Scholarships to improve representation in the fashion industry

New scholarships will support up-and-coming talent from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to pursue their dreams in the world of fashion thanks to a new partnership between Manchester Metropolitan University and The Capri Holdings Foundation for the Advancement of Diversity in Fashion.

The newly created scholarships, funded by The Capri Holdings Foundation, will create life-changing opportunities by removing barriers to higher education for talented students from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, supporting them to study a range of fashion degrees at Manchester Fashion Institute. 

With world-renowned luxury brands including Versace, Jimmy Choo and Michael Kors, Capri Holdings is a major force in fashion, with its brands each having longstanding reputations for style and craftmanship. The Capri Holdings Foundation furthers the company’s commitment to driving equity throughout the fashion industry.

As one of the UK’s largest and most diverse fashion schools with a proud legacy of nurturing creative talent and producing industry leaders, the Manchester Fashion Institute is uniquely placed to shape the future of fashion, with a key mission to pursue excellence while ensuring that there are no barriers to success to students from a wide range of backgrounds.

The Capri Holdings Foundation Scholarships in Fashion and Mentoring Programme will provide six undergraduate and three postgraduate scholarships for students from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds to study a range of courses in fashion, from fashion design and communications to fashion buying, marketing or business management.

Research shows that only nine percent of executive team and board positions across the UK fashion sector are held by ethnic minority professionals, underscoring the importance of programmes to improve representation in the industry.

Professor Martyn Evans, Pro Vice Chancellor for Arts and Humanities, said: “Philanthropy has a transformative impact at Manchester Met and now we are excited to announce this important scholarship programme, which will develop new talent by providing enormous opportunities for students wishing to study a range of disciplines that cover the breadth of the fashion industry, from fashion design to communications and business.”

Boosting the impact of the scholarship programme is a three-year mentorship initiative that will connect fashion students with professionals at Capri Holdings from areas including design, merchandising, marketing, operations and creative, giving students invaluable insight into the industry.

Sharon Diep, Director of The Capri Holdings Foundation, said: “Many great ideas stay untold, not for lack of talent, but for lack of access and opportunity. The Capri Holdings Foundation is proud to partner with Manchester Metropolitan’s Fashion Institute to change that story, giving students from historically underrepresented backgrounds the chance to pursue their ambitions and bring fresh perspectives to the industry.”

The Capri Holdings Foundation Scholarships in Fashion and Mentoring Programme will welcome its first students in September 2026. To find out more, visit The Capri Holdings Scholarships in Fashion and Mentoring Programme | Manchester Metropolitan University