This past Saturday, the 2nd Annual Step Up For Fashion event took place on a perfect day, the kind we dream of year-round: not just was the sun out, but the community itself brought ample light to Madison Avenue. Models “stepped up” on platforms outside participating stores, showing off fall fashions. They served fashion looks in Marina Rinaldi, Nardos, Carolina Herrera, L’Agence, Todd Snyder, Paul Morelli, Veronica Beard, and more.
The centerpiece of the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District (B.I.D.)’s Welcome Back Saturday festivities, Step Up For Fashion continued its tradition of weaving philanthropy into public celebration – benefitting the CFDA Foundation’s Scholarship Fund, which fuels the next generation of designers with financial support, mentorship, and industry connections. Participating retailers pledged 10 percent of sales to the Fund, while also welcoming shoppers in to explore new collections.
As CFDA CEO and President Steven Kolb put it, “When young designers are supported, they bring fresh ideas, inclusive perspectives, and new approaches to craft and sustainability. That impact extends beyond them — it creates opportunities for manufacturers, retailers, and communities to grow alongside the talent they help nurture. Investing in the next generation builds a stronger, more connected industry.”
And so, he took a walk up, down, and across Madison Avenue — from East 57th to East 86th Street — showing up, supporting, and cultivating a community with both retailers and brands.
Former recipients Rebecca Flood, Padina Bondar, and Keanu Williams were also in attendance, each sharing how the scholarships advanced their education and design journeys.
“The CFDA scholarship with Coach not only funded my studies at FIT, it also taught me about product development and how to structure and grow my brand,” Williams said. “The CFDA’s presence and platforms open doors. Those connections amplify my brand and allow me to keep building.”
Bondar noted, “The biggest resource has been the mentorship — from Tom and Mara [Hutton] at Geoffrey Beene to the CFDA team. Funding was transformative too. While pursuing my Master’s at Parsons, it gave me the freedom to expand my research as a textile engineer and invest deeply in product development without limitations.”
Flood, meanwhile, pointed to attending events such as this as an extra benefit to the scholarship. “It’s an immediate leg up to stay involved, to see who’s truly supporting fashion behind the scenes. It helps us understand what really funds American fashion, alongside continued support for runways, showrooms, and development costs,” she said.
In today’s market, successful brands don’t just sell products; they create movements. Community-driven marketing fosters belonging. It gives people a reason to care, share, and stay loyal beyond the sale.
“Brick-and-mortar is no longer just about sales; it’s about experiences,” Kolb said. “On Madison Avenue, stores are evolving into cultural destinations — hosting events, collaborating with designers, and supporting causes like CFDA Scholarships. Consumers want connection, and brands are responding with spaces that foster community and storytelling, driving both business growth and cultural relevance.”
Step Up For Fashion showed us exactly how community, technology, and philanthropy can align to build a stronger fashion future.
