The Gathery, founded by Nicky Balestrieri and Luigi Tadini, is a creative agency that specializes in highlighting curated narratives within complex marketing stories. Steered by collaboration and curation, The Gathery collaborated with the CFDA in several occasions, and conceptualized the 2017 Fashion Future Graduate Showcase last May. We checked in with Tadini about the showcase, its concept and importance to the future of our industry.

Describe your creative concept for the Fashion Future Graduate Showcase space and its overall experience? 

When we set out to develop and design this new initiative for the CFDA, we wanted to create something that honored the incredible and diverse work of the participating designers while paying homage to New York City. At the core of our inspiration was New York’s recognizable grid system and the complex interlocking cut patterns that come together to create extraordinary garments. As a result, we developed sets that seemingly connect – a reference to the tight-knit community of designers, manufacturers, and textile producers in our vibrant city – generating an innovative exhibition environment that highlights the work of 60 students.

What excites you most about the 2017 Fashion Future Graduate Showcase? 

Any time we are able to create an initiative that helps the development and growth of creative talent…it is incredibly gratifying. We get a chance to meet visionary individuals who inspire us. That exchange alone is reason enough to get involved.

In your view, how important is it to have such a showcase for graduating talent?

Fashion is an essential part of New York’s creative eco-system. From the many design houses born and bred in the city to the numerous manufacturing companies and studios still operating within the five boroughs, our city’s fashion community remains one of the most vibrant and forward-thinking in the world. A showcase such as this ensures the future of American fashion, helping us connect and expose young designers to the community.

One wish for the outcome of the showcase?

I hope the showcase becomes an annual space for creative and professional exchange. I hope the designers are not only inspired and motivated by the people that visit but also by their fellow graduates. Through our work with the Fashion Incubator in the past years, we have seen how powerful a community of young designers can be when they help each other succeed.

One wish for fashion’s future?

That it continues to be a medium of self-expression and inspiration.