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New York-based fashion house Carolina Herrera takes on a new educational partnership with Social Justice Center at FIT (SJC) to overcome the underrepresentation of BIPOC women students in educational institutions
New York-based fashion house Caroline Herrera has always been a strong ally of women—for 40 years, the brand has taken part in their empowerment through female-centric products, advocacies, and whatnot. This year, the fashion line has yet another attempt to nurture future generations of female fashion talent as it announces a new educational partnership with the Social Justice Center at FIT (SJC), an initiative established in 2021 by the State University of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).
Working to overcome the underrepresentation of people of colour (BIPOC) and Indigenous women students in educational institutions, the house is pledging resources towards the Carolina Herrera Social Justice Scholars Program, which will support one female student through four years of study at FIT, working towards a Bachelor’s degree, with four annual scholarship donations commencing in 2022. The first cohort of Social Justice Scholars at FIT began their studies this semester.
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“Carolina has been nothing if not sheer inspiration to FIT’s students,” said FIT President, Dr Joyce F. Brown. “Over the years, she has devoted countless hours mentoring them and they, in turn, have always admired and adored her. So we are thrilled, proud, and most grateful that the House of Herrera has established this Social Justice Scholarship at FIT in her name. Given Carolina’s long-time dedication to our students, her passion to support underrepresented women students, and her belief in the power of education, I cannot think of anything more appropriate.”
Carolina Herrera will also support the professional transition of the scholar, providing both intern and apprenticeship opportunities throughout their education and beyond. “Carolina Herrera and FIT share so many of the same values, but none is more important than this: If you know better, you do better, which is why education is so essential to empowerment,” said Beauty Creative Director Carolina A. Herrera. “FIT imparts skills and ideas that will be with these young students for the rest of their lives.”
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The mission of Women’s Empowerment is an essential one for Herrera. When Mrs Herrera launched her eponymous brand in 1981, she was told it would never last. She was a mother in her 40s who had come to Manhattan from Venezuela at a time when the fashion industry was firmly a man’s game.
Forty years later, her brand is stronger than ever and Carolina Herrera remains an inspiration for girls and women worldwide. “I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to see my name on a scholarship at FIT, a New York institution I have always felt so close to,” said Mrs Herrera.
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“There’s no better way to lift up the next generation of entrepreneurs and designers than through education and empowerment.”
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
