An Evening of Celebration and Impact: FSF X Lingua Franca

On an evening last November, the Fashion Scholarship Fund community gathered at the Lingua Franca Townhouse, atop the brand’s West Village boutique, for an inspiring evening of connection, conversation, and celebration. Hosted by Lingua Franca founder Rachelle MacPherson, FSF Board Member and Fairchild Media Group CEO Amanda Smith, and FSF Executive Director Peter Arnold, the event welcomed industry leaders, FSF Alumni, and friends to toast the future of fashion.

The night’s remarks highlighted FSF’s commitment to shaping the next generation of industry leaders. Past Chairman’s Award recipients, 2024 winner Olivia Meyer and 2023 winner Clay Lute, took the stage to share how FSF has propelled their careers, underscoring the organization's impact in supporting innovation and expanding access to college students with ambitions for careers across the fashion industry.

Sergio Hudson, Constance White. Photo by BFA.

Naomi Otsu, Beverly Nguyen, Katie McCurdy. Photo by BFA.

Stephanie Casimir, Jessica Willis. Photo by BFA.

Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Clay Lute, Tori Nichel. Photo by BFA.

Daniella Kallmeyer, Thomas Carter Phillips. Photo by BFA

Laura Neilson, Michelle Ochs, Stephanie Casimir, Shaye Vercollone. Photo by BFA

FSF Alumni Olivia Meyer, Rosa Stancil, Cierra Calmeise, and FSF Board Member Gena Smith. Photo by BFA

Alejandro Rhett, Sam Todd, Chloe King. Photo by BFA

Virgil AblohTM "Post-Modern" Scholars Sola Atinsola, Amira Linson. Photo by BFA

Farai Simoyi, Peter Arnold. Photo by BFA

FSF Scholars Megan Lenzi, Alyssa Albano. Photo by BFA

Clay Lute, Rachelle MacPherson, Olivia Meyer, Amanda Smith, Peter Arnold. Photo by BFA.

FSF is proud to welcome 160 Scholars, including 60 Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholars, to the FSF Class of 2025, This year’s Class hails from 120 universities—including students from 16 HBCUs and six HSIs—and will receive $1.9 million in scholarships.

A special thank you to Rachelle MacPherson for opening her beautiful space, and to everyone who joined us to celebrate the next generation of talent. Your support makes these opportunities possible, and together, we’re shaping the future of fashion.