The Fashion Scholarship Fund Is Expanding the Virgil Abloh 'Post-Modern' Scholar Program

At its annual gala on Monday night, the Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) celebrating the 162 scholars in its class of 2024 and announced major changes to the Virgil Abloh "Post Modern" Scholars program.

Launched in 2020 with $1 million in seed capital, it continued growing after the multi-hyphenate's death from a rare cancer in late 2021, with his wife Shannon Abloh working with the FSF to expand its scope. Now, it's introducing a three-year strategic plan that'll grow its cohort from 30 scholars in 2024 to 60 next year, offer Bridge Fund grants to remove immediate financial barriers (like the cost of an international flight to an internship) and reach talent from a broader range of backgrounds (like community colleges).

"Virgil had a habit that people often think the mountain they're looking to climb is too high. But it actually isn't. Anything is possible if you build and move together," Abloh told the crowd at the gala. "When it came to change we both wanted to see in this world, he was impatient. That vision and impatience pays off."

The gala was hosted by Paloma Elsesser, and honored several industry leaders: Stylist and entrepreneur Karla Welch kicked off the night by introducing Tracee Ellis Ross, scholar Jakarie Whitaker presented Pete Nordstrom and Spike Lee conferred the closing award to LVMH CEO Michael Burke.

"YBR means the yellow brick road — that was one of Virgil's most important metaphors. He built his career around his yellow brick road," Burke said, honoring Virgil in his acceptance speech. "He took this to mean everything is possible, as long as you stay that 17-year-old you were. I encourage you to find your yellow brick road. Take the least trafficked road."

"Virgil's legacy is incredibly important — to Louis Vuitton, obviously, since he was their creative director — and to LVMH as a whole. It's an honor for us to ensure that we're partners with FSF in keeping that legacy," Corey Smith, LVMH's North America Head of Diversity and Inclusion told Fashionista. "The scholars' designs and case studies are phenomenal."

Over the course of the evening, four Scholar Finalists — Ben Callgahan, Olivia Meyer, Chigozirim Nwogu and Josh Tunac — presented the case studies they worked on as part of the program on-stage. Meyer, a Kent State University student, was named the winner of the $25,000 Chairman's Award by Vera Wang and FSF Board President John Tighe.

"This is an incredible opportunity, and I'm excited to spread the message of FSF and shine a light for other scholars and other prospective students who want to join and do amazing things in their careers," Meyer told Fashionista, as several people congratulated her on the way out. "It's empowering to be with all these changemakers."

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