CFDA and Lexus launch Fashion Initiative

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Aug 8, 2015

Lexus and the CFDA on Friday announced the launch of the CFDA + Lexus Fashion* Initiative, a business development program intended to create meaningful change within American fashion.

 
The 17-month residency-based program will focus on the environmental, social and financial challenges currently faced by the fashion industry. Ten participating brands that will be announced in October 2015 will engage in a series of workshops, field visits and mentorship opportunities that are intended to teach problem solving through new materials, processes and systems like ethical manufacturing, supply chain transparency, scalable business strategies and consumer literacies.
 
In order to apply, brands must have established and maintained business operations for a minimum of 2 years, show evidence of a committed brand ethos towards conscious business practices and be able to participate in monthly workshops and program activities in New York City beginning in October 2015 through April 2017. The program’s Inaugural Advisory Board will select the 10 participating brands. Three out of the ten brands that significantly evolve their companies’ ethos will receive a monetary prize—one winner will receive $150,000 and two runner-ups will be awarded $50,000.

Applications for the 2015-2017 term will be accepted until September 14, 2015 and the participating brands will be named in October 2015.

The CFDA + Lexus Fashion* Initiative is the second fashion initiative launched by the two companies, the first being the CFDA Lexus Eco-Fashion Challenge.