Spelman Students Named 2026 Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” Scholars

Three Spelman Students Selected from Hundreds of Applicants for Prestigious Scholarship Supporting the Next Generation of Black Fashion Industry Leaders

Three Spelman College students have been named Class of 2026 Virgil Abloh ‘Post-Modern’ Scholarship recipients as part of the Fashion Scholarship Fund, the foremost fashion-oriented education and workforce development nonprofit in the U.S.

Taylor Branch, C’2027, and repeat FSF scholarship winner; Kennedy Hoyt, C’2027, and repeat FSF scholarship winner; and Caira Coleman, C’2026, were selected from hundreds of applicants to participate in FSF’s program. As part of the program, the students selected a mentor and attended the annual 89th Annual FSF Awards Gala in New York City, NY, this past March.  As FSF Scholars, the students have access to a wide variety of internships and full-time jobs through FSF partner companies.

Our students should be commended for their hard work and dedication. Throughout the year, our students attended the FSF workshops and events available to them and harnessed that knowledge to prepare impressive applications. Winning this scholarship required a considerable commitment to researching and creating original projects outside of their routine studies,” said Dr. Michelle S. Hite, associate professor of literature, media and writing, international fellowships and scholarships director, and FSF educator at Spelman. “Their interest in the fashion industry reflects a growing interest among Spelman students and definitely showcases what they are willing to do to find a place in that world."

From the 160 applicants, 60 were selected as Virgil Abloh ‘Post-Modern’ Scholars. The scholarship fund was created in 2020 by the late Virgil Abloh (1980-2021), creator of Off-White and the artistic director of Louis Vuitton men’s wear, to support the next generation of Black fashion industry leaders. Abloh titled the scholarship ‘Post-Modern’ to emphasize the wealth of career support services and mentoring the students will receive in tandem with the financial reward.

Starting in 2025, every ‘Post-Modern’ Scholar will receive at least $10,000 in college scholarship support and will participate in career-focused educational and professional development classes, network opportunities and talent acquisition events throughout the year, according FSF’s website. Additionally, at least 60 ‘Post-Modern’ Scholars will be selected each year.

To apply for the program, each applicant entered a case study competition whereby they submitted a comprehensive body of work in the field of design and product development, marketing and analytics, merchandising or business strategy. The students addressed significant issues facing the fashion industry today as part of FSF’s signature program, the annual Case Study Scholarship.

To learn more about each student and view their impressive case studies, please visit fashionscholarshipfund.org.