The Capri Holdings Foundation for the Advancement of Diversity in Fashion to Fund Masterclass with PLC to Introduce and Inspire Students from Historically Underrepresented Communities Currently Pursuing Degrees in Fashion and Merchandising

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DETROIT, MI – Jan. 9, 2023 – Pensole Lewis College (PLC), in partnership with The Capri Holdings Foundation for the Advancement of Diversity in Fashion (Capri Foundation), today announced a masterclass to introduce students from historically underrepresented communities—including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color—to career paths in footwear and accessories design.

The PLC x Capri Foundation masterclass is part of the $20 million pledge made by Capri Holdings Limited, parent company to luxury brands Versace, Jimmy Choo and Michael Kors, to the Capri Foundation in support of its mission of advancing equality and promoting long-term change in the fashion industry.

“We are honored and excited to participate in this important initiative to educate and diversify an industry that has been supported by communities who historically have been left out of the product creation process,” PLC founder and President Dr. D’Wayne Edwards said. “This is a major step in the right direction.”

16 students were selected to participate in a five-week accelerated footwear and accessories design masterclass beginning today; tuition and living expenses will be funded by the Capri Foundation. The masterclass curriculum will stem from a design brief co-created by PLC and the Capri Foundation and will feature a number of guest speakers from the Capri Holdings, Versace, Jimmy Choo and Michael Kors design, retail management, communications, and recruitment teams. The curriculum aims to provide valuable insight and unrivalled mentorship to participating students and will culminate in a workshop with Sandra Choi, creative director of longtime PLC partner Jimmy Choo.

“I have enormous admiration for the opportunities D’Wayne has created to support the future generation of creative talent in footwear and accessory design, Choi said. “Education is power, to be able to play a part in providing an essential step in the learning journey of these talented students is a privilege.”

About Capri Holdings Limited 

Capri Holdings is a global fashion luxury group consisting of iconic, founder-led brands Versace, Jimmy Choo and Michael Kors. Our commitment to glamorous style and craftsmanship is at the heart of each of our luxury brands. We have built our reputation on designing exceptional, innovative products that cover the full spectrum of fashion luxury categories. Our strength lies in the unique DNA and heritage of each of our brands, the diversity and passion of our people and our dedication to the clients and communities we serve. Capri Holdings is publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker CPRI.

About PLC

Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design is the pipeline for career education and professional development in the design industry. We are the source for creative vision and progress; bearing the torch to push the culture forward — beyond what’s visible. At Pensole Lewis College, we offer a new path to break into the world of product creation. We prepare the largest talent pool of designers to enter the industry empowering them to make it better for the next generation, leaving our industry better than when we entered it.

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