based scholarship competition that challenges students to solve relevant
problems facing the fashion industry.
Each year, all scholarship recipients are awarded between $5,000 to $10,000 based on their case study scores.
In addition, eight top scoring FSF “finalists” are awarded with scholarships between $15,000 and $35,000.
In 2019, our Case Study Scholarship competition was based on the topic of globalization in the fashion
industry.
Students were challenged to expand an existing company within the apparel, accessories, beauty, or home
goods categories into the international market from the perspective of one of the four disciplines.
740 applicants from our 62 member schools competed for the 2019 scholarship. Applicants were required
to have a G.P.A. greater than 3.00 and to submit their case studies anonymously in order to maintain a
nonbiased selection process.
Our reviewing body of 400 FSF mentors, Alumni, and industry partners selected 207 of the submissions
to receive awards of up to $35,000. Through FSF’s efforts to connect with and support underrepresented
populations of talent, 23% of the 2019 Scholars were African American, Hispanic/Latino or Native
Hawaiian. All 207 scholarship recipients were invited to attend the highly anticipated FSF Awards Gala in
New York City as FSF’s guests.
TOP EIGHT FINALISTS
Of the 207 FSF Scholars, the eight recipients with the highest scores presented their case studies in person
to a panel of fashion-industry leaders in New York City. Usually, the judges select one winner for the
$35,000 FSF Scholarship. In 2019, the judges decided that two recipients deserved the honor. All finalists
appeared on stage at the FSF Awards Gala the following evening and the winners were announced.
9

$35,000 RECIPIENTS
Jennifer Junker, Iowa State University
Her case study proposed Outdoor Voices’ global expansion in Scandinavia.
Isabella Mendez, Savannah College of Art and Design
Isabella created a new trail category for clothing manufacturer Alo Yoga
to appeal to the European market.
$15,000 FINALISTS
Maxine Britt, University of Minnesota
Her case study explored how the Wildfang brand could appeal to the
Japanese market.
Rachel Davis, University of Cincinnati
She created a launch plan to expand U.S. retailer Reformation to the
London market.
Jeremy Kalteux, University of Georgia
His case study explored how Spanx could expand by introducing
swimwear globally.
Viviana Martinez, University of Texas, Austin
She presented an opportunity for Boohoo.com to globalize their
platforms.
Sydney Silver, Academy of Art University
Sydney created a marketing and merchandising launch plan for retailer
Dolls Kill, targeting the South Korean market.
Javier Uriegas, University of Texas, Austin
Javier’s case study explored how ASOS could enter the South Korean
e-commerce market.
NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS
Named Scholarships make a difference in the lives of our talented young
visionaries while contributing to the vitality of the fashion and related
industries. Named Scholarships are created through a gift commitment
for a term of at least three years.
In 2019, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) provided
funding for ten $5,000 scholarships and Ross Stores, Inc. underwrote
seven $5,000 scholarships. Additionally, the Zwerner Family, Diane
Edelman and Peter Sachse each provided $5,000 in support for named
scholarships to our Scholars.
10

11

“I WAS ABLE
TO USE MY
SCHOLARSHIP
MONEY TO
STUDY IN PARIS
AND WORK IN
COLLABORATION
WITH LES
METIERS D’ART,
CHANEL!”
Andrea Spiridonakos,
2015 FSF Scholarship Recipient
Fashion Institute of Technology

ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY AUBURN UNIVERSITY BARNARD COLLEGE BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY
BROWN UNIVERSITY CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, POMONA CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO COLUMBUS COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN
CORNELL UNIVERSITY DREXEL UNIVERSITY FASHION INSTITUTE OF DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING
FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE
HAMILTON COLLEGE HARVARD UNIVERSITY INDIANA UNIVERSITY IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY KENT STATE UNIVERSITY LEHIGH UNIVERSITY LIM COLLEGE
MARIST COLLEGE MIAMI INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF ART AND DESIGN NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY OTIS COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN
PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN PRATT INSTITUTE PURDUE UNIVERSITY RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN
SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY
SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN SPELMAN COLLEGE
STEPHENS COLLEGE SUNY BUFFALO STATE SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, GREENSBORO
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, AUSTIN THE WHARTON SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN, MADISON
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
YESHIVA UNIVERSITY
13

