Genesis and CFDA Celebrate Olivia Cheng as Second AAPI Design + Innovation Grant Recipient
Genesis Motor America, in partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), has unveiled Olivia Cheng from Dauphinette as the winner of the second annual CFDA | Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant. This grant aims to uplift the voices and creativity of AAPI designers within the fashion industry. The announcement was made during a private showcase at Genesis House in New York City on February 4, 2025.
The grant contest this year saw impressive competitors, including finalists Bach Mai, Dauphinette, and Kozaburo, who each presented their final collections in front of a panel comprising respected industry professionals. Olivia Cheng's winning collection, titled "Clove," draws inspiration from the transitional phase between seasons and aims to highlight natural materials. This unique collection integrates elements of nature, including 24k-gold electroplated ginkgo leaves and lotus flowers, representing Cheng's cultural background and familial connections, particularly the significance of the ginkgo tree in East Asian cultures.
Addressing the audience, Cheng expressed her gratitude, stating, "I'm deeply humbled, honored, and excited to be selected as this year's Genesis House AAPI Innovation Grant recipient. Participating in this program has not only been instrumental in my journey as a designer and business owner, but it has connected me to a room full of people who I know will be lifelong friends and mentors."
As part of the grant, Cheng received $40,000 to support her design innovations, and she was additionally awarded $60,000 for the development of her collection, making the total funding $100,000. The program emphasizes mentorship, providing invaluable support from experts in the fashion and business sectors, including notable figures like Alina Cho (journalist), Eva Chen (Meta's fashion VP), and Steven Kolb (CFDA CEO), among others. Each finalist was also offered an immersive trip to Seoul, South Korea, to draw inspiration from Korean culture and aesthetics for their collections.
At Genesis House, which is designed to exhibit Korean culture and innovation, guests experienced Cheng’s collection and engaged with the finalists, learning about the inspirations behind their designs. Steven Kolb articulated the importance of supporting AAPI designers, stating, "We are extremely proud to congratulate Olivia Cheng for becoming the second recipient of this landmark program, which celebrates, nurtures and sets up emerging AAPI designers with the necessary capital, tools, mentorship and industry experience to become viable businesses in our industry."
The showcased designs will remain on display at Genesis House until February 16th, right before the much-anticipated New York Fashion Week, providing a perfect stage to highlight artistic creativity and cultural heritage.
Genesis Motors North America is committed to delivering exceptional automotive experiences that reflect the highest standards of design and performance. The brand, rooted in Korean hospitality, aims to connect with consumers as "son-nim," meaning honored guests. With a growing selection of award-winning vehicles across the U.S. and Canada, Genesis continues to expand its footprint in the automotive market, promoting sustainability and innovation in every endeavor. For more information, visit www.genesis.com or check the media site at www.genesisnewsusa.com.
The grant contest this year saw impressive competitors, including finalists Bach Mai, Dauphinette, and Kozaburo, who each presented their final collections in front of a panel comprising respected industry professionals. Olivia Cheng's winning collection, titled "Clove," draws inspiration from the transitional phase between seasons and aims to highlight natural materials. This unique collection integrates elements of nature, including 24k-gold electroplated ginkgo leaves and lotus flowers, representing Cheng's cultural background and familial connections, particularly the significance of the ginkgo tree in East Asian cultures.
Addressing the audience, Cheng expressed her gratitude, stating, "I'm deeply humbled, honored, and excited to be selected as this year's Genesis House AAPI Innovation Grant recipient. Participating in this program has not only been instrumental in my journey as a designer and business owner, but it has connected me to a room full of people who I know will be lifelong friends and mentors."
As part of the grant, Cheng received $40,000 to support her design innovations, and she was additionally awarded $60,000 for the development of her collection, making the total funding $100,000. The program emphasizes mentorship, providing invaluable support from experts in the fashion and business sectors, including notable figures like Alina Cho (journalist), Eva Chen (Meta's fashion VP), and Steven Kolb (CFDA CEO), among others. Each finalist was also offered an immersive trip to Seoul, South Korea, to draw inspiration from Korean culture and aesthetics for their collections.
At Genesis House, which is designed to exhibit Korean culture and innovation, guests experienced Cheng’s collection and engaged with the finalists, learning about the inspirations behind their designs. Steven Kolb articulated the importance of supporting AAPI designers, stating, "We are extremely proud to congratulate Olivia Cheng for becoming the second recipient of this landmark program, which celebrates, nurtures and sets up emerging AAPI designers with the necessary capital, tools, mentorship and industry experience to become viable businesses in our industry."
The showcased designs will remain on display at Genesis House until February 16th, right before the much-anticipated New York Fashion Week, providing a perfect stage to highlight artistic creativity and cultural heritage.
Genesis Motors North America is committed to delivering exceptional automotive experiences that reflect the highest standards of design and performance. The brand, rooted in Korean hospitality, aims to connect with consumers as "son-nim," meaning honored guests. With a growing selection of award-winning vehicles across the U.S. and Canada, Genesis continues to expand its footprint in the automotive market, promoting sustainability and innovation in every endeavor. For more information, visit www.genesis.com or check the media site at www.genesisnewsusa.com.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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