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2026 CFDA | Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant Call for Submissions

The excitement is palpable as Genesis and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) jointly announce the commencement of submissions for the much-anticipated fourth annual CFDA | Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant for the 2026-2027 year. This year, the program celebrates a transformative approach to nurturing emerging talent by offering equal grants to all selected designers, reflecting a commitment to community rather than competition.

New Model for Support

In a significant evolution from previous iterations, the current program emphasizes collaboration over rivalry, highlighting the value of diverse perspectives in the creative process. Selected designers will each receive equal funding and support, ensuring that creativity flourishes in an environment of shared experience and cultural exchange. This initiative aims to foster long-term relationships among designers and mentors, blending varying artistic disciplines ranging from fashion to media.

Tedros Mengiste, Chief Operating Officer of Genesis Motor North America, elaborated on this year’s vision, stating, “At Genesis, innovation thrives on diverse ideas and a readiness to embrace the unconventional. We are committed to supporting AAPI designers and creating opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.” Meanwhile, the CFDA’s CEO Steven Kolb reinforced this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of community in driving innovative design.

Mentorship and Cultural Immersion

As part of the program, those who are selected will benefit from guidance by a distinguished advisory board featuring industry leaders from various sectors, such as Jodie Chan from Bottega Veneta and Eva Chen from Meta, among others. This diverse board aims to provide invaluable insights that will enrich the designers' creative journeys.

An exciting feature of this year’s program is the inclusion of a cultural immersion trip to Seoul, South Korea. Designers will have the unique opportunity to explore Korea’s rich design heritage and craftsmanship, inspiring them as they develop their collections. This practical experience is focused on blending their cultural narratives with modern designs.

Rising Stars of AAPI Design

Since its inception in 2023, the CFDA | Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant has spotlighted the exceptional work of Asian American and Pacific Islander designers. Previous winners, such as Grace Ling and Olivia Cheng, have pushed the boundaries of design, integrating cultural motifs and innovative techniques into their work. This continued support underlines the initiative’s mission to celebrate the diverse tapestry of voices within the fashion industry, encouraging new dialogues around culture and creativity.

The culmination of the program will coincide with AAPI Heritage Month in May 2027, where the participating designers will showcase their final collections at Genesis House in New York City. This event promises to be a significant moment to celebrate innovation and the contributions of AAPI designers.

How to Apply

Aspiring designers keen on participating in this transformative program can submit their applications immediately. Interested individuals can find further details and the application link on the CFDA’s official website. This opportunity not only offers promising designers a chance to gain recognition but also empowers them to contribute to a wider narrative that celebrates cultural stories as a foundation for innovation.

In conclusion, the 2026-2027 CFDA | Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant is more than just a funding opportunity; it represents a new era of supportive collaboration that aims to elevate the voices of emerging AAPI designers in the fashion landscape.