#United States #New York #CFDA #AAPI Design Grant #Genesis House

Submissions Open for the Third Annual CFDA | Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in partnership with Genesis has officially launched the submission period for the highly anticipated third annual CFDA | Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant. This initiative aims to spotlight the next wave of innovative fashion designers from the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.

In its third year running, the program continues to emphasize creativity and cultural significance in design, empowering emerging talent to weave their rich heritage into their creations. Three talented designers will be chosen to join this program and are encouraged to develop collections that represent a blend between traditional Asian influences and modern fashion aesthetics.

Program Highlights

Selected designers will receive significant financial support, mentoring, and artistic guidance. Each of the chosen designers will be awarded a grant of $40,000, which is aimed at facilitating their research and design efforts during the program. This support allows for a well-rounded experience that encourages each designer to explore their unique vision.

The advisory board tasked with selecting the finalists comprises notable figures in the fashion industry, including:

• - Steven Kolb (CEO and President, CFDA)
• - Wen Zhou (Founder/CEO, 3.1 Phillip Lim)
• - Robert Geller (Head of Menswear Design, Rag & Bone)
• - Dao-Yi Chow & Maxwel Osborne (Creative Directors, Public School)
• - Jodie Chan (Fashion Marketing Executive)
• - Eva Chen (VP of Fashion, Meta)
• - Gena Smith (Chief HR Officer, LVMH)
• - Samantha Chen (VP of Merchandising, ALTUZARRA)

Selected designers will not only work on their collections but will also participate in a creative journey that includes a trip to Seoul, South Korea. This travel experience is designed to provide inspiration while also connecting the designers with their roots. The program will conclude with a formal presentation at Genesis House in February 2026, where industry experts will evaluate the final collections.

One designer will be awarded an additional $60,000 to expand their venture further, bringing the total potential funding to a remarkable $100,000.

Executive Statements

Tedros Mengiste, Chief Operating Officer at Genesis Motor North America, stated, “Genesis is a leader in innovation, delivering products with bold designs and advanced technologies. Our partnership with the CFDA champions emerging talent and celebrates the diverse voices pushing fashion forward.” He expressed pride in the initiative supporting AAPI designers in exploring and expressing their bold ideas.

Steven Kolb, CFDA’s CEO, emphasized the importance of this program in promoting diverse talent and creating opportunities within the fashion industry, stating, “This initiative continues to spotlight the groundbreaking work of AAPI designers, enhancing our commitment to diversity and inclusion in fashion.”

Previous Winners

Olivia Cheng from Dauphinette emerged as the second winner of the CFDA | Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant in February 2025. Here, her collection, titled Clove, featured striking botanical elements such as 24k-gold electroplated leaves and urban influences reflecting her cultural heritage.

The calls for submissions for this year's grant are officially open, inviting innovative designers to apply and bring their unique perspectives to the forefront.

About Genesis House

Genesis House acts as a cultural hub in New York City's vibrant Meatpacking District, drawing influences from Korean culture alongside modern amenities and top-tier culinary experiences. The venue offers a dynamic atmosphere showcasing the Genesis brand's commitment to excellent design, thereby allowing visitors to appreciate the harmony between architecture, technology, and art.

Aligned with its goal of promoting a sustainable future, Genesis Motor North America continues to expand their lineup of award-winning vehicles while enhancing their retail reach across North America. Discover the latest Genesis news and offerings by visiting Genesis and Genesis News.