Five Students Named Fashion Scholarship Fund Scholars
The industry honor opens career doors and provides financial and professional support.
The Fashion Scholarship Fund recognized fashion design juniors Satchel Smith and James Mamrol as Class of 2023 Scholars. (©Thomas Jefferson University Photography Services)
Once again, Jefferson fashion design students earned one of the industry’s biggest honors.
The prestigious Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF)—a leading fashion-oriented education and workforce development nonprofit organization—named five University students Class of 2023 Scholars.
“Winning the FSF scholarship is such a door opener,” says Carly Kusy, assistant professor of fashion design. “It provides students with unparalleled support, not just financially, but professionally. Being named an FSF Scholar provides them with a lifelong membership to an incredible network of support in our industry.”
Two students earned the FSF Case Study Scholarship, and another three won the Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund, which aims to foster equity and inclusion within the fashion industry by providing scholarships and opportunities to students of academic promise of Black, African American or African descent. Abloh, who passed away in 2021, was an artist, architect, engineer, designer, musician and DJ, chief creative director and artistic director. Throughout his career, he focused on advancing equity and inclusivity.
Being named an FSF Scholar provides them with a lifelong membership to an incredible network of support in our industry.
With the prompt of “create the brand of the future from within,” students designed a collection that combines a brand’s existing identity with their own creative vision for the brand’s future design direction, Kusy explains. The collection had to create a meaningful connection to a specific consumer group and evolve the retailer/brand into the future of fashion.
“I’m so proud of the thoughtful and hard work our students do for this scholarship,” she says. “They all developed projects focused on creating a more inclusive and sustainable future, so it showcases our students not just as talented designers but as changemakers and problem solvers.”
The five students each received at least a $7,500 scholarship and will be honored at a gala in New York City this spring. Get to know them below.
©Thomas Jefferson University Photography Services
Senior Lyla Duffy (she/her)
What does it mean to be recognized by the FSF and named an FSF Scholar?
It’s such an honor to be named an FSF Scholar for the second time. The scholarship provides so many career and mentorship opportunities.
What has been your favorite fashion design course so far?
Sustainable Concepts for Fashion Design. I’ve learned so much about how our industry impacts people and the environment. Knowing the industry’s devastating effects has allowed me to change my habits as a designer for the better.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
All around me, especially art, history and architecture.
What are your career goals after graduation?
In the end, I just want to make stuff and be happy, so wherever that may take me is fine.
Duffy also won a $2,500 Neiman Marcus X FSF Scholarship for demonstrating talent and commitment to advancing ethical and sustainable fashion.
What does it mean to be recognized by the FSF and named a Virgil Abloh Post-Modern Scholar?
Being named Post-Modern Scholar for the second time has been a wonderful experience and makes me feel more secure on my job hunt. I know I’m now part of an incredible resource that can help connect me with my favorite brands. I’m incredibly grateful.
What has been your favorite fashion design course so far?
Sustainable Concepts for Fashion Design. I learned so much about the textile waste crisis and the ways I can be more sustainable with my practices to make the world a better, healthier place.
Where do you find inspiration for your looks?
For my ski/snowboarding wear collection, “Steep,” I took inspiration from the metaverse and video games for the prints and overall design. Having this playful take on Patagonia’s clothing was a huge goal because it brought something new for the brand while still staying true to its goals as a company.
What are your career goals after graduation?
I’d like to work for a brand before eventually branching out to pursue my own. I want to gain experience in understanding how to run a business and gain connections with overseas clothing manufacturers.
Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself and your time at Jefferson?
I had a great time these past four years and learned so much about who I want to be as a designer and the impact I want to have. I’m stronger creatively and have strengthened my technical skills, and I’m excited to see where my career takes me.
Lee also won the $2,500 Skims X FSF Scholarship for demonstrating talent and commitment to innovation solutions around thematic areas of interest for the brand, such as advancing ethical and sustainable fashion, adaptive clothing, textile innovation and size inclusivity.
