The CFDA and Lexus are proud to unveil the five finalists for the 2018 CFDA + Lexus Fashion* Initiative. They are Cienne (Nicole Heim and Chelsea Healy), M.Patmos (Marcia Patmos), St. Roche (Sue Stemp and Paud Roche), Studio One Eighty Nine (Abrima Erwiah and Rosario Dawson), and Whit (Whitney Pozgay and Parker Argote). The brands were celebrated at The Blond in New York on Thursday evening.
The mission of the CFDA + Lexus Fashion* Initiative is to inspire thought leadership, facilitate the implementation of innovative business practices, and activate meaningful change within American fashion. The business innovation program designed to inspire commitment to transformative leadership, sustainable innovation, and positive change.
The program will take from now through June 2018, and provide education, mentorship, and $180,000 in awards underwritten by Lexus.
Each brand will receive expert mentorship, opportunities to engage in problem-solve with the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business, and education through expert-led workshops. At the end of the program, the five designers will produce and present a strategic blueprint that frames their future goals within a key area for continued commitment to sustainability. A Selection Committee will determine one brand to receive a Lexus Grand Prize of $80,000.
