The Andréa W. and Kenneth C. Frazier Family Foundation, represented by James Frazier, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America are proud to announce the launch of the Empowered Vision Award.
This bold initiative will provide a $100,000 financial grant directly to an independent Black designer, along with an additional $100,000 dedicated to a year-long mentorship program, with the goal to foster innovation and promote equity within the fashion industry, supporting both creative talent and long-term business growth. The recipient of the financial grant will have the flexibility to use the funds for key areas such as production, marketing, and scaling operations. Additionally, the mentorship program will connect the designer with industry experts, offering guidance on navigating the complexities of the fashion industry.
The CFDA will lead a comprehensive selection process to identify a designer whose work exhibits exceptional creativity, strong business acumen, and the potential for commercial success in collaboration with stylist Milton Dixon III, creative advisor of the Empowered Vision Award.
The eight members of the 2024 selection committee are: Alastair McKimm (Fashion Stylist, Creative Director, Design Consultant), Carlos Nazario (Style Director at Large, Harper’s Bazaar US), Corey Stokes (Creative Director), Diane von Furstenberg (Founder, Philanthropist, and Author), Emilie Rubinfeld (President, Carolina Herrera), Shiona Turini (Fashion Consultant, Stylist, and Costume Designer), Stephanie Horton (Global Consumer Marketing Director, Google), Walter Frye (Chief Brand Officer, Amazon).
This partnership, housed under the Council’s CFDA Impact program, reflects both organizations’ shared commitment to dismantling systemic barriers in fashion by providing Black-owned businesses with the essential resources needed for sustained success. The Empowered Vision Award seeks to address the financial and mentorship gaps that have historically limited opportunities for black designers, while also building resilience in their businesses.
“CFDA is proud to continue our longstanding social impact work through a collaboration with the Frazier Family Foundation. Together, we have developed an award that will positively impact an American designer with exceptional creative excellence, equipping them with the necessary capital and tools for long-term success as a Black-owned business in the global economy,” said Steven Kolb, CFDA ceo.
“This partnership comes at a time when the need for increased investment and tailored support for Black-owned businesses has never been more critical," commented James Frazier, trustee of the Frazier Family Foundation. "Together, The Frazier Family Foundation and the CFDA are taking a bold step toward addressing these inequities and ensuring a more inclusive, dynamic future for American fashion.”
James Frazier Courtesy of Frazier Family Foundation
