Knowledge is power, and for any young designer, being informed is essential to navigating the industry and carving out their own path. Enter the annual CFDA Education Summit. Now in its fourth year, the two-day summit consists of panels, info sessions, and Q&A’s featuring prominent designers at all different stages of their careers, as well as experts in manufacturing, distribution, fashion marketing, and academics.

“Both industry and fashion education are undergoing a rapid transformation,” stated Sara Kozlowski, Director of Education and Professional Development at CFDA, and what matters most for many educators, students, and established industry professionals is navigating the future with an openness to new approaches, both within design and business.”

Participating designers include Prabal Gurung, Carlos Garciavelez, Marina Polo and Britt Cosgrove of SVILU, and Maria Kazakova of Jahnkoy.  Panel topics cover everything from Fashion Systems in Society and Politics, Sustainable Design Strategies, and the Future of Global Craftsmanship.

Prabal Gurung, who is part of the latter discussion, stressed the importance of the topic. “Reviving and highlighting local crafts and artisanal trade is so important for designers,” he said. “It’s inherent to our ethos of creating a luxury brand with a soul.”

Kenneth Cole, recipient of the inaugural  Swarovski Award for Positive Change, will be part of  a special Q&A session with Blake Felt and Kara Kroger, the Kenneth Cole Footwear Innovation Award fellows. The immersive business program is an opportunity available to young designers and recent graduates.

Sustainability also plays a significant role at this year’s Summit with the London College of Fashion leading a think-tank session on the subject Marina Polo of SVILU said, “We are excited to be a part of the CFDA Fashion Education Summit and share insights about our journey to sustainability with the designers of tomorrow.”

The Summit continues to prove itself as a cornerstone of fashion education, highlighting essential elements of the business and providing attendees with expert opinions. As Kozlowski put it, “Collaboration between education and the industry is vital in driving innovation in fashion, both creatively and sustainably.”

The invitation-only 2017 Education Summit takes place from March 31-April 1.