BREAKING NEWS
WORDS BY FAITH LEMASTERS
Virgil Abloh’s death was a great loss felt throughout the fashion industry. Not only was Abloh one of the most phenomenally talented designers and creative directors of our time; he was a philanthropist dedicated to making the world a better place (particularly through education).
In 2020, Abloh founded the Virgil Abloh™ “Post Modern” Scholarship Fund. This fund seeks to create inclusion and equity within the fashion industry and provides scholarships to Black students. In addition to receiving financial scholarship, the fund provides access to various mentorships and career guidance. When speaking about the creation of the fund, Abloh cited his passion for ensuring that students have access to important resources (such as finances and mentorship), so that they may go on to have successful careers.
So while Abloh will, without question, be kept in remembrance for his amazing work with Louis Vuitton and his own brand, Off-White, there is more to his legacy. His dreams and desires for a more inclusive and equitable future will be carried on through those who share his vision, and through the students who are granted greater opportunities through his educational fund.
Virgil Abloh pictured at the 2019 CFDA Awards in New York, NY. Photo by Ovidiu Hrubaru.
Advice for first timers in New York: know that you will never go hungry! The Big Apple offers food vendors on every corner. The ease of access to fresh food will give you the necessary energy to stride your way around Manhattan. Think: roasted chestnuts, bagels, burritos and tacos on every corner. But when you’re planning to stop and massage your arches,
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"When creativity melds together with global issues, I believe you can bring the world together."
Before the age of 10, Bethanie was already developing as an artist with writing classes, illustration, dance, theatre and piano. Later, clients from fashion, real estate and corporate sectors rounded her creative, technical and social media writing skills. Naturally, her artistic interests transposed onto film and production. Today, Bethanie hosts and produces interviews with international lifestyle brands and contributes to SNEZNY travel magazine.