The annual Fashion Scholarship Fund Case Study Competition immerses students in the strategic problem-solving and creative thinking that comes with working in the fashion industry. The competition revolves around a timely industry challenge and students develop responses in the areas of design and product development, merchandising, marketing and business strategy.
“Students respond to the prompt armed with research and logic to creatively offer solutions,” says Deidra Arrington, associate professor in the Department of Fashion Design + Merchandising. “The students who complete the case study—whether or not they win—gain extraordinary experience through the deep-dive examination of a current problem in the fashion industry.”
This year, the FSF received 764 case study submissions from nearly 100 schools. Eight VCUarts students were among the 100 scholarship winners selected, placing VCU among the top five schools in the competition.
This year’s VCUarts winners are:
- Benicio Gomez – Senior, Design (Salomon X Skate) repeat winner
- Ainsley Parker – Senior, Design (Hearst X National Park Foundation)
- Daniel Lamont – Senior, Design (Thinx X Planned Parenthood)
- Carter Hinds – Junior, Merchandising repeat winner
- Jason Baloyo – Senior, Merchandising (On X Notch)
- Madison Perkins – Senior, Merchandising (Old Navy X St Jude)
- Olivia Seaver – Senior, Merchandising (Gentle Monster X KPOP Demon Hunters)
- Tyga Martin – Junior, Merchandising (Loewe X Yamato)
In addition to the scholarship and recognition, all participants have an opportunity to connect with industry leaders to find career opportunities and interests, and attend master class presentations by designers like Diane Von Furstenberg, Brandon Maxwell, and Tommy Hilfiger.
VCUarts students also benefit from the guidance of faculty and alumni mentors at every step of the way.
“Faculty are integral to the process,” Arrington says. “Their mentoring, advice, and support cannot be overstated. They attend workshops, meet with students one-on-one, proofread, and offer advice. Our alumni serve as anonymous reviewers of students’ work, which enables the students to improve their case studies prior to the FSF deadline. Students from hearing objective opinions about their work.”
