The CFDA is part of a designer’s lifecycle at every stage of their career –  from beginning to brand. For many, that beginning occurs in school. The CFDA Education and Professional Development department offers a variety of scholarships and opportunities to engage young designers and help guide them into the next phase of their emerging careers.

Part of this process is engaging CFDA members and designers who are actively working in the industry to help select the winners from the talented pool of scholarship participants. Recently, selection committees for the CFDA Scholarship, the Geoffrey Beene Design Scholarship, and the Liz Claiborne  Design Scholarship convened at the CFDA offices to hear from the finalists. Student presentations were carefully prepared for and presented to each committee.  It was also an opportunity for designers to pass along encouraging words and advice. “Always believe in yourself and your vision,” said Sophie Theallet. “Learn and listen as much as possible. Be strong and ready to take criticism and rejection.”

Current Retail Lab resident Tanya Taylor said, “Be fearless and look to others who have specialized knowledge and experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

The evaluations were eagerly welcomed by student presenters. Yoon Suk Lee, who presented to the Geoffrey Beene selection committee, commented that “It’s a huge opportunity and honor to show my work. I’m looking forward to the feedback.”

The 2017 recipients of a CFDA Scholarship Award are Zewei Hong of California College of the Arts, and Juliana Baik of Fashion Institute of Technology.

The 2017 Geoffrey Beene Design Scholarship Award recipient is Alicia Ball of Savannah College of Art and Design, with Yang Liu of Parsons School of Design deserving an honorable mention.

The Liz Claiborne Design Scholarship Award recipient is Susan Zienty of Academy of Art University.

The future of fashion starts here!