The CFDA and Genesis unveil the designers selected for the third annual CFDA | Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant, a program created to uplift and empower the next generation of AAPI voices in American fashion. Over the course of five months, these three emerging talents will bring to life original collections that explore the intersection of cultural identity and contemporary design.
Each designer will receive a $40,000 grant from Genesis House to support the development of their collection, as well as direct access to a powerhouse roster of mentors and advisors across fashion, technology, and business.
The 2025–2026 selected designers are:
Allina Liu, a designer challenging identity and culture through the lens of deeply symbolic, wearable art. Inspired by provocative Asian artists and her Chinese heritage, Liu fuses storytelling and worldbuilding with signature design elements to create collections that are intimate, romantic, and edged with subversion.
Kim Shui, a womenswear designer redefining what it means to be an American Woman, rooted in designer Shui’s personal journey of visibility, voice, and heritage. Celebrating boldness, femininity, and the female gaze, her designs blend Eastern influence with unapologetic power.
Terrence Zhou of Bad Binch TongTong, known for their surreal silhouettes, conceptual designs, and runway theatrics that blur the line between fashion, performance, and existential commentary. Zhou crafts wearable sculptures that provoke, seduce, and confuse – often all at once.
“We’re immensely pleased to continue this important initiative with Genesis House which helps talented designers from the AAPI community with their growth trajectory. This year’s three finalists, who each demonstrate creative excellence in their own way, exemplify the tenets of the Design & Innovation Grant,” said Steven Kolb, CEO and President of the CFDA.
“Now in its third year, the AAPI Design + Innovation Grant continues to champion creative expression and bold ideas from the next generation of AAPI designers,” said Tedros Mengiste, chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America. “Allina, Kim, and Terrence each bring something distinct and powerful to the table, and we’re proud to support their growth within the fashion industry by providing critical funding at this stage of their careers alongside invaluable mentorship.”
The designers will receive guidance from industry experts throughout the duration of the program, assisting them in honing their creative vision and providing business guidance. This year’s board of mentors and advisors includes Steven Kolb (CEO and President, CFDA), Wen Zhou (Founder/CEO, 3.1 Phillip Lim), Dao-Yi Chow & Maxwell Osborne (Creative Directors and Co-Founders, Public School), Jodie Chan (Vice President of North America Marketing & Communications, Versace), Eva Chen (Vice President of Fashion, Meta), Gena Smith (Chief Human Resources Officer, LVMH Inc.), and Samantha Chen (VP of Merchandising, ALTUZARRA).
The three designers will also travel to Seoul, Korea, for an immersive cultural experience aimed at fueling creativity and sparking global perspectives. Their collections will debut in February 2026 at Genesis House, where one finalist will be awarded an additional $60,000 grant to further their business, bringing the total grant award to $100,000.
