The Council of Fashion Designers of America and the Swarovski Foundation have unveiled their newly evolved partnership, building on the success of the Re: Generation Innovation Scholar Award begun in 2021 to support undergraduate students’ futures.
The CFDA x Swarovski Foundation Re: Generation Innovation Fund seeks to provide critical support for early-stage creatives who have placed innovation at the core of their newly launched business ventures.
Applications for fund are now open until Feb. 19 and a variety of future-minded early emerging individuals can apply from design creatives and material innovators to entrepreneurs of new technologies, processes and systems.
The selected recipient of the Re:Generation Innovation Fund will be revealed in the spring and receives a $30,000 financial grant as well as business mentorship to kickstart and advance their mission. They will also be able to connect with mentors, resources and the community.
At the close of the six-month mentorship journey, the recipient will be given the opportunity to share their vision for their business through a fall 2025 showcase with the CFDA and the Swarovski Foundation’s extensive communities. The recipient will be chosen via a competitive selection process, including the completion of a digital application and interviews with the selection committee, comprised of industry experts and CFDA and the Swarovski Foundation representatives.
“At the CFDA, we believe that fostering and supporting the next generation of fashion talent is crucial to the evolution of our industry. Re:Generation Innovation Fund marks an exciting new chapter in our partnership with the Swarovski Foundation — one that goes beyond traditional support and directly empowers emerging creatives to turn their visionary ideas into tangible impact. By providing both financial resources and mentorship, we’re helping to bridge the gap between creativity and commerce, ensuring that groundbreaking concepts have the opportunity to thrive in today’s ever-evolving fashion landscape,” said Steven Kolb, chief executive officer of the CFDA.
Inaugural scholar recipient Bailey Adams, a graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology, used the scholarship to cover 90 percent of his senior year tuition and thesis collection costs. His dedication to sustainable design, focused on biodegradable materials and circular production, led to an entry level position at Ralph Lauren and his current post at Gabriela Hearst.
“At the Swarovski Foundation, we are committed to empowering creative innovators, pushing boundaries and shaping the future of fashion. The Re:Generation Innovation Fund offers an exciting opportunity to provide meaningful support to early-stage creatives, whose work exemplifies bold, forward-thinking solutions in design,” said Jakhya Rahman-Corey, director of the Swarovski Foundation.
