The Empowered Vision Award is back for a second edition, and designers looking to apply can do so now through Oct.21, 2025.
Created in partnership with the Andréa W. and Kenneth C. Frazier Family Foundation, this annual award recognizes one outstanding designer with a $100,000 financial grant, a tailored mentorship program backed by an additional $100,000 investment, and national visibility. The award celebrates designers whose creativity and entrepreneurship embody the power of fashion as a driver of cultural dialogue and business innovation.
Launched in 2024, the Empowered Vision Award has already spotlighted extraordinary talent. Rachel Scott of Diotima—CFDA’s 2025 American Womenswear Designer of the Year and recently appointed creative director of Proenza Schouler—was selected as the inaugural recipient from a highly competitive group of finalists.
Fellow finalists Charles Harbison of Harbison Studio and Aisling Camps also received support through the program. Together, these designers embody the award’s mission to champion voices shaping the future of fashion.
This year’s Selection Committee reflects the broad and diverse influence of leaders driving change in the industry:
Edward Buchanan, Artistic Director and Cultural Advocate
Walter Frye, Global Director of Brand & Retail Marketing, Amazon
Imaan Hammam, Supermodel
Alastair McKimm, Stylist & Creative Director
Carlos Nazario, Editor & Stylist
Bruce Pask, Senior Director Men’s Fashion, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus
Emilie Rubinfeld, Global President, Carolina Herrera
Shiona Turini, Costume Designer
Buchanan’s participation is especially significant. As one of the first Black designers to ever lead a global luxury house, Edward Buchanan has long exemplified how creativity and cultural responsibility can shape fashion’s future. His presence on the committee underscores the award’s mission to honor Black designers and foster a lasting community of support.
“I am really honored to be on the selection committee for the 2025 Empowered Vision Award,” Buchanan said. “The most important work that I do at this stage in my career is education and passing on the baton. I cannot imagine a future for honest inclusivity within the fashion space if I do not use my visibility and experience as an investment dedicated to the empowerment of young black talent. My most memorable and inspiring moments as a young designer in New York City was when I saw a clear reflection of myself in the spaces that I dreamed of occupying. This is yet another opportunity for me to be that reflection for a new generation of young black designers.”
Together, the Frazier Family Foundation and CFDA remain committed to empowering emerging Black designers with the tools and visibility needed to compete on a global stage, ensuring their vision and legacy endures.
Click here to apply >
