#USA #New York City #AAPI Grant #Bad Binch TongTong #Terrence Zhou

Genesis and CFDA Announce 2026 AAPI Design Award Winner

In a significant celebration of creativity and cultural heritage, Genesis and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) revealed Terrence Zhou as the recipient of the 2026 AAPI Design and Innovation Grant. The award was announced at the esteemed Genesis House in New York City, highlighting the ongoing journey of promoting AAPI designers in fashion.

On February 6, 2026, the announcement marked a notable moment for Zhou, who is known for his contemporary brand, Bad Binch TongTong. This competition is designed to spotlight AAPI designers, offering not only financial backing but also mentorship, allowing them to craft collections that delve deep into their cultural identities through modern design aesthetics.

Zhou's unique collection, which was showcased during a private event alongside other talented finalists, seamlessly combined elements of heritage with innovative design. The event took place on February 5, where attendees were captivated by presentations from designers including Allina Liu and Kim Shui, all of whom displayed impressive collections reflecting their cultural narratives.

Tedros Mengiste, COO of Genesis Motor North America, expressed admiration for the creative journeys of all the finalists. He noted, “It has been inspiring to witness the creativity and cultural perspective each designer brought to this program. Over the past several months, the finalists transformed personal heritage into thoughtful collections, and we are proud to support their ongoing growth within the fashion industry.” Each finalist received significant financial support of $40,000 to develop their unique collections.

Zhou's winning design draws inspiration from the Chinese creation myth of Pan Gu, exploring the concept of innovation as an incubative process blending tradition and the contemporary. His collection intriguingly integrates motifs like the cosmic egg to symbolize creativity's protective nature, reflecting a balance between the past and the future.

Zhou articulated his thoughts on the importance of heritage in innovation, stating, “I’m deeply honored to be selected as a CFDA | Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant recipient. This program affirms my belief that innovation is not about replacing heritage but allowing it to evolve, imagining new futures through design.”

As part of the validation for his design endeavors, Zhou also received additional funding of $60,000 to further cultivate his business, bringing the total grant amount to an impressive $100,000. His collection will be exhibited at Genesis House until February 22, further allowing the public to appreciate the depth of his artistic expression.

The event served as a prelude to New York Fashion Week, with Steven Kolb, the CEO of the CFDA, commending all participants for their strong creative identities which resonate with the essence of the grant’s purpose. He also noted the ability of each designer to contribute thoughtfully to the narrative of contemporary fashion.

The Genesis House, located in the prominent Meatpacking District of New York City, stands as a blend of culture, technology, and sophistication. It serves as more than just a venue—it is an immersive experience that embraces Korean influences along with innovative design concepts, truly embodying the ethos of the Genesis brand.

As Genesis continues to expand its influence in the automotive realm while fostering creative talent in fashion, this grant reflects its commitment to sustainability, cultural acknowledgment, and a new horizon for the next generation of designers. With over 200 independent retailers in the U.S. and a burgeoning Canadian presence, Genesis’s approach is rooted in exceptional service and innovation.

For those interested, collections by the finalists are currently showcased at the Genesis House, compelling fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders alike to view the works that push boundaries while embracing rich cultural narratives.