Created in partnership by the Accessories Council and the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the Elaine Gold Launch Pad program continues to support early-emerging and young design talent and aspirational entrepreneurs through six months of mentorship and milestone-based awards. The program focuses on helping early emerging designers (in business from 0-3 years) launch their careers in apparel, accessories, jewelry or materiality. Elaine Gold Launch Pad has given a significant boost to the careers of several emerging fashion designers, among them Emily Adams Bode of Bode, Maria Kazakova of Jahnkoy, Lucy Jones of FFORA, Ali Rose of Flint, Michigan-based Genusee and Angela Luna of ADIFF.
“We have been so proud and impressed with the talent the has come through the Elaine Gold Launch Pad. I know that Elaine would be delighted to see the success of the program,” said Karen Giberson, president of the Accessories Council. “We are proud to help support these emerging designers and businesses! We congratulate this year’s participants, as they all worked very hard, and we look forward to the 2020/21 applications.”
The 2019-2020 program recently concluded with a final presentation at CFDA’s headquarters. The finalists were challenged to map the future of their venture and fashion,
creating a 360 Venture Pitch. Building upon their vision, brand story and business model
presented at the beginning of their 23-week virtual residency, the final blueprint presentation was an opportunity to show the progression of “ideas” holistically across all areas of their design and business strategies, as well as an opportunity to reflect on the program pillars of innovation, sustainability and technology.
“The future of our industry is evident with these young brands that are participating in the Elaine Gold Launch Pad program,” said Steven Kolb, president and CEO of CFDA. “CFDA is proud to invest in their success.”
Based on the presentations, $150,000 were awarded, including additional support from CFDA Global Ambassador Adrian Cheng, founder of K11 and CEO of New World Development, who joined the Elaine Gold Launch Pad Advisory Board.
“I’m delighted to support the continuous efforts of the CFDA and the
Accessories Council to incubate the next generation of creative powers,” Cheng said. “I hope the Elaine Gold Launch Pad program will serve as an incentive for even more emerging American brands. I wish all five brands the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.”
