The culmination of a 23-week virtual residency came to a close Tuesday for the second cohort of designers of the Elaine Gold Launch Pad Program.
At their final 360 Venture Pitch, hosted by Camp David within Industry City in Brooklyn, the five finalists were challenged to map the future of their venture and fashion in a final blueprint presentation, reflecting on the program’s pillars of innovation, sustainability and technology.
“I think one of the most exciting things about EGLP is that it’s truly a collaboration, not only between the CFDA and the Accessories Council, but with members and industry leaders,” said Sara Kozlowski, CFDA’s Director of Education and Professional Development. “It’s exciting to watch them hands-on mentoring the cohorts with the belief that they’re not only helping to sustain their success, but also the future of the industry. We all share the desire in seeing them succeed.”
The final Selection Committee featured executives of companies like UBS Financial, Accenture, Hilldun Corp., Public School New York, Tidal NY, MZ Wallace, and LVMH.
After deliberation, the selection committee awarded designers Angela Luna of Adiff and Morganne Leigh of Tyche + Iset with the grand prize of $55,000, each based on the criteria of vision, potential, and viability. A generous additional contribution by Gary Wassner of Hilldun Corp. granted Tyche + Iset an additional $5,000. In another surprise of the evening, Glen Siegel, Founder of Belvedere Industry City, generously gifted a yearlong office suit to Adiff’s Luna. Camp David, Elaine Gold Launch Pad’s home, is also situated in Industry City.
Accessory designers Moya Annece and Ashley Cimone of Ashya, jewelry designer Leila Dumond of Cyril Studio, and apparel designer Leonid Batekhin of Occhii each took home $10,000 in awards.
In its second year, the Elaine Gold Launch Pad, created in partnership by the Accessories Council, continues to support early-emerging and young design talent and aspirational entrepreneurs through six months of mentorship and milestone-based awards. The program focuses on helping early emerging designers (in business from 0-3 years) launch their careers in apparel, accessories, jewelry or materiality.
“I am so extraordinarily proud of what this team has accomplished,” said Karen Giberson, president of the Accessories Council. “To have seen them six months ago when they started to where they are today, every single participant did something really remarkable and I’m excited for the big futures they have ahead for them.”