FSF
MEMBER SCHOOLS
In 2019, our 62 member schools included 32 public universities and 30 private colleges/universities.
Through our partnerships with member schools across the country, the FSF has cultivated strong relationships with faculty members
who help identify the most promising undergraduates interested in pursuing careers in fashion design, merchandising, marketing
and analytics, and supply chain.
The academic curriculum among our 62 FSF member
schools includes 40 design programs, 42 merchandising
and retailing programs, and 43 business programs.
We are pleased that 58 of our FSF member schools were
ranked among the top schools in the U.S. by discipline
according to Fashionista.com, FashionSchools.org,
Business of Fashion (BOF), and U.S. News and World
Report’s Best Colleges and Universities.
Percentage of FSF member schools ranked among the top
25 U.S. schools by discipline:
• 92% of FSF member design schools ranked in the top 25
(23/25)
• 92% of FSF member merchandising / retailing schools
ranked in the top 25 (23/25)
FSF CAMPUS VISITS
In 2019, FSF Ambassadors (including Board members,
mentors, and Alumni) traveled to 35 member schools
across the country. They met with hundreds of
undergraduate students pursuing creative and business
disciplines, to announce the 2020 FSF Scholarship competition and encourage students to apply. The Ambassadors also discussed
the benefits of winning the FSF Case Study competition, and the career-readiness programs and professional development
opportunities available to scholarship recipients.
While on campus, our Ambassadors met with members of academic administrations and career development offices. We’re always
looking to foster relationships in order to identify the next generation of fashion talent and connect our company supporters with the
most promising early talent on campuses nationwide.
FSF EDUCATOR SUMMIT
The FSF kicked off the year with its annual Educator Summit in
New York City. It was attended by more than 60 faculty partners
from our member schools across the country.
The agenda focused on new FSF educational initiatives for schools
and students. In addition, faculty members heard from Abercrombie
& Fitch’s Director of Human Resources, Carly Hazard, about postgraduation
career paths for students.
During the conference, faculty partners shared best practices with
respect to the FSF Scholarship competition and strategized ways to
increase campus awareness about the unique opportunities the FSF
offers students.
“Nothing comes close to the FSF’s
extraordinary commitment to
identifying and nurturing young
talent for the fashion industry.”
Sheila Connelly
Director of the Fashion Design Department
Thomas Jefferson University
14

INTERNSHIPS/
CAREER PLACEMENT
“
Through the FSF
Talent Acquisition
Event, I landed a
summer internship
that turned into a
full-time offer. I’ve
been with that same
company for over
five years now.”
Fabriana Watts
2014 FSF Scholarship Recipient
University of Missouri
NEW YORK CITY TALENT ACQUISITION EVENT
In January 2019, the FSF hosted its annual Talent Acquisition Event at the New York Hilton for its newest FSF Scholarship
recipients. The 207 Scholars were connected with more than 60 recruitment representatives from leading fashion companies for fulltime
job opportunities and summer internships in design, merchandising, marketing, supply chain and related fields.
LOS ANGELES TALENT ACQUISITION EVENT
On October 4th, 2019, we hosted the first-ever FSF West Coast Talent Acquisition Event in Los Angeles for past FSF Scholarship
recipients and the 2020 Case Study competition applicants. More than 100 students from our California FSF member schools
attended, including students and Alumni from: Academy of Art University; California State Polytechnic University, Pomona;
Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising; Otis College of Art and Design; Santa Clara University; University of California, Los
Angeles; University of Southern California; and the University of California, Berkeley. Over 15 recruitment partners participated in
the event, including representatives from: 24 Seven, Inc., Burlington Stores, Global Brands Group, Kohl’s, Levi Strauss & Company,
Macy’s Inc, Ross Stores, Inc., Sephora, Stitch Fix, and The Collected Group.
15

