The Council of Fashion Designers of America, in partnership with Genesis House, has announced three designers selected for the fourth annual AAPI Design + Innovation Grant.
Azeeza Khan of Azeeza, Saber Ahmed of Glass Cypress, and Shao Yang of SHAO New York will take part in the 2026–2027 programme, which supports emerging Asian American and Pacific Islander voices in fashion.
In a major change from previous editions, the programme is no longer structured as a competition. Instead, all three designers will receive equal support, including $60,000 in funding each, mentorship from fashion and business leaders, and an immersive cultural trip to Seoul, South Korea.
This year’s programme will explore the theme “Second Nature,” encouraging the designers to examine how heritage, culture and personal identity can inspire innovation in contemporary fashion.
The initiative will culminate in May 2027 during AAPI Heritage Month, when the three designers are expected to unveil their final collections at Genesis House in New York.
The move highlights a growing push within the fashion industry to invest in emerging designers and give diverse creative voices greater access to funding, mentorship and international exposure.
