It’s a moment many past CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund participants will remember with fondness. In preparation for their first meeting, a Fashion Fund mentor and their assigned designer finalist prepare a set of questions to learn and maximize this unique opportunity. This year, Patrick Robinson is one of the mentors in the program. The Founder and CEO of Pashko brings some impressive experience to the table, having worked at Giorgio Armani, Anne Klein, Perry Ellis, Paco Rabanne, and Gap before launching the clothing brand focused on battling the impacts of racial and social inequality in the U.S. He is mentoring finalist Anifa Mvuemba of Hanifa, and here, the two each share the questions they have for one another.

Patrick Robinson to Anifa Mvuemba

Who would you love to have a long conversation with?

When and how are you most energized and inspired?

How will you be/are you contributing to the world?

What are a few of your daily habits that you believe have allowed you to achieve success?

I’ve discovered that successful entrepreneurs tend to have idiosyncrasies that are actually their super powers…what idiosyncrasy do you have?

Anifa Mvuemba to Patrick Robinson

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your career? 

What artist has inspired you the most? And why?  

Where do you think the fashion industry is heading? 

If there was something you could tell your younger self, what would it be?  

What is your favorite project to date?