PLACEMENT STATS
One hundred percent of the 207 FSF Scholarship recipients were supported
in placement of internships and entry-level positions at prestigious companies
such as:
Abercrombie & Fitch | adidas | Anthropologie | American Eagle | AmeriCo |
Ann Taylor Loft | Athleta | Bloomingdale’s | Burlington Stores | Canada
Goose | Centric Brands | Chico’s | Delta Galil USA | Dick’s Sporting Goods |
Dillard’s | Express | Fashion Snoops | Free People | GAP Inc. | G-III Apparel
Group | Global Brands Group | Goldman Sachs | Haddad Brands | J. Crew |
J.C. Penney | Kenneth Cole Productions | Kohl’s | Lands’ End | Levi Strauss &
Company | LF Americas | Lilly Pulitzer | L’Oréal | Macy’s, Inc | Michael Kors |
Naeem Khan | Nautica | Nike | Nordstrom | Oscar de la Renta | Peerless
Clothing | Perry Ellis International | PVH | QVC | Ralph Lauren | Randa
Accessories | Reebok | Ross Stores, Inc | SAP | Steve Madden | Tharanco
Lifestyles | Tibi | TJX | 24 Seven | Urban Outfitters | United Legwear | Vera
Wang | VF Jeanswear | Vince | Wal-Mart | Weissman
SCHOLAR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENT
The night before the FSF Awards Gala, we hosted an exclusive professional
development event for the 207 Scholarship winners. The event included
a panel discussion among: Abercrombie & Fitch’s Carly Hazard, Director
of Human Resources and Rachel Lepp, Senior Recruiter and 2009 FSF
Alumnus; PVH’s Dr. Michael Kannisto, Vice President Global Talent
Acquisition; and Meghan Crane, Manager, Marketplace Insights and 2012
FSF Alumnus.
In addition, Rick Barber, Global Account Director at SAP, spoke to the
students about the importance of analytics in fashion’s future.
“
Getting the
scholarship was part
one, but finding a
good internship was
crucial to get my
career off the ground.
The FSF helped me
with that.”
Greg Colussy
2008 FSF Scholarship Recipient
University of Colorado, Boulder
16

“I STILL CONSULT
MY FSF MENTOR
BEFORE EVERY NEW
OPPORTUNITY. SHE
AND THE FSF HAVE
OPENED SO MANY
DOORS FOR ME AND
HELPED LAUNCH MY
CAREER.”
Brittany Katz
2011 FSF Scholarship Recipient
Washington State University in St. Louis
MENTORING
The FSF is committed to fostering the next generation of fashion talent through its signature Mentoring Program.
In 2019, we paired 125 senior FSF Scholars preparing for graduation with an industry mentor based on
their specific interests. Mentors and mentees were assigned according to discipline, job function, geographic
location, company, and alma mater. The results—invaluable experiences for both Scholars and mentors.
The FSF mentoring community is a diverse group of creative and business professionals and includes
mid-level to c-suite executives from companies such as: Abercrombie & Fitch, adidas, Anthropologie,
Bloomingdale’s, Burlington Stores, Calvin Klein, Coach, David Yurman, GAP Inc., Global Brands Group,
Google, Gucci, Hudson’s Bay Company, Kohl’s, Levi Strauss & Company, Lilly Pulitzer, Macy’s, Inc, Michael
Kors, Nordstrom, Perry Ellis International, PVH, Randa Accessories, Ross Stores, Inc, Saks Fifth Avenue,
Stitch Fix, Target, and Under Armour.
One-third of the FSF mentors are also FSF Alumni—previous FSF Scholarship recipients. FSF Alumni
enjoy being mentors, it’s their way of giving back.

