The inaugural CFDA Scholarship recipient in 1996, Peter Som is an industry legend. From helming his namesake label to designing for brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Bill Blass, he’s now expanded his creative vision to lifestyle design and the culinary world. A defining moment in his early career, he found his CFDA experience to be profoundly motivating. “It gave me the confidence to think of myself not just as a student of design, but as a designer,” he says. 

“The fashion landscape shifts constantly—styles, technology, even the way we connect with audiences—but curiosity will keep you relevant, adaptable, and inspired. And remember that this industry is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be moments of great triumph and moments of doubt (trust me!). Both are part of the process, and both will shape you.” 

The creative director of both Hervé Léger and her namesake label Et Ochs, Michelle Ochs was the recipient of the CFDA Scholarship in 2006—an accomplishment she considers a turning point in her career. Beyond the financial support, it connected her to a network of industry leaders who helped shape her path. “It was a vote of confidence at a formative stage in my career,” she says. “That sense of belonging to a creative community still influences how I lead today.” 

“Stay curious, stay humble, and be someone people want to work with again. Your first role might not be your dream job, but every experience builds your skill set and your network. Listen more than you speak, learn from everyone around you, and remember—reliability often opens the next door.” 

Fashion designer and artist Mel Corchado is known for using sugar as a textile medium—a conceptual, experimental practice the CFDA was the first to champion. As a 2022 CFDA scholar, she considers that early support her greatest validation. “It was a rare and powerful confirmation that my ideas had value and that I was on to something worth pursuing.” That vision recently culminated in her first fine art project at The Shed in NYC. 

“Build relationships that are real. The best currency in fashion isn’t who you know—it’s how you connect. The industry can feel transactional, but the connections that matter most are the ones built on mutual respect and genuine curiosity. Cold emails and bold outreach can open doors, but sustained, authentic relationships are what keep them open.” 

Jakarie Whitaker is the rising designer behind the emerging avant-garde label Hikari no Yami. A 2023 CFDA scholar, he credits the program with empowering him to think and create without limits—allowing him to take creative risks like studying and interning in Tokyo while beginning to build a sustainable foundation for his vision as a designer. “It wasn’t just funding—it was for my future,” he says. 

“Stay deeply connected to your ‘why.’ In an industry as unpredictable and competitive as fashion, your purpose will be your anchor. Beyond talent, the most defining traits of long-term success are grit, resilience, and unwavering belief in your vision! Also, lean into the wisdom of those around you. I stay connected with my mentors, collaborators, and peers because they help me grow and make more informed decisions.”