L-R: At the FSF Gala in early April, Alex Suer, Vivian Hall, Ellie Michaelis, Prateeksha Prabhakar and Megan Huffnagle
Fashion Scholarship Fund: A prestigious opportunity
Four Ohio State students recently celebrated receipt of distinguished Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) scholarships, recognizing their academic excellence and creativity. The organization announced the recipients in a two-page spread in Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) earlier this year.
This year, only 160 students secured the scholarship and the prestigious FSF Scholar titles out of approximately 800 who applied.
“I’m beyond ecstatic and truly grateful to have won a prize from the Fashion Scholarship Fund,” said recipient Vivian Hall, majoring in the college’s Fashion and Retail Studies program, “especially since this was my first time applying as a senior with no expectations.”
“This scholarship means so much to me because it’s a validation of my decision to pursue a career in such a creative and competitive field.”
“The Fashion Scholarship Fund awards are extremely competitive, and truly the best and the brightest students win based on their case studies,” said Alexandra Suer, a senior lecturer in the college’s program.
“FSF boasts an incredibly high internship placement rating and exposes students to a number of industry careers, networking opportunities and mentorships after winning.”
Suer said that she supported 44 interested Ohio State applicants last spring, brainstorming their case study proposals with them. She provided information, materials and events hosted by the FSF team, as well as reviewed their cases if requested. She also connected them with industry mentors in Columbus who coached them.
“Twelve of these students crossed the finish line with completed case studies,” Suer said, “and four were chosen to receive the prestigious awards of $10,000 and to attend the gala celebration in NYC.”
“I love having the opportunity to see how creative and innovative they are when it comes to solving a relevant and challenging industry issue. They have all amazed me with their talents and forward thinking, whether or not they won the competition. All of the students' efforts are worth noting.”
In addition to receiving a $10,000 scholarship, FSF Scholars attended the Fund Awards Gala in New York City on April 7. At the event, they met industry leaders and engaged with fellow students.
Scholars also joined mentorship programs, where they received career advice from fashion professionals. Internship opportunities offer hands-on experience with top fashion companies.
Introducing Ohio State’s four scholarship winners
These students' achievements showcase the expanding role of technology and personalization in fashion. Their innovative ideas drive the forward-thinking approach necessary to shape the industry's future.
Vivian Hall created the "AI Curated Seasonal Color Assortment" for Nordstrom. Her case study proposed to equip shoppers with AI-generated seasonal color palettes. Customers would upload photos of themselves, and the system would detect their skin tone and undertones, then curate a selection of fashion items that complement their natural features. This tool would transform the shopping experience by making personal styling more accessible.
Hall will graduate this spring with expertise in the merchandising track of the Fashion and Retail Studies program.
Megan Huffnagle developed "Crew on Campus: The Heritage Tour," an experiential marketing campaign for J.Crew. Her case study proposed connecting Gen Z consumers with the brand through interactive campus pop-ups. Augmented Reality (AR) features, including an AR mirror from Zero 10, would let students try on vintage J.Crew pieces virtually and vote for their favorite styles to be re-released.
Huffnagle is a business marketing major in the Fisher College of Business and is minoring in the Fashion and Retail Studies program. She was one of four FSF Scholars to receive the Weissman FSF Scholarship.
Ellie Michaelis proposed launching Bath & Body Works' "Self Care" initiative, personalizing the fragrance shopping experience using AI. Customers would complete an online quiz that analyzes their preferences and generates scent recommendations tailored to their tastes. This technology-driven approach would strengthen customer engagement and broaden the brand's global reach.
Michaelis, a business marketing major, is minoring in the Fashion and Retail Studies program. She received the Fashion Fund’s scholarship for a second time this year.
Prateeksha Prabhakar secured the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) Global Public Policy Scholarship, a $10,000 grant from the Fashion Scholarship Fund to one scholar per year interested in policy development in the apparel industry.
Her case study, "Enhancing Personalized Styling with Bergdorf Goodman," envisioned an AI-powered tool that would assist stylists in curating fashion recommendations for customers based on their personal preferences and emerging trends.
Prabhakar is a senior majoring in business operations management and minoring in the Fashion and Retail Studies program. This marks her second year of receiving a fund scholarship.
The Fashion Scholarship Fund is the foremost fashion-oriented education and workforce development nonprofit organization in the United States. Corporate and individual donors help support the careers of the country’s most talented community college and university students and alumni. It was founded in 1937.