2019 SUMMER EVENT SERIES
This summer, the FSF organized an exciting lineup of professional development and networking events for the Class of
2019 FSF Scholars. The events were open to recently graduated NYC-based Alumni, Scholars interning in New York City
for the summer, and the FSF Board of Governors.
FSF SUMMER KICK-OFF PARTY
The first event of FSF’s 2019 Summer Event Series
was its annual Summer Kick-Off Party, held at SAP’s
headquarter in Hudson Yards. Board members, FSF
Alumni, and Class of 2019 FSF Scholars all gathered to
network and celebrate the launch of the FSF Summer
Event Series and summer internship programs.
The winner of the 2019 FSF Accelerator Grant, The
Big Favorite’s Eleanor Turner, and runner up, The
Foundationals' Tim Tembrink, were also announced.
“
The Summer Series gave me invaluable exposure to
all the different sectors of the fashion industry. I am
so thankful to the FSF for coordinating these events!”
Melissa Feeney
2016 FSF Scholarship Recipient
Lehigh University
18

2019 SUMMER EVENT SERIES
CONDÉ NAST
ARCHIVE TOUR
Ivan Shaw, Corporate
Photography Director of
the Condé Nast Archive and
former Vogue Photography
Director, led a guided tour
of the archive. FSF attendees
were able to hear first-hand
stories from Ivan about the
illustrious world of editors,
photographers, and models
as they browsed images from
over 125 years of Vogue,
Vanity Fair, The New Yorker,
Architectural Digest, and GQ.
“If you want to learn, you
have to put yourself in
challenging situations.”
Sam Archibald
FSF Board Member
President, Retail North America
at Calvin Klein
BREAKFAST WITH THE BOSSES
The FSF hosted an informal breakfast for summer interns and select Alumni
that allowed them the opportunity to meet and hear from some of the fashion
industry’s top leaders. The “bosses” spoke about their career paths and the
challenges they encountered along the way.
Speakers included: Sam Archibald, President, Retail North America at Calvin
Klein; Heath Golden, EVP, Chief Strategy Officer, Randa Accessories and
President, Randa Digital Labs; Celeste Gudas, CEO and Founder of 24 Seven
Inc; Lana Todorovich, President and Chief Marketing Officer, Neiman Marcus;
and moderator Ariel Foxman, former InStyle EIC and CBO of Olivela.
PVH: CORPORATE
RESPONSIBILITY EVENT
FSF Scholars and Alumni joined PVH
at their New York City headquarters
to learn about PVH’s corporate
responsibility strategy. Attendees were
also given the opportunity to have a
guided tour of the PVH archives and
view iconic pieces from the company’s
portfolio of brands such as Tommy
Hilfiger and Calvin Klein.
19

LINKEDIN:
ROCK YOUR PROFILE
LinkedIn is an invaluable
tool for students and industry
leaders alike. This exciting
event hosted at the LinkedIn
headquarters in New York
City taught Scholars how
to create winning profiles
in order to help them land
internships and jobs.
CAMP + FSF
A Summer Series event FSF
attendees will never forget: an
exclusive introduction to the
MET’s Camp exhibit by Jessica
Glasscock, a member of the
curatorial team of The Costume
Institute. FSF Scholars and
Alumni were invited to tour the
exhibit and gain in-depth insight
on how fashion and “camp” has
evolved through the centuries.
THE AMERICAN
BEAUTY INDUSTRY:
STAKING ITS CLAIM
AND THRIVING
FSF Scholars and Alumni
gathered at Milk Studios
in New York City to hear
from Milk Makeup cofounders
Georgie Greville
and Zanna Roberts
Rassi, plus Chief Creative
Officer, Tyler Smart. The
trio discussed current
trends in the world of
beauty and how Milk
Makeup continues to
lead the industry through
their groundbreaking
formulas and thoughtful
community building.
“As an intern, people want to see
you take real initiative.”
Georgie Greville
Co-Founder of Milk Makeup
PACKING FOR SUCCESS
At the end of summer, the FSF coordinated a
Corporate Social Responsibility event with the
nonprofit Delivering Good to help at-risk students
prepare for the upcoming school year. FSF Scholars
and Alumni came together to give back to the New
York City community.
20

