Columbia College Chicago students earn national recognition as FSF Scholars, presenting industry-focused case studies at the FSF LIVE Gala in New York City.

Five Columbia College Chicago students were named Fashion Scholarship Fund (FSF) Scholars, earning national recognition for innovative case studies that address real challenges facing today’s fashion industry. 

Each student received a $10,000 scholarship and traveled to New York City, where they were recognized at the FSF LIVE Gala alongside peers from universities across the country. The event brings together leading fashion brands, retailers, and industry professionals to celebrate emerging talent and connect students with career opportunities. 

At The Glasshouse in New York City, 160 students selected from more than 700 submissions were collectively awarded over $1.9 million in scholarships. 

This year’s Columbia College Chicago Fashion Scholarship Fund Scholars and named scholarships include:  

• Ellie Draus, Design and Product Development Senior  
• Mickayla Khantivong, SAKS Global named scholarship, Merchandising Senior  

Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholars and named scholarships include:  

• Emonie Coleman, Marketing Senior, 2x winner
• Wylan Harris, PVH named scholarship, Design and Product Development junior
• Destiny Robinson, Kohl’s named scholarship, Design and Product Development junior 

Virgil Abloh™ “Post-Modern” Scholars is a special designation within the Fashion Scholarship Fund created by the late designer and entrepreneur Virgil Abloh to support the next generation of Black fashion industry leaders and advance equity within the fashion industry. 

The moment carried added weight with voices from across the industry encouraging students to trust their creative instincts. 

“Fashion gave me my life. When I was growing up on the south side of Chicago, I had no idea that I would be able to become the person I became,” says celebrity stylist and competition judge Law Roach. “But what I did understand is that something told me I was special. I urge you to listen to your voice, and not anybody else’s.” 

Each year, the Fashion Scholarship Fund invites students from member schools nationwide to complete in-depth case studies responding to current issues shaping the industry. Participants conduct original research and develop strategies that may include design concepts, merchandising plans, marketing campaigns, and financial analysis. 

Columbia students prepared their submissions through a dedicated course led by Dana Connell, associate professor and director of scholarship initiatives at the School of Fashion. Throughout the semester, students refined their ideas through research, critique, and collaboration before submitting their final projects for national review by industry professionals. 

“The students individually conducted original research and developed merchandising and design strategies, integrated marketing and merchandising plans, and detailed financial analysis,” Connell says. “The process pushes them to think critically about how creative ideas translate into viable solutions for the fashion industry.” 

The case study competition reflects the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping fashion today, encouraging students to explore unique and unexpected partnerships, emerging technologies, shifting consumer expectations, and new approaches to design, retail, and brand strategy. 

Student Projects Reflect Emerging Industry Trends 

From wellness-driven fitness concepts to impact-focused retail and reimagined sportswear, the projects reflect a generation of designers responding to the industry on their own terms.  
 
Khantivong’s project, “Run On With Liquid I.V.,” reframed fitness through the lens of community and well-being. “I was inspired by conversations with my friends about how we've felt burnt out with fitness,” she says. “We were looking for fitness to become a form of self-care… activity that makes fitness fun again.” 

Taking a different approach, Harris focused on impact-driven retail, developing a partnership between Calvin Klein and Habitat for Humanity. Her concept introduced a give-back model centered on bedding donations, connecting consumer purchases with tangible community support. 

Draus explored the intersection of luxury and sportswear through a collaboration between the NFL and Miu Miu, identifying an opportunity to better serve women in the team sportswear market. “It’s playful, cheeky, and bold,” she says. “After doing some research, I realized there is a lot of open space… for women.” 

Across the cohort, students point to Columbia’s hands-on, interdisciplinary approach as key to their success. “I don’t believe that I could’ve created the case study I did without my professor’s guidance at Columbia, especially Dana Connell,” Khantivong says. 

Turning Research into Real-World Impact 

Programs like the Fashion Scholarship Fund connect students directly with the industry while they are still in school, giving them the opportunity to present ideas to professionals from major brands and build relationships that can shape their careers. 

By earning recognition as FSF Scholars, Columbia students joined a national community of emerging designers, merchandisers, and strategists who are helping define the future of the fashion industry.  

“I was impressed by our students, who delivered their winning pitches to industry professionals during the event,” says School of Fashion director Colbey Reid, PhD. “They were poised and dynamic—I could see why they won. I’m proud of Columbia’s climb to five FSF Scholars this year.” 

View the student cases by going to Class of 2026 FSF Scholars — Fashion Scholarship Fund and sorting by Columbia College Chicago. 

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