Hudson’s Bay announces Fashion Fund for BIPOC designers in Canada

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
May 20, 2021

Hudson’s Bay announced on Wednesday at the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards a new initiative built to mentor and support up-and-coming BIPOC designers in Canada.

Dubbed the Hudson’s Bay Fashion Fund, each year the fund will award one designer with a $25,000 grant, alongside a three-year mentorship program to help enter the competitive retail landscape.

Moreover, as part of the three-year mentorship program, the selected recipient will get to leverage the Hudson’s Bay network to build their skills and expertise in product development, sourcing, financial management and marketing, while also utilizing Hudson’s Bay’s bricks-and-mortar retail and digital channels to showcase and sell their collection.

“As one of the country’s leading fashion retailers, we have a unique opportunity to support Canada’s talented and emerging BIPOC designers through long-term investment, including industry access and mentorship as well as financial support,” said Tyler Franch, VP fashion director at Hudson’s Bay. 

“The Hudson’s Bay’s Fashion Fund is designed to nurture talent through sustained collaboration, which is so integral to setting new designers up for success.”

The announcement comes as the Hudson’s Bay signs the Fifteen Percent Pledge - the first department store in Canada to do so. It equally follows the recent launch of the Hudson’s Bay Foundation’s new social impact platform, Hudson’s Bay Charter for Change.

Designers may apply for the grant as of this fall, while the fund is planned to become a mainstay category at the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards.