Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund
Virgil Abloh (1980-2021) was an artist, architect, engineer, designer, musician, DJ, chief creative director, and artistic director. Throughout his career, he focused on breaking barriers and creating opportunities across these disciplines. The Fashion Scholarship Fund is honored to be part of carrying his legacy and impact forward.
The FSF works to fulfill Virgil Abloh’s legacy by administering the Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund
The Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund was established at the Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) in 2020 by fashion industry visionary Virgil Abloh to expand opportunities in the fashion industry by providing scholarships to students who identify as Black or African American. Virgil named the fund “Post-Modern” to signify that recipients would not only receive funds, but also ongoing career-support services and mentoring through the FSF.
By establishing the Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund, Virgil partnered with the FSF to build a vehicle for his legacy, intended to make an important and ongoing mark on the fashion industry by supporting the talented young adults who would follow in his footsteps. Virgil played a direct and hands-on role in creating the experience of each Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholar. He devoted his time and energy abundantly, spending hours with Scholars and hundreds of Scholar applicants from across the U.S. He conducted marathon Zoom sessions during the earliest period of the Covid pandemic, inspiring and encouraging talented Black undergraduates to aim high and aspire to make their mark in the industry, as he had.
New Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholars are selected each year through the FSF Scholarship Competition from colleges and universities across the U.S., through the FSF’s network of 75 member schools, which includes 14 HBCUs (as of August 2024).
The fIFTH cohort of Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholars was announced in January 2025. To date, 160 Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarships have been awarded. Starting in 2025, 60 “Post-Modern” Scholars will be selected each year.
Virgil’s untimely death in November 2021 led to an outpouring of support for the Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund by those who wished to honor his vision and legacy. In early 2022, Louis Vuitton facilitated Virgil’s intention to donate 200 pairs of his special edition Louis Vuitton x Nike Air Force 1 sneakers through a record-setting Sotheby’s auction that raised approximately $20 million for the Fund. This support ensures that the Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund will continue as a core part of the Fashion Scholarship Fund’s work for future generations.
MOVING FORWARD
In 2023, the FSF undertook strategic planning to maximize the impact of the Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund, in light of these new investments. In April 2024, the FSF announced a 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, which centers on impact and addresses barriers to career success experienced by Scholars from various backgrounds. The plan delineates 15 strategic goals, chief among them:
Growing the number of Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarships awarded through the existing FSF Competition by 100% in 2025, with subsequent increases year-over-year
Providing multi-year financial support to Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholars
Launching new pilot programs that reach, engage, and support talent both earlier in their academic journey, as well as outside of traditional higher education settings
Strengthening industry mentorship programs and focusing on connecting Scholars to career-forming internships and employment
Addressing particular barriers for students who demonstrate financial need, including by establishing the FSF Bridge Fund (launched in April 2024) to make it possible for Scholars to undertake career opportunities that are otherwise financially inaccessible
Every Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholar will receive at least $10,000 in college scholarship support and participate in career-focused educational and professional development classes, networking opportunities and talent acquisition events throughout the year. FSF staff works with Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholars to connect them to 1:1 mentorship by industry leaders and access to career opportunities. For Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholars with demonstrated financial need, FSF Bridge Fund grants are available to cover summer internship-related living and other expenses that would otherwise be too challenging to afford.
We gratefully acknowledge the many FSF partners and supporters who have helped realize Virgil’s vision through the Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund.
For further information please contact us at VAPM@fashionscholarshipfund.org.
Special Programs for Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholars
Recent Program Events hosted by FSF for our Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholars include conversations with Fashion Director Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, designer Tremaine Emory, streetwear legend Don C, NBA star Russell Westbrook, and many more.
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“The Virgil Abloh "Post-Modern" Scholarship mission will always have a special place in my heart. "Post-Modern" gave me my first true introduction into the fashion industry and continues to support me almost two years later. Being a Scholar has placed me in rooms that, at one point in my life, felt unattainable."
“As a four-time “Post-Modern” Scholar and a beloved admirer and mentee of Virgil Abloh, I truly appreciate the amazing opportunities this scholarship has provided me and other designers and students of African descent. Virgil was the one who inspired me to pursue fashion design, and I have come so far since seeing 'The 10 Collection.' This is why I believe the mission of his scholarship is so important.”
“Over the past two years, I’ve been incredibly grateful to the FSF, Virgil Abloh™ 'Post-Modern' Scholarship Fund, and the Saks Global Scholarship for alleviating the burden of living expenses. This support has allowed me to focus entirely on my academic and career journey. The community I’ve built through FSF has been invaluable, and I deeply appreciate the opportunities to grow and connect with others who share my passion for fashion.”
“As a 2023, 2024, and 2025 Post-Modern Scholar, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing firsthand what it means to push beyond limits I once believed were out of reach. I didn’t start with industry connections, sponsors, or mentors, nor did I have a background in luxury. But through this program, I’ve grown and thrived in ways I never could have imagined.”