Earlier this year Kent State University School of Fashion student, Farah Shahrour, received the 2022 CFDA x Coach Design Scholarship. More recently, Farah Shahrour’s looks were featured in Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) in an article about the importance of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) initiative. Farah’s project, “Illusions of Individuality” explores identity, asking who we are outside everything that defines us, and uses fashion to generate conversations that will lead to change in conventional ways of thought.
The 2022 CFDA x Coach Design Scholarship award was introduced as part of Coach’s Dream It Real initiative and its mission to help break cycles of inequity by empowering the next generation to reach their full potential through higher education. It is given to students who use their design voices to advocate, advance and transform fashion.
The CFDA is a not-for-profit trade association comprising a membership of over 450 American fashion and accessory designers. The organization is deeply committed to supporting the next generation of fashion talent and has established educational initiatives to assist aspiring fashion designers during their collegiate years and early stages of their careers.
Since 1996, the CFDA has awarded approximately $3.34 million through 352 scholarships to be used for tuition and thesis collection or portfolio expenses. Between 2017 and 2020 alone, the program provided $700,000 in micro-grants and mentorship to 16 early emerging brands anchored by sustainability, innovation and technology.
In addition to awarding scholarship money, the CFDA provides mentorship and professional development. Through the CFDA’s partnership with Elaine Gold Launchpad and the Accessories Council, three participants in 2023 will receive a seven-week mentorship combined with small grants totaling $105,000. The program is geared toward women of color who have founded their own businesses and have been in business for three years or less.
Each entrepreneur will receive $30,000 with an additional “resource scholarship” reserving $5,000 in funds for sustainable strategies related to learning tools, business services and resources. Participants will learn how to navigate fashion’s complex supply chain with the guidance of industry professionals. They will be challenged to make responsible design and business decisions that integrate youth culture and community-building through collaboration with the Lower Eastside Girl’s Club.
Organizations like CFDA, are important resources to students. Beyond scholarships, you can find opportunities for mentorship and support in the industry. For more information on CFDA and their resources visit: https://cfda.com/