The Andréa W. and Kenneth C. Frazier Family Foundation and the CFDA launch the third edition of the Empowered Vision Award, an annual initiative dedicated to recognizing and supporting emerging Black designers with distinct creative vision and business acumen.

Championing Emerging Black Designers in Fashion

The Empowered Vision Award recognizes one outstanding designer each year with a $100,000 financial grant, a tailored mentorship program, strategic business development, and national visibility. The award celebrates designers whose creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and vision demonstrate fashion’s power as a catalyst for cultural dialogue, business innovation, and lasting industry impact.

Past Recipients

Launched in 2024, the Empowered Vision Award has already recognized extraordinary creative talent within the fashion industry. Rachel Scott of Diotima and creative director of Proenza Schouler was selected as the inaugural Empowered Vision Award recipient from a highly competitive group of finalists. Daveed Baptiste was named the 2025 Empowered Vision Award recipient, continuing the program’s commitment to identifying and investing in designers with exceptional creative vision and entrepreneurial potential.

The 2026 Selection Committee

The 2026 Selection Committee reflects the broad and diverse influence of leaders driving change in the industry Edward Buchanan (artistic director and cultural advocate), Willy Chavarria (creative director & ceo of Willy Chavarria), Michele Cohen (president of Gabriela Hearst), Robin Givhan (Pulitzer Prize-winning fashion critic and journalist), Alastair McKimm (stylist & creative director), Sherri McMullen (founder and ceo of McMullen), Travis Scott (musician and founder of Cactus Jack), Shiona Turini (Emmy Award Winning costume designer), Anok Yai (supermodel).

Applications will open on Sept. 1, and full details can be found on CFDA.com.

The 2026 Empowered Vision Award recipient will be named at the Award Ceremony in New York City on Thursday, December 10, 2026.

Photo: Daveed Baptiste, the 2025 Empowered Vision Award winner