The CFDA unveils new emerging designer program

By

Kate Dingwall

Published
Mar 1, 2017

The CFDA has launched the Elaine Gold Launch Pad, a new four-year program benefiting emerging designers. 

The CFDA announced in a press release, “Framed at the intersection of design and business, the Elaine Gold Launch Pad will apply a design- thinking approach to strategic concepts within fashion product, service, systems, and brand experience, striving to support participants in catapulting ideas into the future of fashion.”

The launch pad will offer ten young designers the opportunity to compete for five design fellowships with the CFDA. Each winning fellowship recipient will have access to the CFDA and Accessories Council’s diverse group of industry veterans as well as mentorship and exposure opportunities. They will also compete in a series of milestone based micro-awards and venture awards throughout the course of the program. Designers who graduate from the program will be eligible for up to $175,000 in awards.

Eligible designers must have zero to three years of experience in the business. Any designer in the apparel, accessories, jewelry, textiles, knitwear, or any hybrid specializations of the above is eligible to apply.

The program, which will launch April 3, is an ode to accessories entrepreneur Elaine Gold, a long-time board member of the Accessories Council who passed away in 2015. $1.5 million of Elaine Gold’s estate will fund the program for the next four years. 
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