Genesis and the CFDA offer new opportunity for AAPI designers

6/15/23 by Nicole Belcastro

Genesis and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have announced a new mentorship program to support designers in the AAPI community. The program will provide three emerging designers with guidance, funding, and education. The selected designers will create a collection demonstrating the relationship between their Asian heritage and modernity. 

Rachel Espersen, executive director of brand experience, Genesis House and Studios, at Genesis Motor America, said Genesis is proud to work with the CFDA “to champion the incredible innovation in design and fashion that’s occurring within the AAPI community.” 

Each designer will receive a $40,000 grant from Genesis to fund their designs over five months as they create their collection. The program will also include a trip to Seoul, South Korea, giving the designers a chance to study the country and meet the fashion team at Onijum research institute. 

The program will conclude with a showcase at Genesis House in New York City in February 2024. The winning designer will be awarded $60,000 at the showcase to develop their collection further. The pieces created by the designers will remain on display after the initial showcase. 

Designers can apply for the program when submissions open later this summer.