Guests arrived at the 89th annual Fashion Scholarship Fund Gala at The Glasshouse in New York, where the evening began with wine in hand and student work lining the halls before the official program.
One thing felt certain at the Fashion Scholarship Fund’s annual gala: the future of fashion is in good hands. On the first Monday of spring, guests gathered at The Glasshouse in West Chelsea against the backdrop of the Hudson River and a seemingly endless horizon.
In keeping, the energy and creativity of the room full of college students from across the country felt just as boundless. The organization put together a run of show that kept the crowd fully captivated until the very end. Stylist and fashion editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson served as the evening’s host; a full-circle moment given that she is a former FSF Scholar herself. Opening remarks were delivered by FSF executive director Peter Arnold and Farai Simoyi, head of Virgil Abloh Post-Modern Scholarship and Equity. “What our work continues to show is that when you open doors and say ‘we see you’—those students don’t just enter the industry; they stay, they lead, and they begin to change it,” Simoyi said, referring to 90% of the Fund’s alumni who continue to work in fashion. Wrapped in an espresso-hued corduroy trench, actor Jeremy Pope took the stage to introduce his longtime friend, collaborator, and the first honoree of the evening: Law Roach. Before speaking, the “image architect” behind Zendaya, Ariana Grande, et al, flipped his famously sleek hair—a callback to Pope’s introduction—in a move that sent the audience erupting into laughter. The mood quickly turned reflective as Roach addressed the students. “I really think that fashion gave me my life,” he said. “I am who I am because I just believed that I could be, and I challenge you guys to have that same belief.” Honorees Ciara and Russell Wilson arrived alongside their children, Sienna and Future, in coordinated head-to-toe Willy Chavarria outfits—an apt choice for a night centered on legacy and the next generation. “Fashion is such a strong form of expression,” Ciara told Vogue as she was walking off the red carpet, pointing to the ways that today’s digital platforms have opened doors for emerging voices. After an introduction by Cosmopolitan and Seventeen editor in chief Willa Bennett—with Sienna and Future by her side—Ciara encouraged students to embrace challenges, noting that setbacks are often “just your beauty marks in the making.” Wilson echoed that sentiment through the lens of impact: “I think it first starts with showing people that your language matters and what you say to yourself and what you say to others matters,” the NFL star said. The couple also spoke about their work through their Why Not You Foundation as a route to tangible opportunities for young people. Legendary designer and New York Fashion Week stalwart Tommy Hilfiger also appeared on the stage to introduce honoree Stefan Larsson, the chief executive officer of PVH Corp. And the night continued with KidSuper designer Colm Dillane, who shone a light on the four student finalists—Justin Le, Madison-Jade Bishop, Rylee Funfsinn, and Kuan Jackson—each of whom took the time to talk about their individual case studies, their backgrounds, inspiration, and intentions for their career. Just when everyone thought the biggest shock of the night would be the announcement of the 2026 Chairman’s Award recipient, Travis Scott showed up on stage in a welcome surprise. His message to the up-and-comers? “Keep pushing the limits. Always put yourself out there. Even if you don’t trust your ideas, just go with your gut and you’ll figure it out.” Amanda Smith, FSF board president and CEO of Fairchild Media Group, and designer Raul Lopez of Luar were tasked with revealing this year’s winner: Kuan Jackson, who will receive the $25,000 prize to further his career. The night culminated in an inspiring speech from Jackson to his peers: “This is not just my win. This is all of our win. True success requires time and patience. You have to ground yourself, and get right with your spirit, and get right with your mind. I want y’all to understand that you cannot lose, because every loss is a lesson learned. Together we win.” Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Raul Lopez, Rylee Funfsinn, Kuan Jackson, Travis Scott, Justin Le, Madison Jade-Bishop, Amanda Smith Jeremy Pope Travis Scott, Tommy Hilfiger Daphne Velghe, Christian Siriano Marrisa Wilson, LaQuan Smith Colm Dillane Daniella Kallmeyer, Frank Everett Russell Wilson, Ciara, Stefan Larsson, Tommy Hilfiger Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Travis Scott, Kuan Jackson Travis Scott Venus X Wes Gordon, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson Raul Lopez, Amanda Smith, Peter Arnold NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 23: Michelle Och attends the Fashion Scholarship Fund annual gala at the Glasshouse on March 23, 2026 in New York City. Willa Bennett, Ciara, Russell Wilson NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 23: Jason Schupbach and Fern Mallis attend the Fashion Scholarship Fund annual gala at the Glasshouse on March 23, 2026 in New York City. Olympia Gayot
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