Genesis and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have opened submissions for the third annual AAPI Design + Innovation Grant, a program dedicated to championing innovation in design within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.
Three designers will be selected by an advisory board to create collections that merge their Asian heritage with modern design.
Supported by Genesis with a $40,000 grant for each participant and access to mentorship from influential industry leaders, the program provides resources and guidance to help designers realize their creative visions.
Over the course of the 2025–2026 program, the designers will receive mentorship and embark on a research and trip to Seoul, South Korea, a journey intended to influence their final collections. The program will culminate in a presentation at Genesis House in February 2026, where a panel of judges will evaluate the completed designs. One finalist will be awarded an additional $60,000 to further grow their business, bringing their total potential funding to $100,000.
“Now in its third year, the CFDA | Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant continues to spotlight the groundbreaking work of emerging AAPI designers,” said Steven Kolb, CEO and President of the CFDA.
“This program is an important part of our efforts to support diverse talent and create more opportunities within the fashion industry.”
In February, Olivia Cheng of Dauphinette was named the second winner of the grant. Her final collection, “Clove”, incorporated botanical elements such as 24k-gold electroplated gingko leaves and lotus flowers from her mother’s garden, alongside urban influences inspired by Seoul.
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