Photo: Courtesy of Veronica Beard
These are the stories making headlines in fashion on Wednesday.
The CFDA and Veronica Beard announce new fashion scholarship
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and ready-to-wear label Veronica Beard have partnered to launch the CFDA x Veronica Beard Creative Futures Scholarship. “Access and exposure are key, especially so early in these students’ careers. We are so thrilled to be partnering with the CFDA and share their commitment to supporting the fashion designers of tomorrow,” Veronica Swanson Beard said in a press release on Tuesday. The $50,000 scholarship will be awarded to four undergraduate students enrolled in their third year of a fashion design or textiles program at a United States college or university. Interested students can apply now through March 14, 2025, here. {Fashionista inbox}
What Black fashion leaders are saying about DEI
In a Zoom town hall on Tuesday hosted by Harlem’s Fashion Row, several Black fashion industry leaders shared their thoughts on the ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion policy rollbacks happening throughout the country. “What Black designers need now is for people who care to buy something,” said designer Sergio Hudson. “And if you can’t afford to, tell someone else to buy something. That’s what we need.” Terry Roberts, chief diversity officer at American Eagle Outfitters, added, “A lot of people at work, of all races, have come to me in the last couple weeks and asked if we are going to continue on our path. And I say, ‘Yes we are.’ There are a lot of people who are still going to fight and find a strategy that works.” {Glossy}
TikTok’s catch-22
With TikTok’s next phase of business being defined by its relationship with President Donald Trump and a potential new billionaire owner, many users are feeling unnerved. People are also reporting that their once-curated feeds already feel different from the previous algorithm. “From a business perspective, I would still continue to use it, because at the end of the day, this is my job and where my income is,” fashion creator Berenice Castro told Madeleine Schulz for Vogue Business. Louise Yems, strategy director at creative marketing agency The Digital Fairy, added, “Until those other platforms supercharge their algorithms on a par with TikTok’s, it is difficult to see the path forward.” {Vogue Business}
Kids are having birthday parties at Sephora now
For Business of Fashion, Melissa Magsaysay spoke with the parents of young children eager to have their birthday parties at beauty retail chain Sephora. “Financially, it could be very practical,” said Brandi Montague, the mom of a beauty product-loving tween. “You’re already at a mall. Go grab some Shake Shack or Starbucks and you’ve created the perfect birthday party for a tween.” Though Sephora doesn’t formally offer to host private birthday events, the brand (and other stores like Glossier) are finding ways to accommodate activities like scavenger hunts, mini makeovers and more, while also keeping regular shoppers in mind. {Business of Fashion}
Kering heads to the suburbs to support young design talent
Kering is making a “significant investment” in fashion design and visual arts nonprofit 0-93. Lab’s new project: a creative hub open to young creatives set to open at the end of 2025’s first quarter in a northern suburb of Paris, as reported by WWD. “This partnership with 0-93. Lab embodies our sincere commitment to the transmission of know-how. By fostering mentorship for young talents, we encourage the emergence of a new creative generation, thereby contributing to the promotion of the unique craftsmanship within our industry,” stated Béatrice Lazat, Kering’s chief people officer. {WWD}
Source: Fashionista.com