Genesis House and Council of Fashion Designers of America Crown Winner of Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant Program

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On Feb. 4, Genesis House and Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) unveiled the collections of Bach Mai, Olivia Cheng of Dauphinette and Kozaburo Akasaka of Kozaburo, the designers who participated in their second annual Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant program.

During the program, the three designers were given $40,000 to curate a fashion collection representing their Asian heritage, with the grant winner receiving another $60,000 to grow their career and brand.

Cheng’s collection “Clove” featured three opulent outfits made of reused materials celebrating the transitional period between seasons.

“I was so excited to create this collection, because, for once, somebody was asking me to do what I love to do the most, which is very couture-esque garments that take a lot of hand work and celebrate traditional craftsmanship in a non-traditional way,” Chang said. “For myself, that means using unconventional materials.”

The standout of Cheng’s collection was her short gold dress, constructed using 10,000 sequins hand-punched from beetle wings. Her floral suit was also eye-catching, a simple ensemble adorned with lotus flowers from her mother’s garden.  

Cheng’s collection. Courtesy of MATTE PROJECTS

Bach Mai’s collection displayed a cross-cultural community through fashion, combining silhouettes and design elements from multiple Pan-Asian cultures. He told The Knockturnal he would miss the program, especially all the great times he spent with his fellow designers.

“The program was such an amazing experience,” Mai said. “We’ve all really bonded and it’s been such an incredible experience, which is really what my collection was inspired by.” 

Mai with his collection. Courtesy of MATTE PROJECTS.

Akasaka’s collection consisted of androgynous suits, embracing the unisex style of his brand. His designs combined Korean aesthetics, Japanese philosophy and the American spirit of individuality.    

Steven Kolb, the CEO of the CFDA, told The Knockturnal that the grant program was created to lift up talented young Asian designers.

“It’s difficult to become a successful designer, and often, young designers have good ideas but no ability to translate those ideas into a finished product or a business,” Kolb said. “So this program is really meant to give designers an opportunity to gain that experience.”

At the event, Cheng was announced as the grant winner. She excitedly accepted the grant money, immediately telling her fellow designers that she’d take them out to dinner to celebrate. 

Cheng posing with Kolb. Courtesy of MATTE PROJECTS

“I don’t know what to say, I’ve never won anything before,” Cheng said. “I will spend the money wisely.”