The Fashion Trust U.S. (FTUS) hosted a cocktail event at The Standard, High Line bringing together New York’s fashion community to celebrate the official kick-off of FTUS 2025. Hosted by Fashion Trust U.S. Board Members Laura Brown and Carlos Nazario, alongside Google’s Senior Director of Global Commerce Marketing Stephanie Horton and Luxury Brand Consultant & Fashion Advocate Bethann Hardison, the evening aimed to encourage emerging designers to apply for the FTUS 2025 grant.
Applications for the Fashion Trust U.S. 2025 Awards are available online at the Fashion Trust U.S. portal through December 7, 2024. Applicants will be able to compete in the following categories: Ready-to-Wear, Accessories, Jewelry and Graduate Award. The 16 finalists across these categories will be considered for the Inclusivity and Sustainability awards recognizing two designers who demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable practices and inclusive values.
A total of $500,000 in grants will be distributed amongst the six categories. Each is carefully allocated based on the unique business structures of the recipients. In addition to the financial grants, winners are awarded mentorships covering budget, strategy, e-commerce, social media, merchandising and general business support.
“At Fashion Trust U.S., our mission is to empower and elevate the next generation of American designers by providing funding, mentorship, and opportunities to grow their brands. We are passionate about championing creativity and innovation in fashion, and I encourage all designers to apply. This is your chance to connect with an incredible community and access the resources and guidance that can help grow your brand,” said Tania Fares, FTUS Founder.
Finalists will be announced on February 4, 2025. The presentation of the finalists and the award ceremony will take place in Los Angeles on April 8, 2025.
Guests from the evening included Laura Brown, Stephanie Horton, Bethann Hardison, Carlos Nazario, KidSuper, Wisdom Kaye, Muni Long, Afiya Bennett, Pritika Swarup, Adot Gak, Mary Leest, MoAna Luu, Sergio Hudson, Batsheva Hay, Jacques Agbobly, Esha Soni, Marie Laffont, Jameel Mohammed, Eyob Yohannes, Olympia Gayot, Daniella Kallmeyer, Marina Testino, Fern Mallis, Kristina Askerova, and Blake Abbie.
Image credit: Danté Crichlow/BFA
