As a continuation of its 2024 pledge to increase awareness of immigrant contributions to the arts, the Vilcek Foundation will award six immigrants with individual, unrestricted cash awards in two fashion categories. The Vilcek Foundation aims to bring awareness to the many ways fashion—and the immigrants working in fashion-related fields—enhance the culture of the United States.
“Winning the Vilcek prize in fashion was an incredible honor and a deeply personal milestone,” said Siki Im, winner of the 2015 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Fashion. “It recognized not only my creative journey but also the unique perspective I bring as an immigrant in the fashion industry. Today, as barriers seem more prevalent, the Vilcek Prize serves as a powerful reminder and mediator of who built and continues to push the United States forward—a nation shaped by the talent, creativity and resilience of immigrants.”
“Immigrants like Telfar Clemens, Prabal Gurung, Mario Sorrenti and Tina Leung have changed the United States fashion industry for the better,” said Rick Kinsel, president of the Vilcek Foundation. “Our Creative Promise prizes amplify and support promising young immigrants as they hone their craft and lend their unique perspectives to enrich American fashion.”
Fashion and Culture
Fashion is a reflection of cultural shifts. From hair and clothing to jewelry and makeup, fashion trends speak volumes about a time and place in society. Though these movements may be observed culturally, the individuals who work to highlight this art form are not always recognized. The Vilcek Foundation created the Creative Promise Prize in Fashion and Culture as a way to acknowledge immigrants working as:
Writers and researchers: Including academic (historical, theoretical and anthropological), journalistic, critical and editorial
Curators and museum professionals: Including exhibitions, presentations, and displays through real and/or virtual environments; could include preservation and conservation
Stylists: Including editorials, advertising campaigns and fashion presentations
Image makers: Including fashion photography, film, animation, illustration and work in fashion tech
Fashion and Design
Fashion is not only a reflection of society but also serves as a powerful form of self-expression—it allows individuals to showcase and preserve their personality, creativity and cultural identity. Immigrants enrich the fashion industry by contributing their unique traditions, perspectives and styles, reflecting the cultural melting pot of the United States. The Vilcek Foundation created the Creative Promise Prize in Fashion and Design as a way to honor immigrants working as:
Environmental and technology designers: Environmental designers, sustainability experts, eco-conscious creators and professionals designing wearable technologies
Material innovation: Professionals who develop new fabrics and innovative textile technologies such as smart textiles, eco-friendly fabrics and new dyeing/surface application techniques for various sectors, including but not limited to uniforms, athletics, space, medical and innovative workwear
Makeup artists/hair stylists: Highly skilled artists and stylists who have achieved industry recognition for their work, or experimental artists that push the breadth of materials used to both challenge and communicate perceived beauty ideals through the art and design of makeup or hair
Designers: Including but not exclusive to womenswear, menswear, nonbinary clothing, textile design (including print, embellishment, knitwear, original fabric-making for fashion) and accessories including footwear, bags, jewelry and other artifacts relating to the culture of fashion.
Eligible applicants must not be more than 38 years old and have lived in the United States for at least four years. Additionally, applicants must have five years of professional experience in fields related to fashion and have completed at least three professional solo or collective projects.
All applications will be reviewed after the close of the open call on June 9, 2025. Prizewinners will be selected for the rigor and impact of their work by a jury of fashion experts appointed by the Vilcek Foundation. Recipients will each receive an unrestricted cash award of $50,000, a commemorative trophy, and will be nationally promoted by the Vilcek Foundation.
Interested applicants can apply and learn more about the Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Fashion at vilcek.org.
