ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The CFDA and Genesis House are excited to launch the second iteration of the AAPI Design + Innovation Grant to support the underrepresented AAPI community within the fashion industry. This program is designed to usher in the next generation of AAPI designers, celebrating the beauty of their heritage and providing a platform for pushing creative boundaries.
The program will provide three emerging AAPI fashion designers with invaluable education and mentorship from industry leaders across fashion, technology, and innovation. Designers will be challenged to create a collection highlighting the tension between their Asian heritage and modernity.
Building on this foundation, for the second iteration, the program challenges designers to deeply consider the question, 'What does innovation mean to you?' This reflection is crucial throughout the program as it encourages each designer to forge a personal interpretation of innovation, thereby infusing unique perspectives into their creations. By understanding innovation as both a personal journey and within the context of broader industry trends, our aim for the designers is to guide their final deliverables to be not only individually distinctive but also resonate globally.
PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES
- Welcome Dinner
The program will begin with a welcome dinner scheduled for July 31, 2024, at Genesis House. This event offers designers a valuable opportunity to introduce themselves and network with their mentors and the CFDA & Genesis House project team.
- Finalist Announcement Event
The finalist public announcement will be held at Genesis House. Tentatively planned for early September, just before New York Fashion Week, this cocktail event will spotlight the program’s three selected designers and celebrate their participation in the program.
- Design Challenge
Each selected designer will receive $40,000 to finance the design challenge. The designers will be expected to create a collection of three distinct looks reflecting their Asian heritage and modernity, aligned with Genesis' brand pillars. Inspired by the vision of our program, we aim to anchor the design challenge to creativity, innovation, modernity, and heritage. Designers will be encouraged to infuse their designs with the essence of their cultural roots while embracing contemporary aesthetics.This design challenge celebrates individual expression and creativity, moving beyond the constraints of market-ready designs. We encourage designers to look past the usual market constraints and focus more on their unique artistic vision and innovative ideas. It's a chance for designers to dive deep into innovation and weave personal storytelling into their creations.
- Bespoke Mentorship
Designers will benefit from a customized mentorship program, receiving education and guidance from industry leaders across fashion, design, and technology. This mentorship provides ongoing support, expertise, and advice as designers develop their pieces for the design challenge.The mentorship will begin in August, with the intensive phase of the program running from October to mid-December. Sessions will be held in person at Genesis House NY, the designer's studio, or the mentor's studio. Some sessions will be recorded to capture the designer's progress. These sessions will focus on the program's core pillars—innovation, modernity, and heritage—and will also provide business support to the designers. In-person attendance at these meetings is mandatory for all participating designers.
- Seoul Immersion Inspiration Trip
Designers will be required to travel and participate in a 1-week inspiration Seoul Immersion Trip to South Korea from October 18th to Oct 25th, 2024. Transportation, meals, and hotel expenses will be sponsored by Genesis. During this trip, designers will have the opportunity to study the country's rich heritage. Additionally, they will be able to draw inspiration from the innovative practices showcased by Hyundai/Genesis experience studios, further enriching their creative journey. The 1-week trip will feature a structured itinerary, ensuring participants have opportunities to explore various curated activities. Additionally, free time will be allocated, allowing designers to explore and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Seoul during parts of the day.
- Final Presentation to the Judges
The Final Presentation, scheduled for the last week of January, is designed to enable the judges to learn more about each designer. It offers an opportunity to hear firsthand about the creative process and the inspiration behind their work, deepening the judges' understanding of the designers' visions and the stories they aim to convey through their creations.
- Final Event & Winner Announcement
The final event will be held at Genesis House on February 5, 2025. More details to be confirmed. The event's highlight will be the announcement of the Design Challenge Award to one winner, who will receive a $60,000 prize with no restrictions on its use, providing significant support for the winner's future endeavors. Following the winner announcement, the pieces may be held through March at Genesis House. Please note that these arrangements may be subject to change.
THE GRANT
Design ChallengeEach selected designer will receive $40,000 to finance the design challenge to create a collection of three distinct looks reflecting their Asian heritage and modernity, aligned with Genesis' brand pillars.
Design Challenge Grand PrizeThe selection committee will choose one winning designer to receive the Genesis Innovation Merit Award, receiving an additional prize of $60,000 in recognition of their exceptional achievement. The grant is given with no specific requirements on its use, providing the winning designer with the flexibility to use the funds in any way that supports their business.
PROGRAM TIMELINE**
[2024]
EARLY JUN: Application opens
JUN 21: Application closes
JUL 26: Finalists notified
JUL 31: Mentor + Mentee Welcome Dinner
AUG: Mentorship begins
EARLY SEP: Finalist Announcement & Cocktail Event
OCT 18-25: Seoul immersion trip
OCT-EARLY DEC: Intensive mentorship workshops
DEC: Final Design Challenge Deliverables Due Part 1 (Swatches etc.)
