Giannini's motivational messages for Korean young talents
27 Apr '12
3 min read
Gucci announced its 5-year scholarship initiative to support university students who are majoring in fashion-related fields to develop their talent and career.
On this special occasion, Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini appeared in front of 450 senior university students at Garam Hall in Hongik University for a question-and-answer session titled, 'In Conversation with Frida Giannini.'
Marking the event was the announcement of 'The Gucci Scholarship Program' in partnership with the Korea Student Aid Foundation (KOSAF). Gucci will award bursary aid for five students for a five-year period. The program will not only help students financially, but will also support their career aspirations in fashion by providing them with the exclusive opportunity to visit Gucci's leather goods factory in Florence and fashion show in Milan.
The session, involving students majoring in fashion/fashion marketing, was moderated by Professor Hosup Kan, who represents Fashion Design/Textile Art at Hongik University and who is also known for his role as a judge on the fashion TV program 'Project Runway.'
Giannini delivered motivational messages and served as a role model to inspire students to pursue fashion careers. She is not only one of the few female designers to lead a global luxury brand, but she was also appointed as Creative Director only four years after first joining the company thanks to her vision, which blends Gucci's historic icons with the allure of modern fashion.
Giannini said, “I was overwhelmed by the passion Korean students have for achieving their academic and professional goals, and I am delighted to support these talented future generations with our new Gucci Scholarship Program. In addition to financial aid, we are especially proud to offer career support that will bring students to Italy to gain international experience in the fashion industry.”
She continued, “Gucci is pleased to partner with KOSAF, which has operated many programs that support students pursuing higher education regardless of their financial means. I hope that through this new partnership between Gucci and KOSAF will open a pathway for students to acheive their goals and dreams.”
“We are pleased to accompany the world leading Italian fashion house, Gucci, to inspire Korean students to pursue their dreams. Gucci's on-going support will not only provide opportunities for students to continue study but also empower them with aspirations and visions for the future,” said Kyungsook Lee, Chairperson of the KOSAF.
In addition to her role as Creative Director, Giannini leads Gucci's involvement in numerous philanthropic activities, particularly support for women's rights and the education of children and youth. Based on her belief that an education is a gift forever, she delivered a lecture last year to university students in Rome at La Sapienza.
She also plays an instrumental role in supporting UNICEF's 'Schools for Africa' initiative, which aims to increase access to quality basic education for millions of children in Africa, with a special emphasis on helping the most disadvantaged – girls, orphans, children living in extreme poverty and other vulnerable children. In 2011 the U.S. Fund for UNICEF honored Giannini at the inaugural Women of Compassion Luncheon.
Gucci and KOSAF will announce details for the recruitment process and criteria in September and the first year 2013 beneficiaries of the scholarship program will be announced in December.
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