US' Neiman Marcus CEO honoured with late Virgil Abloh at FSF

As a long-standing partner of the FSF, Neiman Marcus donated over $550,000 to the organisation with funds raised through the generosity of corporate giving, brand partners, technology and marketing partners, and customers. Additionally, Neiman Marcus hosted this year’s FSF Scholars for programming at the Bergdorf Goodman flagship in New York City, the company said in a press release.

Late designer, fashion industry leader, and global trailblazer, Virgil Abloh, was honoured alongside van Raemdonck for his impact on fostering equity and inclusion across the fashion industry, including through the establishment of his ‘Post-Modern’ Scholarship Fund benefiting Black students. FSF LIVE, the organisation’s annual fundraiser, took place at The Glasshouse in New York City on April 11, bringing together industry leaders, alumni, educators, mentors, and supporters, while also celebrating the 2022 class of 123 Scholars, including 23 recipients of the Virgil Abloh ‘Post-Modern’ Scholarship Fund.

Since 2019, The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation has been a proud partner of the Fashion Scholarship Fund, helping to fund scholarships, promote diversity in the fashion industry, nurture rising talent via the company’s executive development Program (EDP), and provide executive leadership to the FSF board of directors, of which, Lana Todorovich has served as a board member of for four years, fully supporting their mission.

Beginning February 2022, the company activated a three-month-long point-of-sale fundraising campaign in all 37 Neiman Marcus stores, raising proceeds to be contributed directly to the Virgil Abloh ‘Post-Modern’ Scholarship, as well as help establish a new co-branded scholarship between Neiman Marcus and the FSF to support diverse youth studying sustainable and ethical fashion. Neiman Marcus also hosted a panel of industry leaders that celebrated the legacy of Virgil Abloh, and the company’s commitment to black talent in the fashion industry, moderated by Nikki Ogunnaike, digital director, Harper’s Bazaar. Van Raemdonck himself has championed Neiman Marcus’ partnership with the FSF and worked to uplift the next generation of fashion industry leaders, encouraging those from all backgrounds to pursue their passions and create change in the industry, according to Neiman Marcus.

“I am humbled to be honoured at FSF LIVE. I believe that passion, accompanied by showing up as your authentic self, leads to success. When you are passionate about what you do, you will undoubtedly devote your time, effort, and energy to going above and beyond in everything you do. As an openly gay CEO in the luxury fashion industry, I believe that when you show who you are, proudly and fearlessly, you have the freedom to dedicate your energy solely to creating a positive impact. Your honesty and transparency will help foster trusted relationships and pave the path to success. I hope to share these values with the next generation of fashion industry leaders,” CEO of the company, Geoffroy van Raemdonck, said in a statement.

“Neiman Marcus has been a trusted partner in the FSF’s work to promote diversity in the fashion industry by mentoring and preparing the next generation of industry talent. The company’s commitment and dedication to uplifting and empowering rising talent in the fashion industry has fostered creativity and community that will leave a lasting impact on FSF and our scholars,” Peter Arnold, executive director, Fashion Scholarship Fund, said.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)