The collaboration between the not-for-profit consulting network, which offers Black-owned brands free business advice, and ARF will target students at four Historically Black Colleges and Universities, offering them 10-week internships and grants that cover any costs of living. The colleges participating include Howard University, Spelman College, Morehouse College and Florida A&M University.

The initiative has come about with the hope of creating a more accessible and inclusive fashion industry, which has historically disproportionately favoured those from privileged backgrounds due to a culture of nepotism, unpaid work experience and low-paid entry-level jobs.

This summer’s internship programmes will take place at companies including Cartier, Richemont, Saks Fifth Avenue, Staud, Altuzarra and Bloomingdale’s across various disciplines including sales, e-commerce, marketing and public relations.