[2025]
MID-JAN: Final Design Challenge Deliverables Due Part 2 (Finished Garments)
LATE JAN: Final collection presentation to judges
EARLY-FEB: Winner Announcement Reception
FEB-MAR: Public showcase**Schedule is subject to change
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The following qualifications must be met to apply:
- Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) designers/founders
- Headquartered in the US
- Your brand primarily specializes in apparel, with potential inclusion of accessories and jewelry design if applicable
- Your brand has been actively in business for at least one year.
- Your brand employs no more than thirty full-time employees and generates less than five million dollars in annual revenue.
- Founders have a strong interest in learning and growing within the areas of design innovation, modernity, and their Asian Heritage
- Designer is able to participate in several in–person meetings and events throughout the program including in NYC, but not limited to:
Mentor + Participant Welcome Dinner on 7/31/24 at Genesis House
Finalist Announcement & Cocktail Event
Intensive Workshops in NY from October-December
1-week Seoul Immersion Trip in October
Design Challenge Presentation to the Selection Committee Late January 2024
Design Challenge Exhibition and Winner Announcement Early Feb 2025
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The application process is designed to thoroughly understand each designer’s career, philosophy, innovation approach, and the importance of their AAPI heritage, as we aim to provide invaluable mentorship and support to the next generation of AAPI designers.
As part of your application, you are required to submit a professional headshot along with your most recent lookbook or portfolio. Additionally, a self-introduction video recorded on your mobile phone is also mandatory. This video should provide a brief introduction to yourself and an overview of your work. Further instructions and details for this task will be available in the SurveyMonkey application under the task section.
The application deadline is Friday, June 21st at 5pm ET. Late submission will not be accepted.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The selection criteria will be based on a holistic evaluation of each applicant's vision, innovation, business viability, ingenuity, and impact potential. The selection process involves a thorough review by the CFDA, Genesis, Advisory Board, and lead mentors.
PROGRAM PR REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be willing to actively participate in PR activities related to this program, including photography, video content, etc. Selected designers must share a minimum of 3 posts through their social media channels, showcasing their journey and program milestones. Additionally, designers will have the benefit of being featured on CFDA's and Genesis House's social media channels to amplify their brand's visibility and accomplishments.Before applying, please review the information above to ensure you meet all program qualifications, structure, selection processes, required information, timeline, and more.
QUESTIONS?
Please email programs@cfda.com
2024 Genesis House x CFDA AAPI Design Innovation Grant Program
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The CFDA and Genesis House are excited to launch the second iteration of the AAPI Design + Innovation Grant to support the underrepresented AAPI community within the fashion industry. This program is designed to usher in the next generation of AAPI designers, celebrating the beauty of their heritage and providing a platform for pushing creative boundaries.
The program will provide three emerging AAPI fashion designers with invaluable education and mentorship from industry leaders across fashion, technology, and innovation. Designers will be challenged to create a collection highlighting the tension between their Asian heritage and modernity.
Building on this foundation, for the second iteration, the program challenges designers to deeply consider the question, 'What does innovation mean to you?' This reflection is crucial throughout the program as it encourages each designer to forge a personal interpretation of innovation, thereby infusing unique perspectives into their creations. By understanding innovation as both a personal journey and within the context of broader industry trends, our aim for the designers is to guide their final deliverables to be not only individually distinctive but also resonate globally.
PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES
- Welcome Dinner
The program will begin with a welcome dinner scheduled for July 31, 2024, at Genesis House. This event offers designers a valuable opportunity to introduce themselves and network with their mentors and the CFDA & Genesis House project team.
- Finalist Announcement Event
The finalist public announcement will be held at Genesis House. Tentatively planned for early September, just before New York Fashion Week, this cocktail event will spotlight the program’s three selected designers and celebrate their participation in the program.
- Design Challenge
Each selected designer will receive $40,000 to finance the design challenge. The designers will be expected to create a collection of three distinct looks reflecting their Asian heritage and modernity, aligned with Genesis' brand pillars. Inspired by the vision of our program, we aim to anchor the design challenge to creativity, innovation, modernity, and heritage. Designers will be encouraged to infuse their designs with the essence of their cultural roots while embracing contemporary aesthetics.This design challenge celebrates individual expression and creativity, moving beyond the constraints of market-ready designs. We encourage designers to look past the usual market constraints and focus more on their unique artistic vision and innovative ideas. It's a chance for designers to dive deep into innovation and weave personal storytelling into their creations.
- Bespoke Mentorship
Designers will benefit from a customized mentorship program, receiving education and guidance from industry leaders across fashion, design, and technology. This mentorship provides ongoing support, expertise, and advice as designers develop their pieces for the design challenge.The mentorship will begin in August, with the intensive phase of the program running from October to mid-December. Sessions will be held in person at Genesis House NY, the designer's studio, or the mentor's studio. Some sessions will be recorded to capture the designer's progress. These sessions will focus on the program's core pillars—innovation, modernity, and heritage—and will also provide business support to the designers. In-person attendance at these meetings is mandatory for all participating designers.
