In a major move to champion diversity and innovation in the fashion industry, Genesis and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) have announced the three designers chosen for their third annual CFDA | Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant. This program is all about lifting up the next wave of AAPI voices in American fashion, giving them the resources and support they need to thrive.
Over the next five months, these three emerging talents will get to work on original collections that explore the rich intersection of cultural identity and contemporary design.
Meet the Visionaries
Each designer will receive a $40,000 grant from Genesis House to help bring their collections to life. But it’s not just about the money; they’ll also gain invaluable access to a stellar lineup of mentors and advisors from the worlds of fashion, technology, and business.
Here are the designers selected for the 2025–2026 program:
- Allina Liu: Liu creates deeply symbolic, wearable art that challenges ideas of identity and culture. Drawing inspiration from provocative Asian artists and her own Chinese heritage, her collections are intimate, romantic, and tinged with subversion.
- Kim Shui: Shui’s womenswear brand is a bold exploration of what it means to be an American Woman. Her designs blend Eastern influences with unapologetic power, celebrating femininity and the female gaze.
- Terrence Zhou of Bad Binch TongTong: Known for their surreal silhouettes and conceptual designs, Zhou blurs the line between fashion, performance, and existential commentary. His wearable sculptures are designed to provoke, seduce, and confuse all at once.
“The AAPI Design + Innovation Grant continues to champion creative expression and bold ideas from the next generation of AAPI designers,” said Tedros Mengiste, Chief Operating Officer of Genesis Motor North America. “We’re proud to support their growth within the fashion industry by providing critical funding…alongside invaluable mentorship.”
More Than a Grant
This program is a comprehensive launchpad for success. The designers will receive guidance from industry heavyweights like Steven Kolb (CEO and President, CFDA), Wen Zhou (Founder/CEO, 3.1 Phillip Lim), and Eva Chen (Vice President of Fashion, Meta). These mentors will help the designers sharpen their creative vision and provide crucial business advice.
To further fuel their creativity, the three designers will also travel to Seoul, Korea, for an immersive cultural experience.
The program will culminate in February 2026, when the designers debut their collections at Genesis House in New York City. At the event, one finalist will be awarded an additional $60,000 grant, bringing the total grant award to an impressive $100,000.
This initiative is a powerful example of how corporate partners can help shape a more inclusive and innovative future for American fashion.
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