FSF ALUMNI
The Fashion Scholarship Fund Alumni Association is comprised
of 1,500 previous FSF Scholarship recipients. After graduation,
the FSF continues to provide these ambitious former Scholars
with professional development and networking events throughout
the year.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
FSF Alumni Association is led by a dedicated group of FSF
Scholarship recipients: David Canfield, 2014 FSF Scholar from
Lehigh University and Director of Merchandising Initiatives Saks
Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH; Allison Dameron, 2017 FSF Scholar
from University of Missouri and Associate Account Manager at
Peerless Clothing; Samantha Stern, 2017 FSF Scholar from Cornell
University and Product Development Manager at Sies Marjan;
and Cody Villanueva, 2013 FSF Scholar from University of Arizona
and Associate Financial Planner Prestige Cosmetics at Macy’s Inc.
They partner with the Alumni Committee Chair, Paul Annunziata,
Executive Vice President of Accessories at Centric Brands.
The mission of the Alumni Association is to assist and advance the
FSF Alumni in their career pursuits, continue the relationships
formed through the FSF Scholarship program and create a
dynamic Alumni program that will stimulate interest and build
loyalty to the Fashion Scholarship Fund.
FSF Alumni Network is a digital platform which offers professional
and social opportunities to our Alumni community. The platform
consists of a dynamic directory, interactive job boards, regional
event notifications and personalized content for affinity groups.
In 2019, the FSF digital platform had 1,100 active Alumni.
On November 13th, 2019, the FSF Alumni Association invited
Stephen E. Lamar, Executive Vice President of the American Apparel
& Footwear Association, to join FSF Board of Governor member Paul
Annunziata for a Q&A discussion on today’s tariffs and the trade war.
The event was hosted at Centric Brands and over 40 FSF Alumni
attended. The Alumni Association’s Samantha Stern—a 2016, 2017,
and 2018 FSF Scholarship Recipient—moderated the event.
DECEMBER HOLIDAY PARTY
The FSF hosted its annual Holiday Party in December of 2019
on the 21st floor of the beautiful Glasshouses Chelsea venue.
Over 80 members of the FSF Alumni and Board of Governors
gathered to celebrate the holiday season and toast to another
successful year ahead.
“
The FSF puts students into fashion-industry boardrooms
they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.”
Jameel Mohammed, 2018 and 2019 FSF Scholarship Recipient
The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
21

