Pacsun x Fashion Scholarship Fund Announce Winners of its 2021 Gender-Neutral Design Competition

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May 21, 2021, 10:00 ET

LOS ANGELES, May 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacsun and the Fashion Scholarship Fund have named the two winners of their Gender-Neutral Design Competition. The initiative was announced in Spring 2021 to spotlight the next generation of design talent and their interpretation of unisex fashion. Two winners were selected to produce limited edition Gender-Neutral capsule collections to be sold at Pacsun.

Allegra Abrams (L) @styleby_allegra & Oli Perez (R) @olicarrillostudio

"It is incredible to see the upcoming generation of fashion leaders and their concepts for the future of fashion, that reject gender binaries and promote individuality and freedom of expression. At Pacsun, we are committed to offering innovative gender-neutral collections, and the two winners align perfectly with our mission. We are thrilled and honored to foster their journey and bring their designs to life," says Brieane (Brie) Olson President of Pacsun.

Over the past several months, more than 200 students across FSF Alumni and the Class of 2021 FSF Scholars submitted their designs for an original gender-neutral capsule collection, tapping into creativity, identity, and storytelling. Eight finalists had the opportunity to present their visions earlier this month to a panel of industry leaders and two young designers were officially chosen.

The judging panel included Calyann Barnett (Stylist, Creative Director, and founder of The Shop Miami), Whembley Sewell (Editor-in-Chief, them.), Jérôme LaMaar (Creative Director / Designer and Stylist), Ashley Cimone (co-founder of New York–based design label ASHYA unisex travel accessories), Co-Chief Executive Officer of Pacsun Alfred Chang, VP of Men's Merchandising Richard Cox, and Executive Director of the Fashion Scholarship Fund Peter Arnold.

"The FSF received an impressive breadth of gender-neutral design submissions, a reflection of the remarkable and diverse talent in our network of scholarship winners. Ultimately, Allegra Abrams and Oli Perez were selected for presenting highly original, well-executed concepts. We are so grateful to Pacsun for joining us in our mission to create an all-encompassing space that allows for the next generation of fashion talent to showcase their creative visions," said Peter Arnold, Executive Director of the Fashion Scholarship Fund.

Allegra Abrams currently attends the University of Wisconsin - Madison, studying towards a Bachelor of Science in Textiles and Fashion Design, with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Sustainability, and is a 2021 FSF Virgil Abloh™️ Post-Modern Scholar. Oli Perez attended Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design, and was a 2018 FSF Scholar.

Both designers will work closely throughout the summer with Pacsun's design and product development teams to have their collections developed and manufactured, bringing their co-branded collections to market to be sold at Pacsun stores around the country and through Pacsun.com later this year.

ABOUT PACSUN
Pacsun is a leading specialty retailer offering a cross section of emerging brands and trending fashion through the lens of youth culture. Throughout the contemporary, streetwear and active lifestyle markets, Pacsun partners with the best brands to offer curated collections, rare and exclusive products, and creative collaborations on every level. Founded in 1980, Newport, CA. Curated in Los Angeles. Follow @pacsun on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok.

ABOUT THE FASHION SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The Fashion Scholarship Fund is the foremost fashion-oriented education and workforce development nonprofit in the U.S. The FSF works directly with the country's most talented young students from diverse backgrounds and awards over $1 million each year in scholarships to help these students succeed in all sectors of the industry including design, merchandising, marketing analytics, and supply chain. The FSF also provides scholars with a wide range of internship and career opportunities, mentorship, networking, professional development, and unprecedented access to the industry's most influential leaders and companies.

SOURCE Pacsun