©Thomas Jefferson University Photography Services
What does it mean to be recognized by the FSF and named an FSF Scholar?
As a queer Filipino Mestizo, I’m honored to receive this scholarship, which showcases the beauty of diverse representation. My case study centered around transgender and genderqueer people. This scholarship brings light to LGBTQ+ experiences, and this validation will prompt me to explore this facet more. The funding can help catapult my career by investing more money into quality resources and expanding my own brand.
What has been your favorite fashion design course so far?
Hands down, Sustainability Concepts for Fashion Design instructed by professor Carly Kusy. During the first lesson, she opens students to a world of disregarded truths of our industry and innovative solutions to combat these issues. Her passion for teaching and living a sustainable life inspires me to research these topics and apply her advice to my own life.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Just about anywhere—confections, historical LGBTQ+ references, plant biology, mythological folk stories and anything in between. I invest my research into the unique qualities of life, and I love to tie in drag/ballroom culture fashion references and vintage designer silhouettes.
What are your career goals after graduation?
I intend to raise the standards of the intimate apparel industry by designing under a progressive brand and combining my creative efforts with sustainable innovation and technology. Eventually, I would love to apply my industry knowledge to a self-owned brand, designing sustainable high-end performance costumes.
Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself and your time at Jefferson?
I’m vice president of Jefferson’s Fashion Industry Association. Also, a shoutout to fashion professor Anne Hand, who’s retiring at the end of this year. She’s such a kind, supportive and collaborative educator. Her quality of teaching inspires all designers.
©Thomas Jefferson University Photography Services
What does it mean to be recognized by the FSF and named a Virgil Abloh Post-Modern Scholar?
It means the world to me to be recognized by such a prestigious group. Virgil inspired my style and design efforts. I loved how he embraced his culture and translated it into his craft. This opportunity uplifts the Black community in the fashion industry, and I’m ecstatic to be a part of it.
What has been your favorite fashion design course so far?
The sustainable concepts class I’m taking this semester. Even though the fashion industry is one of the largest polluters globally, there isn’t much told about precisely what the industry does to the environment. This class highlights specific details about sustainability, fabric and water waste, overconsumption and the Global South. I’m also excited to learn about sustainable methods of garment construction.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
I love looking at beautiful aspects of nature and translating them into prints, colors and silhouettes. Similarly, I look at different aspects of history, whether it’s art, architecture or even fashion and translate those into my designs.
What are your career goals after graduation?
I want to work in the design or creative department at brands like Off-White and Vivienne Westwood. That’s an ambitious goal straight out of college, but I love to dream big when looking for careers. Eventually, I want to create my own line with complete creative freedom.
Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself or your time at Jefferson?
The University did an amazing job allowing me to harness my creative ability and preparing me for the industry.
What does it mean to be recognized by the FSF and named a Virgil Abloh Post-Modern Scholar?
Being a Post-Modern Scholar for the second time means a lot. All the recipients have the honor of carrying on Virgil’s legacy as a designer, and this opportunity has opened my eyes to how valuable I am and helped me find my path as a designer.
What has been your favorite fashion design course so far?
It’s hard to name a favorite during my time here, but most recently, my sustainable concepts class has awakened a new part of my design thinking and overall approach to design.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
My past, my hobbies like art and sports, in social and political movements, and in movies and documentaries. I love looking at anything and everything and turning it into a collection from my unique lens.
What are your career goals after graduation?
I want to become one of the youngest creative directors in fashion, so wherever I can get my start will propel me forward. I hope to get an assistant designer position at an unexpected brand so I can continue to challenge myself.
Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself or your time at Jefferson?
I want to thank all the professors who helped me with my FSF projects and pushed me to go above expectations, specifically Carly Kusy, Jill Hamilton, Daniel Velasco and the many other design professors who motivate me every day.
