The Andrea W. Frazier and Kenneth C. Frazier Family Foundation, represented by James Frazier, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America have launched the Empowered Vision Award.
The initiative will provide $100,000 in grants directly to independent Black designers, with an additional $100,000 going toward one year of mentorship. The goal is to foster innovation, promote equity within the fashion industry, and support both creative talent and long-term business growth.
This partnership reflects both organizations’ commitment to addressing systemic barriers in the fashion industry by providing Black-owned businesses with the essential resources they need for sustained success. The Empowered Vision Award aims to build business resilience while addressing economic and leadership gaps that have historically limited opportunities for Black designers.
“CFDA is proud to continue our long-standing social impact work through our collaboration with the Frazier Family Foundation.Together, we will continue to make a positive impact on exceptionally creative American designers. We created the award to give Black-owned businesses the funding and tools they need to succeed in the global economy in the long term,” said Chief Executive Officer Stephen Kolb. Masu. CFDA officer.
James Frazier, director of the Frazier Family Foundation and son of Andrea and Kenneth Frazier, said: “This partnership is a testament to the need for increased investment and personalized support for Black-owned businesses. It comes at a more important time than ever. The Frazier Family Foundation and CFDA are working together to take bold steps to address these inequities and ensure a more inclusive and dynamic future for American fashion. We are taking a step forward.”
CFDA, in collaboration with stylist Milton Dixon, Creative Advisor to the Empowered Vision Awards, will lead the selection process to identify designers whose work demonstrates creativity, business acumen, and potential for commercial success. I will. One designer will receive $200,000.
Recipients of $100,000 grants have the flexibility to use their funds in key areas such as production, marketing and expansion operations. Additionally, a mentorship program, supported by an additional $100,000, will connect designers with industry experts and provide guidance to navigate the complexities of the fashion industry.
The eight members of the 2024 selection committee are fashion stylist, creative director and design consultant Alastair McKim; Carlos Nazario, Harper’s Bazaar US Style Director in general. Corey Stokes, Creative Director. Diane von Furstenberg, founder, philanthropist, and author. Emily Rubinfeld, CEO and President of Carolina Herrera; Siona Turini, fashion consultant, stylist and costume designer. Stephanie Horton, Director of Global Consumer Marketing at Google, and Walter Frye, Chief Brand Officer at Amazon.
This partnership is housed under the Council’s CFDA Impact Program. As for whether this would become an annual grant, a spokesperson said it was too early to decide and it would depend on the overall success and impact of the program.
The Frazier Family Foundation works to advance equity and opportunity across a variety of sectors, with special emphasis on education, health, and economic empowerment.
Kenneth Frazier is the former CEO of Merck and chairman of General Catalyst’s Health Assurance Initiative, where he continues to lead efforts to advance innovation in healthcare. He is also co-chairman of OneTen. OneTen is an initiative focused on closing the opportunity gap for Black Americans by upskilling, hiring and advancing 1 million Black people into family-sustaining jobs over the next 10 years.
Andrea Frazier is an interior designer and serves on the boards of both the American Heart Association and Pratt Institute. She also oversees the Frazier Family Coalition.
