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Submissions Now Open For Third Annual CFDA | Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant Supporting Emerging Designers
Genesis and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have opened submissions for the third annual CFDA | Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant. This initiative supports innovation in design within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Three designers will be chosen to create collections that blend their Asian heritage with modern design elements.
The program offers a platform for emerging designers to explore cultural heritage and contemporary design. With financial backing from Genesis and mentorship from industry leaders, participants can bring their visions to life. An advisory board will select three designers for the 2025-2026 program, guiding them through creating original collections.
This year's mentors include 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 and Co-Founders, Public School), Jodie Chan (Fashion Marketing Executive), Eva Chen (Vice President of Fashion, Meta), Gena Smith (Chief Human Resources Officer, LVMH Inc.), and Samantha Chen (VP of Merchandising, ALTUZARRA).
Each selected designer will receive a $40,000 grant from Genesis to support research and design development. The creative journey includes a trip to Seoul, South Korea, providing inspiration for their collections. The program concludes with a presentation at Genesis House in February 2026.
A judging panel will evaluate the final designs at Genesis House. One finalist will receive an additional $60,000 to expand their business, potentially bringing total grant funding to $100,000. "Genesis is a leader in innovation," said Tedros Mengiste, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America. "Our partnership with the CFDA champions emerging talent and celebrates diverse voices pushing fashion forward."
"Now in its third year, the CFDA | Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant continues to spotlight the groundbreaking work of emerging AAPI designers," stated Steven Kolb. "This program is an important part of our efforts to support diverse talent and create more opportunities within the fashion industry."
Previous Winners and Current Submissions
In February 2025, Olivia Cheng of Dauphinette was announced as the second winner of this grant. Cheng's final collection, Clove, was showcased at Genesis House. Her pieces featured botanical elements like 24k-gold electroplated gingko leaves and lotus flowers from her mother's garden.
Submissions for this year's grant are now open. Designers can apply online. Genesis House is located in New York City's Meatpacking District. It offers experiences influenced by Korean culture through its Showroom, Restaurant, and Cellar Stage.
About Genesis Motor North America
Genesis is a global automotive brand known for high standards in design, safety, performance, and innovation while focusing on sustainability. Drawing from Korean hospitality traditions, Genesis treats customers as "son-nim," or honored guests.
The brand offers award-winning SUV, sedan, and electric models through over 200 U.S. retailers and more than 30 Canadian distributors. With over 80 standalone retail facilities across North America and more in development, consumers can explore the brand at various retail points or online.
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