September 16, 2025 — Marist’s Fashion program is shining on the national stage thanks to the student talent it attracts. Fashion Design student Lena Alibrio ’26 has been named one of just four recipients in the country of the prestigious Veronica Beard x CFDA Creative Futures Scholarship, earning a $50,000 award in recognition of her exceptional talent and creative vision.

Sponsored by Veronica Beard, a contemporary American sportswear brand, the scholarship reflects a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of fashion designers. The program promotes inclusivity, creativity, and celebrates design excellence by awarding scholarships to four undergraduate juniors nationwide enrolled in fashion design or textiles programs.

During her junior year, Lena — now a senior — stood out from a competitive national pool of applicants with her innovative approach to denim design, blending technical mastery with a forward-thinking, sustainable mindset. The application process was highly competitive, and Lena embraced it with intense focus and passion.

“I spent nearly every waking moment sketching and researching Veronica Beard and its competitors to fully immerse myself in the brand’s aesthetic and identity,” she said. “I explored every category—Denim, Knitwear, Soft Wovens, and Tailoring—and through that deep dive, I genuinely discovered a passion for designing denim.”

On September 4, winners of the CFDA Scholarship gathered at the Veronica Beard boutique in New York City and participated in a panel discussion moderated by Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA. Photo by DooRi Chung.
 

 

 

 

 

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Over the summer, Lena brought her creativity to life as a paid intern at Veronica Beard’s New York City headquarters, where she collaborated closely with the design team. Her contributions in the denim department left a lasting impression, infusing the brand’s work with fresh perspective and energy.

This hands-on experience not only deepened her understanding of the industry but also affirmed her passion for denim design—a passion that began in the classroom and flourished in a professional setting.

“My summer at Veronica Beard was incredible,” added Lena. “The entire team did a wonderful job of making me feel involved and allowing my voice to be heard. I assisted in designing Fall 2026, sat in during fittings, helped (and learned) how to make wash comments, and so much more.”

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Fellow fashion design majors Caroline Lacey '26 and Oskar Villaseñor '26 were also named among the eight finalists for the scholarship—a remarkable achievement that speaks to the depth of talent within the program.

 
Lena Alibrio '26 working on her denim designs in the Steel Plant. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

“Our fashion design students consistently produce work that reflects both creative excellence and real-world readiness—qualities that clearly resonated with the CFDA and the team at Veronica Beard,” said DooRi Chung, Senior Professional Lecturer of Fashion Design. “Lena, Caroline, and Oskar each brought something distinctive to the table, and Lena’s thoughtful, innovative design work—combined with her poise and professionalism—truly stood out.”

With so much ahead, Lena credits her Marist experience with laying the foundation for her growth as a designer and helping her discover her creative voice.

“I have had the most amazing experience at Marist and studying fashion design here. From the get-go, we were immersed in learning about the industry and the skills we needed,” she said.

Fashion Design at Marist: Where Creativity Meets Career Readiness

At Marist, Fashion Design is a hands-on, immersive experience that prepares students to succeed in the industry from day one. By combining design theory and history with real-world application starting in their first semester, students graduate with the skills, confidence, and professional insight needed to thrive in today’s fashion world.