Diverse Designers Shine as Fashion Trust U.S. Announces 2025 Finalists

A vibrant array of emerging talent was unveiled at the Fashion Trust U.S. 2025 finalists announcement in Los Angeles. This event, dedicated to supporting innovative designers, showcased a diverse group of finalists who will compete for cash prizes and mentorship opportunities at the upcoming awards ceremony.

Key Takeaways

• Event Date: The awards ceremony is scheduled for April 8, 2025, in Los Angeles.
• Presenting Sponsor: Google Shopping is the presenting sponsor for this year’s event.
• Finalists: The finalists represent a mix of ready-to-wear, jewelry, accessories, and graduate categories, with a strong emphasis on diversity and international backgrounds.
• Support for Designers: Winners will receive financial grants ranging from $100,000 to $200,000, along with mentorship from industry leaders.

Overview of Finalists

The Fashion Trust U.S. has selected 16 finalists, all of whom have been in business for two to seven years. The finalists span various categories:

Ready-To-Wear Finalists

1. Rachel Scott (Diotima) – Known for sultry sportswear and hand-crocheted pieces inspired by Jamaican heritage.
2. Grace Ling – Designer of surrealist pieces worn by celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez.
3. Jakarie Whitaker (Hikari no Yami) – Focuses on deconstructed tailoring.
4. Nana Kwame Adusei (Kwame Adusei) – L.A.-based brand with contemporary silhouettes influenced by West African culture.

Jewelry Finalists

• Bernard James – Creates fine jewelry from Brooklyn, recently awarded a grant at the Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala.
• Kia Schwaninger (Kia Schwan) – Offers unique, custom pieces, previously a senior designer at Van Cleef & Arpels.
• Rebecca Zeijdel-Paz (Beck) – Draws inspiration from Caribbean roots.
• Reut Ringel (Reut) – Known for innovative black gold designs.

Accessories Finalists

• Danielle Griffiths (Clyde) – Started with crocheted wool accessories, now includes sculptural hats and minimalist handbags.
• Paradis Winslet – Eyewear label rooted in East African culture.
• Marianna Senderkis (Senderkis) – Creates handbags from natural materials.
• Michal Lifshitz (Poemet) – Israeli designer known for vibrant silk scarves.

Graduate Category Finalists

1. Bashar Abouljoud – Designer and tailor from Parsons School of Design.
2. Bryan Barrientos – Peruvian-American dressmaker from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
3. Eunhae Cho – Korean designer from FIT.
4. Patrick Taylor – Knitwear designer from London, based in New York.

Selection Process

The finalists were chosen by the board members of Fashion Trust U.S., which includes notable figures such as founder Tania Fares, journalist Laura Brown, and fashion stylists Karla Welch and Law Roach. The advisory board also contributed to the selection, ensuring a diverse and talented group of finalists.

Conclusion

The Fashion Trust U.S. continues to champion emerging designers, providing them with essential resources and visibility in the competitive fashion industry. The upcoming awards ceremony promises to be a celebration of creativity and innovation, highlighting the next generation of fashion talent.

Sources

• Fashion Trust U.S. 2025 Finalists Announced, WWD.