- Seoul Immersion Inspiration Trip
Designers will be required to travel and participate in a 1-week inspiration Seoul Immersion Trip to South Korea from October 18th to Oct 25th, 2024. Transportation, meals, and hotel expenses will be sponsored by Genesis. During this trip, designers will have the opportunity to study the country's rich heritage. Additionally, they will be able to draw inspiration from the innovative practices showcased by Hyundai/Genesis experience studios, further enriching their creative journey. The 1-week trip will feature a structured itinerary, ensuring participants have opportunities to explore various curated activities. Additionally, free time will be allocated, allowing designers to explore and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Seoul during parts of the day.
- Final Presentation to the Judges
The Final Presentation, scheduled for the last week of January, is designed to enable the judges to learn more about each designer. It offers an opportunity to hear firsthand about the creative process and the inspiration behind their work, deepening the judges' understanding of the designers' visions and the stories they aim to convey through their creations.
- Final Event & Winner Announcement
The final event will be held at Genesis House on February 5, 2025. More details to be confirmed. The event's highlight will be the announcement of the Design Challenge Award to one winner, who will receive a $60,000 prize with no restrictions on its use, providing significant support for the winner's future endeavors. Following the winner announcement, the pieces may be held through March at Genesis House. Please note that these arrangements may be subject to change.
THE GRANT
Design ChallengeEach selected designer will receive $40,000 to finance the design challenge to create a collection of three distinct looks reflecting their Asian heritage and modernity, aligned with Genesis' brand pillars.
Design Challenge Grand PrizeThe selection committee will choose one winning designer to receive the Genesis Innovation Merit Award, receiving an additional prize of $60,000 in recognition of their exceptional achievement. The grant is given with no specific requirements on its use, providing the winning designer with the flexibility to use the funds in any way that supports their business.
PROGRAM TIMELINE**
[2024]
EARLY JUN: Application opens
JUN 21: Application closes
JUL 26: Finalists notified
JUL 31: Mentor + Mentee Welcome Dinner
AUG: Mentorship begins
EARLY SEP: Finalist Announcement & Cocktail Event
OCT 18-25: Seoul immersion trip
OCT-EARLY DEC: Intensive mentorship workshops
DEC: Final Design Challenge Deliverables Due Part 1 (Swatches etc.)
[2025]
MID-JAN: Final Design Challenge Deliverables Due Part 2 (Finished Garments)
LATE JAN: Final collection presentation to judges
EARLY-FEB: Winner Announcement Reception
FEB-MAR: Public showcase**Schedule is subject to change
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
The following qualifications must be met to apply:
- Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) designers/founders
- Headquartered in the US
- Your brand primarily specializes in apparel, with potential inclusion of accessories and jewelry design if applicable
- Your brand has been actively in business for at least one year.
- Your brand employs no more than thirty full-time employees and generates less than five million dollars in annual revenue.
- Founders have a strong interest in learning and growing within the areas of design innovation, modernity, and their Asian Heritage
- Designer is able to participate in several in–person meetings and events throughout the program including in NYC, but not limited to:
Mentor + Participant Welcome Dinner on 7/31/24 at Genesis House
Finalist Announcement & Cocktail Event
Intensive Workshops in NY from October-December
1-week Seoul Immersion Trip in October
Design Challenge Presentation to the Selection Committee Late January 2024
Design Challenge Exhibition and Winner Announcement Early Feb 2025
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
The application process is designed to thoroughly understand each designer’s career, philosophy, innovation approach, and the importance of their AAPI heritage, as we aim to provide invaluable mentorship and support to the next generation of AAPI designers.
As part of your application, you are required to submit a professional headshot along with your most recent lookbook or portfolio. Additionally, a self-introduction video recorded on your mobile phone is also mandatory. This video should provide a brief introduction to yourself and an overview of your work. Further instructions and details for this task will be available in the SurveyMonkey application under the task section.
The application deadline is Friday, June 21st at 5pm ET. Late submission will not be accepted.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The selection criteria will be based on a holistic evaluation of each applicant's vision, innovation, business viability, ingenuity, and impact potential. The selection process involves a thorough review by the CFDA, Genesis, Advisory Board, and lead mentors.
PROGRAM PR REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must be willing to actively participate in PR activities related to this program, including photography, video content, etc. Selected designers must share a minimum of 3 posts through their social media channels, showcasing their journey and program milestones. Additionally, designers will have the benefit of being featured on CFDA's and Genesis House's social media channels to amplify their brand's visibility and accomplishments.Before applying, please review the information above to ensure you meet all program qualifications, structure, selection processes, required information, timeline, and more.
QUESTIONS?
Please email programs@cfda.com