Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund — Fashion Scholarship Fund
PM Scholarship Fund

Virgil Abloh “Post⁠-⁠Modern” Scholarship Fund

Virgil Abloh (1980-2021) 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 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 build equity and inclusion in the fashion industry by providing scholarships to students of Black, African American, or African descent. 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 “Post-Modern” 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 “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 “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 fourth cohort of “Post-Modern” Scholars was announced in January 2024. To date, 100 “Post-Modern” Scholarships have been awarded. Starting in 2025, at least 60 “Post-Modern” Scholars will be selected each year.

Virgil’s untimely death in November 2021 led to an outpouring of support for the “Post-Modern” 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 “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund, in light of these new investments. In April 2024, the FSF announced a 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, which centers on equity and addresses barriers to career success experienced by Scholars from underrepresented 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 “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 

Commencing in 2025, every “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 “Post-Modern” Scholars to connect them to career-building summer internships, employment, and 1:1 mentorship by industry leaders. For “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.

Special Programs for “Post-Modern” Scholars

Recent Program Events hosted by FSF for our “Post-Modern” Scholars include conversations with streetwear legend Don C, NBA star Russell Westbrook and many more.

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