Applications for the CFDA and Accessories Council Elaine Gold Launch Pad program are open now through June 24. We encourage apparel, jewelry, and accessories designers within 0-3 years of their business ventures or idea to apply.

The Elaine Gold Launch Pad is a 23-week virtual residency, where participants are encouraged to embed sustainability, technology, and innovation within their ethos, and are challenged to explore new business models and create value through new ways of designing, making, producing, selling, and storytelling.

A key goal is to catapult ideas with potential into visionary, viable ventures with impact.  Elaine Gold Fellows will also receive membership access to Camp David, located in Industry City, Brooklyn.

“EGLP helped us challenge our business and design strategy, and innovate towards business solutions tailored to Occhii’s needs and unique product,” Occhii’s Leonid Batekhin (Elaine Gold Launch Pad 2.0) told CFDA.  “We appreciated the diversity of the workshops organized by the CFDA through which we were able to look beyond the fashion industry for creative idea development, and strategizing our brand’s journey moving forward.”

“The EGLP program was instrumental in helping us outline our business roadmap and sharpening our focus as a brand through mentorship guidance and diagnostic workshops,” said Ashya’s Ashley Cimone and Moya Annece (Elaine Gold Launch Pad 2.0).  “As early stage business owners, we’ve encountered many road blocks, this program has helped us day-by-day chip away at them and clearly visualize our success.”

“The Elaine Gold Launch Pad provided an invaluable space to grow with intention,” said Cyril’s Leila Du Mond.  I was able to expand and clarify my vision for Cyril with the support of my mentors, peers, and the CFDA community.”

Launched in 2017, Elaine Gold Launch Pad is a four-year partnership underwritten by a $1.5 million donation to the CFDA Foundation in honor of the vibrant accessories entrepreneur and innovator who passed away in 2015.

Past Elaine Gold Launch Pad fellows have went on to tackle Flint, Michigan’s plastic bottle waste with sustainable eyewear (Genusee), have their accessories worn by the likes of former First Lady Michelle Obama and actress, writer, director, producer, and web series creator Issa Rae from HBO’s Insecure (Khiry), and even become an LVMH Prize finalist (Bode).

For more information on Elaine Gold Launch Pad and how to apply, please click HERE.