The Fashion Scholarship Fund revealed Monday that Farai Simoyi has been appointed the head of the Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund and Equity.
“Virgil Abloh was a visionary who ignited a generation, and his legacy of inclusivity and opportunity is a powerful force for change,” Simoyi said. “I am committed to carrying forward his teachings and mentorship to empower underrepresented students and create a more equitable fashion industry. The Virgil Abloh ‘Post-Modern’ Scholarship Fund is a transformative platform, and I am inspired by the opportunity to work alongside Shannon Abloh and Peter Arnold in expanding its impact. Together, we will continue to build a future where talent and passion know no bounds.”
In the role, Simoyi is tasked with overseeing the scholarship program, growing the number of scholarships awarded each year and leading pilot programs that support Black talent in the fashion industry. Simoyi will report to Fashion Scholarship Fund executive director Peter Arnold.
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“I am so pleased to welcome Farai to the Fashion Scholarship Fund,” Arnold said. “Having worked closely with Farai for several years when she was on the faculty at FSF partner school Thomas Jefferson University, Farai has demonstrated a deep commitment to mentorship, service and equity. We are excited to have her expertise as we continue Virgil’s mission of providing a pathway for talented and diverse young people to realize their career ambitions.”
Simoyi has worked in the fashion industry for two decades as a designer, founder, educator and business development leader. In 2017 she launched The Narrativ, a Brooklyn-based fashion brand and retail store that serves as a marketplace for ethically sourced goods.
In 2020, Simoyi was named program director and professor for undergraduate and graduate fashion design programs at Thomas Jefferson University. At the college, she established the inaugural Diversity in Design course.
“At the FSF’s Gala last spring, we announced plans to scale the work of the Virgil Abloh ‘Post-Modern’ Scholarship Fund, including the exciting news that we are doubling the number of Virgil Abloh Scholars in 2025,” Shannon Abloh said. “Hiring Farai is an important next step and Farai’s experience, expertise and passion are well aligned with Virgil’s and our foundation’s ambition to expand the impact and reach of this program.”
