Selected designers named for 2nd annual CFDA | Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), together with Genesis, have announced the names of the three designers set to compete in the [second annual CFDA | Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant].(https://fashionunited.com/education/news/cfda-partners-with-genesis-for-second-annual-aapi-design-innovation-grant/2024061260352)

The selected designers will enter a five-month challenge to curate a collection inspired by their Asian heritage. From September 4 onwards, the designers will have access to a board of mentors across the fashion and business industries in order to receive guidance from chosen experts throughout the design challenge. To fund the creation of their collection for the grant, each designer will also be given a 40,000 USD grant from Genesis House.

The three designers chosen are Bach Mai, a Vietnamese-American designer renowned for his luxury ready-to-wear and made-to-order brand and celebrated for his bold glamour and feminine design; Dauphinette, founded by Olivia Cheng, offering luxury womenswear and accessories with a focus on upcycling and innovative materials; and Kozaburo, the menswear label founded by Tokyo-born Kozaburo Akasaka, blending Eastern and Western influences with a creative vision of global individuality, and known for collaborations with brands like Snow Peak and Wrangler.

"Bach Mai, Dauphinette, and Kozaburo are pushing the boundaries of fashion with their innovative designs," said Rachel Espersen, executive director of brand experience at Genesis House and Studios at Genesis Motor America, in a statement. "Entering the second year of the AAPI Design + Innovation Grant with the CFDA, we are thrilled to showcase the creativity and vision of these designers and look forward to seeing how their unique perspectives will transform the industry."

During the program, the designers will be guided by industry experts and mentors, who will help refine their creative vision and develop their collections while offering valuable business advice. The mentors and advisory board include notable figures like Alina Cho (Journalist), Eva Chen (VP of fashion, Meta), Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim (founders, Monse), Jodie Chan (VP of global marketing & communications, Carolina Herrera), and other leaders from Genesis, Saks, Google, CFDA, and 3.1 Phillip Lim.

"Building off the success of the inaugural AAPI Design + Innovation Grant, CFDA and Genesis House are delighted to welcome this second cohort of creative talent," said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA, in a statement. "Congratulations to Bach Mai, Dauphinette, and Kozaburo, who each personify creative design excellence and are representative of the future of American fashion. We are excited to see how their stories unfold."

Along with the grant, the three participants will take part in an inspiring trip to Seoul, South Korea, to influence their collections. The winner will receive an extra 60,000 USD, bringing the total prize to 100,000 USD.