CFDA, Google establish fellowship program geared toward inclusivity

October 3, 2024

Program goals are measured through connection to community leaders, as well as “end-to-end practice through ideation, UX, user testing and marketing.” Image credit: CFDA Each participating CFDA member will also receive a $50,000 grant. Image credit: CFDA

By Zach James for Luxury Daily News Service

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) is helping foster the creation of inclusive and equitable products.

In partnership with technology giant Google, the duo is launching the Fashion Equity Fellowship, effective immediately. Google is backing the in-person and virtual program with tech resources, aiding four total designers as they prepare for New York Fashion Week in February 2025 -- each participating CFDA member will also receive a $50,000 grant.

“The Fashion Equity Fellowship with Google speaks to our mission and is an extension of CFDA’s longstanding work in the social impact space,” said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA, in a statement.

“We are excited to support exceptional American design talent and help them continue innovating in the inclusive design space,” Mr. Kolb said. “Through this important fellowship, they will learn to continue incorporating the lived experiences of an important customer base into their designs and showcases.”

Up and coming
The designers heading up three New York-based fashion labels — Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Panszczyk of Area, as well as Hillary Taymour, creative director of Collina Strada and Rachel Scott, who established Diotima — are participating in the initiative.

The brands and their respective founders will have access to support from Google’s Product Inclusion & Equity team through spring 2025. Each of the three companies will also receive a $50,000 grant to help develop their collections and showcases.

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Area, Collina Strada and Diotima were chosen as the inaugural labels to take part in the Fashion Equity Fellowship due to their focus on creating pieces with diversity and inclusion in mind.

“We’re so excited to partner with the Council of Fashion Designers of America on the Fashion Equity Fellowship,” said Annie Jean-Baptiste, director of product inclusion & equity at Google, in a statement.

“We’re committed to supporting the creation of inclusive and equitable products, services and experiences across industries,” Ms. Jean-Baptiste said. “By working with the CFDA and designers, we hope to find new ways to bring product inclusion and equity frameworks, tools and resources to fashion and make the world a more equitable place.”

Late last month, the edCFDA celebrated its tenth anniversary with a limited-edition eyewear collection. A portion of the proceeds benefitted American pediatric cancer charity Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (see story).

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CFDA, Google establish fellowship program geared toward inclusivity

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