“
Our support and engagement are helping the brilliant
pool of FSF talent drive the future of the fashion industry.”
Rick Barber
Global Account Director at SAP
“The FSF Accelerator
Grant gave me the
money, connections, and
advice I needed to make
my brand a success.”
Eleanor Turner
2019 FSF $50,000 Accelerator Grant Recipient
FSF
ACCELERATOR
GRANT
The mission of the annual FSF Accelerator Grant is to invest in
past FSF Scholarship recipients we believe to be the future leaders
of fashion. The program awards a $50,000 grant and a year’s
worth of mentorship to an outstanding FSF Alumni-led company
start-up and $10,000 grant and mentoring to one runner-up. A
team of fashion industry leaders works with our 2019 Accelerator
Grant winner and runner up throughout the year on specific
business issues.
2019 ACCELERATOR GRANT SHARK TANK EVENT
In April 2019, four entrepreneurial FSF Alumni (Jameel
Mohammed, KHIRY, a luxury jewelry company; Francesca
Skwark, Checka, a women’s ready-to-wear brand; Madalyn
Manzeck, Madalyn Joy Designs, a bespoke lingerie brand; and
Nicholas Lee, Arturo, an e-commerce marketplace platform)
pitched their business ideas to four industry luminaries: Waris
Ahluwalia, Designer at House of Waris; Meghan Cross Breeden,
Partner at Amplifyher Ventures; Laurel Pantin, Fashion Features
Director at InStyle; Anushka Salinas, Chief Revenue Officer of
Rent the Runway. Mary Alice Stephenson, Founder of Glam4Good
and renowned fashion expert, moderated the event.
This event was held at SAP's headquarter in New York City and
marked the opening of the application portal for the 2019 FSF
Accelerator Grant.
The winner of the $50,000 2019 FSF Accelerator Grant,
underwritten by SAP, was Eleanor Turner’s The Big Favorite—an
elevated brand reimagined as affordable, recyclable basics. Tim
Tembrink’s Foundationals, a women’s brand that produces modern
styles with sustainable textiles and ethical labor, also received a
$10,000 award as runner-up. Our Accelerator Grant recipients
are actively engaged with FSF industry experts on specific issues
relative to their businesses.
Throughout the year following receipt of the Accelerator Grant,
our winner and runner up have been actively engaged with their
respective FSF mentoring teams on specific issues relative to our
Grant winners’ businesses. Our mentoring teams—comprised of
industry experts—are working with this year’s winners on such
issues as design and product development, sourcing, product
assortment, public relations, digital marketing and customer
acquisition, private equity and other forms of investment, and
brand building, to name a few.
22

2019 FSF AWARDS GALA
On January 9th, 2019, the fashion industry celebrated one of the most anticipated events of the
season—the 82nd Annual Fashion Scholarship Fund Awards Gala.
Over 1,400 retailers, wholesalers, designers, and luminaries gathered at the New York Hilton to mingle,
enjoy food and cocktails, and to support and recognize the FSF’s invaluable contribution to the industry
and, most important, the Scholars in the room.
The impactful evening was hosted by Vanessa Friedman, Fashion Director and Chief Fashion Critic
at The New York Times. The FSF honored the 2019 Scholarship Recipients as well as Macy’s Inc.
President, Hal Lawton; Ryan Seacrest; and Martha Stewart. Lydia Fenet, Managing Director, Global
Head of Strategic Partnerships at Christie’s, led a special appeals segment.
The 2019 Gala raised over $3.4 million and allows FSF to continue its work funding, mentoring, and
inspiring the next generation of fashion talent.
“
The Gala was unbelievable! When the other scholarship
winners and I walked into the room, everyone was
standing and applauding. We felt so special.”
Lindsay Choi
2008 FSF Scholarship Recipient
Oklahoma State University
23

SUPPORT
Over 170 companies supported the 2019 Gala, including:
$100,000+
$15,000+
$50,000+
$25,000+
The following foundations contributed, as well:
American Apparel & Footwear (AAFA) Foundation |
Byer Foundation | Century 21 Associates Foundation |
Communities Foundation of Texas | David E. & Jacqueline S.
Simon Charitable Foundation | Guess Foundation | Haddad
Brands Family Foundation | Hearst Foundation |
LIDS Foundation | Macy’s Foundation | Movado Group
Foundation | Nakash Family Foundation | Neiman
Marcus Foundation | NRF Foundation | Oxford Industries
Foundation | PVH Foundation | Randa Foundation | The
Rosenfeld Family Foundation
24

“IT’S NOT JUST A
SCHOLARSHIP, IT’S
A VEHICLE THAT
ALLOWS YOU VIP
ACCESS INTO THE
COVETED FASHION
INDUSTRY.”
Dave Canfield
2014 FSF Scholarship Recipient
Lehigh University

