WHO WE ARE

Fashion Trust U.S. Award is an initiative in the U.S. created to recognize and support the next generation of U.S.-based emerging fashion designers.

Tania Fares, the founder of Fashion Trust U.S., has a mission to provide financial support, guidance, and mentorship to emerging designers based in the United States. Through this initiative, she aims to discover and nurture young talent, helping them transform their labels into thriving global brands.

The Fashion Trust U.S. was successfully launched in 2022. The Fashion Trust U.S. is a non-profit initiative dedicated to discovering, funding, and nurturing young fashion designers to help build their label into a thriving global brand.

Winners are awarded financial grants and a one-year mentorship covering budget, strategy, digital, merchandising, and general business support.

Applications to apply reopen June 2026.

To help drive the initiative and assemble a strong group of patrons and donors, the Fashion Trust U.S. is guided under the leadership of Tania Fares, Carlos Nazario, Laura Brown, Karla Welch, Maha Dakhil, and Cameron Silver.

U.S.-based fashion designers in the four categories of Ready-to-Wear, Jewelry, and Accessories, that have been in business between two to seven years, along with recent fashion school graduates are invited to apply to the Fashion Trust U.S. while our applications are open.

There are four finalists in each of the four categories. From the 16 finalists, $500K will be distributed among five awardees, contingent upon their business strategies. Additionally, personalized mentorships covering budgeting, strategy, digital presence, merchandising, and comprehensive business support will be provided. At FTUS, we place significant emphasis on sustainability and representation in the fashion industry. One of the 16 finalists demonstrating strong sustainability practices will be recognized and rewarded. This initiative aims to foster environmentally responsible and accessible practices within emerging brands.

Following a review by our board of industry leaders, the winners and grants will be announced at the prestigious annual Fashion Trust U.S. Awards in April 2025.