In front of an audience that included Alina Cho, Jodie Turner-Smith, Laura Kim, Alan Mak, Sang A Im-Propp, and Caressa Brown, Roberts Rassi talked to the designers about their brands’ ethos, signature pieces, and AAPI designers who inspire them.
Andrew Kwon started his brand in bridal, but has since expanded with eveningwear bridging, as he put it, the dreams of women with an ethereal quality.
Private Policy, Siying Qu, said, “stands for making your own rules and celebrating individuality.”
Grace Ling, meanwhile, described her aesthetic as “eccentric elegance.” “I like to call it intelligent femininity,” she said.
As for the AAPI of Asian brands they are inspired by, Ling cited Comme des Garçons’ Rei Kawakubo. “She’s a badass,” Ling said.
Andrew Kwon’s inspirations, meanwhile, ranged from late Tina Chow to Vera Wang, Dao-Yi Chow of Public School, and Laura Kim, who is co-creative director of Oscar de la Renta.
“I interned for Jason Wu, Phillip Lim, and Alexander Wang,” Privaye Policy’s Hoaron Li said. “They all gave me different experiences.”
The trio will each receive a mentor as well as a $40,000 grant from Genesis to fund their collections. They will also travel to South Korea with Roberts Rassi for a cultural and educational immersion, including a visit to the Onjium research institute.
The designers’ collections will be unveiled at Genesis House early next year. The winner will receive an additional $60,000, bringing the total award to $100,000.
“We are so thrilled with the three participating designers in the CFDA I Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant program,” said CFDA CEO Steven Kolb. “Grace Ling, Andrew Kwon, and Private Policy are a strong representation of AAPI talent, who, in different ways, represent their heritage in meaningful ways and a desire to innovate and improve creativity in American fashion.”
