Every year, the Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) selects a new class of FSF Scholars and Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholars, offering students unparalleled access to financial support, mentorship, and career-defining opportunities. At the heart of this journey is the FSF Case Study Competition, a challenge designed to help students apply their skills and creativity to solve real-world fashion industry problems. By participating, students gain hands-on experience, build a professional network, and put themselves on a path toward becoming an FSF Scholar.
WHAT IS THE FSF CASE STUDY COMPETITION?
The FSF Case Study Competition is an annual challenge that immerses students in strategic problem-solving within the fashion industry. Each year, the competition revolves around a timely, industry-relevant theme, pushing applicants to think critically and innovate in one of four disciplines: Design and Product Development, Merchandising, Marketing, and Business Strategy.
Applicants receive mentorship from industry professionals, feedback on their work, and the opportunity to compete for scholarships, starting at $10,000, including a top prize of $25,000. Participants also gain access to exclusive FSF programming, such as the virtual Summer Scholar Series and networking events, helping them further develop their skills and industry connections.
Becoming an FSF Scholar is an incredibly rewarding experience. My best advice to future Scholars is to treat each step of the application process as a passion project—the more care and creativity you put into your case study, the more it will stand out.”
— Olivia Meyer, 2024 FSF Scholar and Chairman’s Award Winner
2026 CASE STUDY COMPETITION FOCUS
This year’s Case Study Competition focuses on collaboration in the fashion industry, challenging applicants to explore partnerships, brand synergies, and co-branded initiatives that drive growth and innovation.
The Case Study prompt varies by discipline:
Design and Product Development: Design a collection for an existing fashion brand/retailer in collaboration with a non-fashion company/organization, demonstrating fashion's influence on the external industry.
Merchandising: Curate an assortment for an existing fashion brand/retailer in collaboration with a non-fashion company/organization, demonstrating the opportunity for fashion to shape an external industry.
Marketing: Create a strategic marketing plan for an existing fashion brand/retailer that centers around a cross-industry collaboration and utilizes a full marketing funnel approach.
Business Strategy: Establish a long-term strategic partnership for an existing fashion brand/retailer that centers around a cross-industry collaboration, addressing deal costs and benefits for both partners.
WHO CAN APPLY TO THE FSF CASE STUDY COMPETITION?
All full-time sophomores, juniors, and seniors currently enrolled in a four-year college or university in the United States are eligible to enter The FSF Case Study Competition.
International students with an F-1 Visa may also participate in the scholarship competition.
Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in the business of fashion.
Students at FSF Member Schools should work with their FSF Educator for guidance.
Students at non-member schools, who otherwise meet the eligibility criteria, are encouraged to apply independently by following the How to Apply Guide.
The Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund
Created in partnership with FSF, the Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund supports students pursuing careers in fashion by providing financial aid, mentorship, and career development opportunities. The Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund was established to support students who identify as Black or African American. Applicants must complete the FSF Case Study Competition as part of the application.
Being close to the finish line was an exhilarating feeling. No matter how intense it may feel, the sun still rises every morning. This is an investment in yourself and your future, and a sharpening of the natural talent you have within.”
— Clay Lute, 2023 Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholar and Chairman’s Award Winner
HOW TO GET STARTED: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Review FSF’s eligibility requirements to ensure you qualify.
Read the How to Apply Guide to understand the competition timeline and submission process.
Step 2: Select Your Case Study Discipline
Choose from Design and Product Development, Marketing, Merchandising, or Business Strategy.
Review the case study briefs and conceptualize a topic that aligns with your skills, interests, and career goals.
Step 3: Register in the FSF Virtual Portal (Open February 1, 2025)
Students at FSF Member Schools should connect with their FSF Educator for guidance.
Students at non-member schools should apply independently using the How to Apply Guide.
Once registered, applicants will receive:
Access to the FSF Virtual Portal for application submission.
Invitations to weekly virtual Q&A sessions (July–October 2025) for support.
Enrollment in the Summer Scholar Series, a 10-week virtual masterclass featuring industry experts (June–August 2025).
Step 4: Develop and Submit Your Case Study
Submission Deadline: October 13, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET.
Your final case study should:
Be well-researched and innovative.
Address the prompt in your chosen discipline.
Include visuals, showcase your thought process, and present a compelling narrative.
When I was in your shoes last year, I wasn’t sure if I should even submit my case study—but what kept me going was the vision of completing something that could make a positive impact.”
–— Josh Tunac, FSF Scholar and 2024 Finalist
BEYOND THE FSF CASE STUDY: WHAT’S NEXT?
Winning an FSF or Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship is just the beginning. FSF Scholars receive:
Financial support through scholarships.
One-on-one mentorship with industry professionals.
Access to career-building opportunities, including networking events, internships, exclusive competitions, and job openings.
A trip to NYC for FSF LIVE, where they’ll present their case study, meet industry power players, visit top fashion brands, and connect with fellow Scholars.
The four highest-scoring case studies earn the opportunity to present their work to top executives and compete for the $25,000 Chairman’s Award—a career-defining moment with unparalleled industry exposure.
KEY DATES TO REMEMBER
February 3, 2025: Case Study Competition opens.
October 13, 2025 (11:59 PM ET): Submission deadline.
Mid-December 2025: Competition results announced.
January 2026: FSF’s Class of 2026 Scholars announced in Women’s Wear Daily.
LEARN FROM THE BEST: PAST WINNERS AND INSIDER TIPS
If you’re looking for inspiration, dive into the Class of 2025’s case studies, watch 2024 Summer Scholar Series recordings, or check out the 2024 Case Study Competition finalists as they pitch their big ideas to fashion’s top decision-makers. These resources provide a roadmap to what makes a winning project stand out.
YOUR FUTURE IN FASHION STARTS NOW
The FSF Case Study Competition is more than just a project—it’s your gateway to the fashion industry. Whether you’re passionate about design, marketing, merchandising, or business strategy, this is your chance to gain real-world experience, connect with top brands, and launch your career.
For any questions, contact fsfprograms@fashionscholarshipfund.org.
