Calling all early emerging design talent within the apparel, accessories, and jewelry categories! The CFDA and the Accessories Council are pleased to launch the application process for the 2.0 CFDA Elaine Gold Launch Pad. Submissions will be accepted from now through June 29th!
The early emerging program for those in business 0-3 years is made possible through donation in memory of Elaine Gold in partnership with the Accessories Council. Six designers and brands – Alexis Isobel, Bode New York, Ffora, Genusee, Jahnkoy, and Khiry – were selected to participate for the inaugural term, and they acquired knowledge and guidance supported by our volunteering Advisory Board including industry representation from Fjord, IDEO and Barneys, alongside CFDA members Rebecca Minkoff, Brad Schmidt of Cadet, and Greg Armas of Assembly NY.
The 23-week program combines mentorship and awards that are milestone-based with end-program micro awards having totaled $175,000 in the past. For the 2018-2019 program, an additional $25,000 is made possible through support of MZ Wallace, and up to five Elaine Gold Fellows will be selected to participate in the residency beginning this July.
“EGLP was instrumental in partnering us with the right mentors, and helping us as founders build the business acumen needed to bring Genusee from a prototype idea to a full-fledged scalable business model,” said Ali Rose of Genusee.
“It was encouraging meeting other creatives and founders and feeling like I was a part of a family,” said Lucy Jones of FFORA. “The Elaine Gold Launch Pad program was an invaluable experience that I will never forget, and I feel so proud to have been a part of it.”
You could be next! For more on Elaine Gold Launch Pad and the application, click here.