FSF AWARENESS
AND DEVELOPMENT EVENTS
NEW YORK On November 12th, 2019, John Demsey, Group President of Esteé Lauder, hosted FSF’s
first-ever New York City awareness and development event at his beautiful Upper East Side residence.
Supermodel and Project Runway host, Karlie Kloss, moderated a discussion between 2019 CFDA
Womenswear Designer of the Year, Brandon Maxwell and FSF Executive Director, Peter Arnold. In the room
that evening was Derek Lam, Alina Cho, Waris Ahluwalia and Bibhu Mohapatra, among other supporters.
LOS ANGELES The night before the L.A. Talent Acquisition Event, FSF hosted an intimate awareness
and development event at the exclusive San Vicente Bungalows. Former Harper’s Bazaar Editor-In-Chief
and author, Kate Betts moderated a discussion among FSF Executive Director Peter Arnold, Jill Higashi-
Zeleznik (Chair of Otis College of Art and Design’s fashion department) and Lawren Cappelletti (L.A.-based
fashion designer and Fashion Scholarship Fund alum). These three fashion notables discussed the skills
necessary to succeed in the industry today. Guests included “Succession” actor Nicholas Braun, Violet Grey’s
April Uchitel, fashion designers Barbara Tfank and Heidi Merrick, and duo Emily Current and Meritt Elliott.
26

