The non-profit, launched in November 2022 with the aim of discovering and funding young design talent, has named finalists for its inaugural awards in the ready-to-wear, jewellery, graduate, sustainability and inclusivity categories. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Los Angeles on Mar. 21.

The finalists for the St. John Knits award for ready-to-wear are Aisling Camps, Jacques Agbobly of Black Boy Knits, Christian Juul Nielsen of Aknvas, Elena Velez and Puppets and Puppets’ Carly Mark. The winner will receive a grant worth between $125,000 and $150,000 (dependent on the size of their business); mentorship from St. John Knits chief executive Andy Lew and the Fashion Trust US (FTUS) advisory board; and an opportunity to collaborate with the St. John Knits design team.

The jewellery award will also include a grant worth between $125,000 and $150,000, and opportunities for mentorship from FTUS board. The finalists are Khiry’s Jameel Mohammed, Lauren Harwell Godfrey of Harwell Godfrey, Kristin Essel of Third Crown, Demarson New York’s Jason Crantz and Marcela Ponce and L’Enchanteur’s Soull and Dynasty Ogun.

Google is sponsoring graduate and inclusivity awards. Winners will receive a grant worth $25,000. Finalists for the graduate award — presented to a designer who is a senior in college or graduated between 2020 and 2022 — are Margarita and Cristina Ng Ng, Max1111, Qiuyi Luo, Taku Yhim and Papa Oppong. A sustainability award winner, who will also receive a $25,000 grant, will be selected by the FTUS. All of the 15 finalists for the ready-to-wear, jewellery and graduate categories will be considered for the inclusivity and sustainability awards.

The FTUS board includes fashion writer Tania Fares, former InStyle editor-in-chief Laura Brown, former Town & Country fashion director Anne Crawford, Queer Eye star Tan France, Harper’s Bazaar editor Samira Nasr and stylist Karla Welch. Luxury veteran and brand consultant Shay Gipson serves as program director.

Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 9 Feb. 2023. A previous version stated Google was sponsoring the sustainability award; that is incorrect.

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