Exciting news is on the horizon for the fashion industry as the Andréa W. and Kenneth C. Frazier Family Foundation, in partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America, reveals the four finalists for the second Empowered Vision Award. This initiative aims to uplift emerging Black designers through a generous financial grant of $100,000 and a comprehensive year-long mentorship program.
The talented finalists this year include Haitian designer Daveed Baptiste, Keith Herron of Advisry, Nana Kwame Adusei of Kwame Adusei, and Edvin Thompson of Theophilio. Each of these designers brings unique perspectives and creativity to the table, making a mark in the fashion scene.
Introduced last year, the Empowered Vision Award strives to promote equity within the fashion industry by equipping Black designers with essential resources to compete on a global scale. The inaugural award was presented to Rachel Scott, founder of Diotima, who has since achieved remarkable success, including being named CFDA’s womenswear designer of the year in 2024 and taking the helm as creative director for Proenza Schouler.
The highly anticipated winner will be unveiled at a reception and cocktail event on December 11 at the W Union Square. The selection committee is composed of esteemed industry figures, including Edward Buchanan, the first Black ready-to-wear designer for Bottega Veneta, and Alastair McKimm, former editor-in-chief of i-D.
