This year, the six chosen brand agents have the opportunity to create unique experiences that fuel everyday moments for their peers related to fashion, gaming, music and sports throughout June.

Kristin Scott, Global Brand President at Abercrombie & Fitch Co., said the brand agents had set their sights on their future and are going above the typical teenage responsibilities to make a difference in their community.

“Our brand agents have their sights set high on their future and are going above and beyond the typical teenage responsibilities to change their communities and make a difference,” Scott said. “Their perspectives and pursuits are indicators of the meaningful change that Gen Z is championing, and we’re thrilled to be a part of uplifting their voices and supporting their futures.”

Gabby Ragsdale of LA, Michael Burrell, Jr. of Chicago, Brooke Sibla of San Diego, Antonio Arguelles of Houston, Zara Mendes of New Jersey and Zikora Akanegbu of D.C. Maryland each displayed their very different taste in fashion and talents, using their voices to make a difference in their communities, one idea at a time.

One brand agent acknowledged that opportunities like this don’t happen for young people their age.

“There aren’t jobs or opportunities like this for kids my age. I never imagined having the chance of getting to see the inside of what a brand does,” they said. “let alone having a team as big as Hollister help me with something I’m passionate about. The FWD Fund is where we get to be our true selves. We get to explore what our passions are and how they could become a career.”

Here are the six brand agents selected as a symbol of the program’s relaunch.

 

In her work, Ragsdale celebrates the immense impact black culture has had on fashion throughout history. Ragsdale cites the inspiration behind her designs with different fashion icons from the Black community; however, most importantly, her mother.

Ragsdale discovered a photo of her mother wearing a similar piece at her age, which gave her the inspiration she needed to complete her final design.

Burrell notes his project’s focal point was creating a piece reflective of black heritage and social justice. The 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery and the current justice system struggle inspired him.

Burrell has discovered and learned much about the untold stories of black history and culture and wants to create a simple yet direct message that brings awareness to these impactful moments in our past. In addition, he hopes to inspire others to learn more about history so that they can impact the future someday.

Sibla was first introduced to fashion by her mother and her Filipino grandmother, who taught the designer the basics of sewing and design. She always dreamed of launching a brand that would provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for people of all genders, body types, and passions.

Sibla was taught by her mother and grandmother that fashion was a way to share her story and build self-confidence. Being a brand agent supported Sibla’s belief that style can inspire others to be confident in their skin and live a positive, fulfilling life.

Arguelles’ love and appreciation for nature and sustainability and curiosity about connecting to our ancestors played an integral role in his design.

Identifying as an Indigenous Mexican, he acknowledges that land and nature are culturally important, and clothing is often a way to reflect and communicate that cultural value. Arguelles spent a lot of time traveling to the rural countryside within the jungles and mountains of Mexico. He has been inspired by how his culture and local community tackle the important topic of sustainability to think about what he can do to bring awareness to this issue.

Growing up in the United States and aboard, Mendes always dreamed of creating a business that brought unique and global items together. Inspired by her favorite cities, Los Angeles, Paris, and New York, Mendes fell in love with fashion. Learning from her grandmother, a seamstress, Mendes knew she wanted to share her inspiration with the world.

Her first piece features a Portuguese pattern with a modern twist—a tribute to her travels as a kid to her mother’s hometown in Portugal and her cultural roots.

Akanegbu’s focus during the project was learning the creative process and the fashion industry’s ins and outs. As the founder and executive director of GenZHer, an organization she started, Akanegbu hopes her experience will inspire other young women.

With the help of a whimsical dress, Akanegbu will be able to bring insight to others across the country and support equity and inclusivity across fashion, media, and advocacy.

 

In addition, the brand is launching the Hollister FWD Fund, a platform designed to monetarily fuel teens‘ passions and empower the next generation of changemakers.

We are proud of these young creators who continue to use their youth, voice and platform to make a difference in the world.