FSF PARTNERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS
FSF’s extraordinary partnerships and affiliations offer financial, educational, and business-driven benefits to FSF Scholars and
Alumni to help foster their professional growth at all stages.
BRANDON MAXWELL PARTNERSHIP In September, 2019 CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year and Project Runway
judge Brandon Maxwell used his runway show as a vehicle for FSF fundraising during New York Fashion Week. Maxwell engaged
his show sponsors (American Express, ChaCha Matcha, Deborah Lippmann, Dell Technologies, and Nine Banded Whiskey) to
contribute to the Fashion Scholarship Fund and raise awareness of the organization within the fashion community. Cha Cha Matcha
and Brandon also collaborated on a limited-edition sweatshirt and Deborah Lippmann released a new nail-polish color—net
proceeds from both benefitted the FSF.
FSF PARTNER AFFILIATIONS ALSO INCLUDE
LEADING EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND
NETWORKING ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS:
BASHI
“At BASHI, we’re moving the
industry forward through
technology. I can’t think of a
better partner than the FSF for
our shared mission of cultivating
the industry’s future.”
Kyle Markley
Founder of BASHI
BASHI is the first digital freelance platform created
exclusively to bridge product and fashion. Through the
FSF’s affiliation with BASHI, FSF Alumni are able to join
BASHI to help elevate their careers through technology and
collaborating with emerging brands.
MOTIF
Motif, the educational division of Alvanon, is an e-learning
platform that connects fashion-industry professionals around
the world with the skills they need to succeed. It provides
access to training, professional development, and mentorship
from the industry’s top practitioners. Through the FSF’s
partnership with Motif, FSF Alumni receive a discount for
Motif’s online educational courses.
GCNYC
Glasgow Caledonian New York College (GCNYC) holds a
144-year-old academic pedigree and is highly recognized in
the fashion industry. Through the FSF’s partnership with
GCNYC, FSF Alumni are eligible for reduced tuition toward
a GCNYC Master’s Degree, as well as significant discounts for
their professional-development workshops.
THE LEAD
The Lead bridges the fashion and retail industries by
empowering the transition to digital centricity. In 2019,
The Lead partnered with FSF and invited Alumni to attend
their professional development events, including their iconic
Innovation Summit, at a reduced cost.
To support this partnership, the FSF was highlighted in The
Lead Quarterly with a Q&A with FSF Board President, Marc
Mastronardi, and Executive Director, Peter Arnold.
“Working with the FSF has been
a win-win for us. We’re creating
opportunities for a new generation
of talent while meeting the needs
of our community.”
Noah Gellman
Co-Founder and CEO of The Lead
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FSF BOARD OF GOVERNORS
The Board of Governors is a network of influential fashion-industry leaders representing a broad range of expertise in retail,
wholesale, e-commerce, and other industry sectors. Board of Governor members are deeply engaged with the FSF’s mentorship,
internship, and professional development programs. Board members also provide career advice, guidance, and hands-on professional
development experience for Scholars.
Mike Alic
Alic Consulting
Paul Annunziata
Centric Brands
Sam Archibald
PVH
Peter Arnold*
FSF
Glen Ellen Brown*
Bonfire Group
Carolyn D’Angelo
Marquee Brands
June DeFabio
The Collected Group
Abbey Doneger
The Doneger Group
Nata Dvir
Macy’s, Inc.
Howard Feller*
H. Feller Enterprises
Mike Fralix
[TC]2
Heath Golden*
Randa Accessories
Alex Grinberg
Movado
Celeste Gudas
24 Seven, Inc.
David Katz*
Randa Accessories
Colleen Kelly
Alex Apparel
Mitchell Konsker
Jones Lang LaSalle
Aaron Ledet
VF Corp.
Debra Malbin
Debra Malbin Associates
Jeff Manby
Kohl’s
Marc Mastronardi*
Macy’s, Inc.
Karen Murray
Fivestory
Kenneth Nolan
G-III Apparel Group
Paul Rosengard*
True Religion
Peter Sachse*
Industry Consultant
Michael Setola*
Tharanco Lifestyles
Yehuda Shmidman
WHP Global
Stanley Silverstein
Perry Ellis International
David Sirkin
PVH
Maureen Storch
AAFA
William Susman*
Threadstone LLP
Chip Thompson
Ralph Lauren
John Tighe
Peerless Clothing
Lana Todorovich
Neiman Marcus
Electa Varnish
Nautica
Jennifer Vecchio*
Burlington Stores
Kenneth Wyse
Wyse Consulting
*Executive Committee
member
“
Fashion is the interface between us and the world we
live in—I can’t think of a more important mission for the
future of the industry than growing a new generation of
multi-talented fashion creators and entrepreneurs.”
Lana Todorovich
FSF Board Member
President and Chief Merchandising Officer
Neiman Marcus
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FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
REVENUE 2019* 2018
Special Events 3,247,548 1,414,650
Less Direct
Donor Benefits
Net Special
Events Revenue
607,608 518,607
2,639,940 896,043
Donations & Grants 79,785 438,613
Other Revenue 62,331 13,407
2,782,056 1,348,063
3% 2%
PERCENTAGE
OF REVENUE
95%
9%
11%
Special Events
Revenue
Donations
& Grants
Other
Revenue
EXPENSES 2019* 2018
Scholarships &
Programs
1,878,116 1,792,660
Management & General 225,242 444,390
Fundraising Expenses 257,410 250,785
2,360,768 2,487,835
PERCENTAGE
OF EXPENSES
80%
Scholarships
& Programs
Management
& General
Fundraising
Expenses
STATEMENT OF
ACTIVITIES
2019* 2018
Revenue 2,782,056 1,348,063
Expenses 2,360,768 2,487,835
Excess (deficit)
of operating revenue
and support over
operating expenses
421,288 -1,139,772
Investment return, net 294,131 243,473
Change in Net Assets 715,419 -896,298
Net Assets, Beginning
of Year
6,382,045 7,278,343
Net Assets, End of Year 7,097,464 6,382,045
*These are pre-audited numbers
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FSF OFFICE
Peter Arnold, Executive Director
Marie Colletta, Director of Education Programs
Melissa Fernandez, Office Manager
Katherine Simone, Education Programs Assistant
Kevin Stec, Deputy Director of Development
Alyssa Zinola, Head of Events
1501 Broadway
Suite 2001
New York, NY 10036
212.278.0008
info@fashionscholarshipfund.org
Instagram: @fashionscholarshipfund
www.fashionscholarshipfund.org
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