Otis College Fashion Design Senior Wins Prestigious Gucci Changemakers Scholarship

Maya Peats (’26 Fashion Design) is the third Otis College student to win the award. 

Maya Peats, a rising senior in Otis College’s Fashion Design program, was recently named a recipient of a 2025 Gucci Changemakers Scholarship. Maya is one of only 12 scholarship recipients chosen from across the country and the third Otis College student to take home the prestigious award since the program launched in 2019. Previous Otis College winners of the Gucci Changemakers Scholarship include Antonio Finamore-Phillips (’23 BFA Fashion Design) and MaiTae Preece (’25 BFA Fashion Design). 

Maya will receive an academic scholarship of $20,000, in addition to mentorship and virtual internship opportunities through Gucci America, the U.S. subsidiary of the Italian luxury fashion brand. She joins fellow awardees from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Parsons School of Design, Howard University, and the Savannah College of Design, among others. 

“Since 2019, Gucci Changemakers North America has been at the forefront of creative impact, designing initiatives and community partnerships that empower grassroots organizations and talented young people to chart their path forward,” according to Women’s Wear Daily. “Through powerful storytelling, grant support, scholarships and creative awards, Gucci Changemakers strives to drive meaningful change, fostering a positive impact while creating a more inclusive and equitable world.”

For her submission for her scholarship application, Maya focused on the sketching and photoshoot process for a collection she designed for her brand, Degxnerate Youth. The brand is grounded in an ethos of originality and nonconformity, expressed through unisex, avant-garde dystopian fashion, crafted with a focus on upcycling and ethical production methods.

“Our focus was on silhouette and form, challenging ourselves to design impactful pieces without relying on heavy fabrication or surface treatments,” she says. “Each sculpted garment was patterned with a basic foundational shape, but it’s the wearer’s body that determines the final creases, folds, and drape, bringing the piece to life through motion and fit.”

Her photoshoot took place in Cabrillo Beach in Los Angeles, against a backdrop of rocky cliffs and shifting sands. “The natural textures and dynamic environment allowed us to immerse fully in the moment and capture the raw, gritty beauty that defines the collection,” Maya says.

Otis College’s Fashion Design program differentiates itself with an emphasis on career preparedness—86% of graduates are employed in the fashion industry within three months of earning their BFA degree. The rigorous curriculum prepares students for a seamless transition into the global fashion industry, in part by developing an extensive and comprehensive networking component as part of the program. Mentors—composed of notable fashion designers, stylists, and costume designers—work with juniors and seniors on year-long projects that are showcased at the annual fashion show. This emphasis on developing capable, innovative, and professional fashion designers with a comprehensive understanding of consumer markets, from moderate to high-end, means our graduates are prepared for meaningful careers, fully immersed in the technical, interpersonal, creative, and collaborative skills that matter most in the field.

“My design journey is shaped by a range of influences, from my creative community to the environments I spend time in. I’m especially inspired by spaces like Venice Beach and Leimert Park, where I’m surrounded by other artists and culture,” Maya says. “I also enjoy spending time in nature, with my favorite spots being Rancho Palos Verdes and Cabrillo Beach. I find a lot of ideas from thrifting or visiting antique stores and museums, where I’m drawn to details and the symbolism behind various works. These experiences help keep my creativity and taste grounded and fresh.”

Maya’s advice to other Fashion Design students: “Stay ambitious and grounded in your values. If you’re passionate and disciplined, there’s no reason not to pursue your goals fully and see where they can take you. I’d also encourage students to explore L.A. beyond their classroom. Some of my greatest sources of inspiration have come from unexpected places I’ve come across while exploring L.A. on shopping trips or hangouts.”

More information about Otis College’s Fashion Design program.

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