The fashion industry is fueled by bold ideas, daring craftsmanship, and fresh perspectives. Yet for many emerging designers, especially those from underrepresented communities, gaining access to the industry’s most coveted opportunities can feel like a daunting challenge.
Fortunately, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Genesis House have stepped in to change that narrative. Their AAPI Design + Innovation Grant offers more than just funding. It provides mentorship, creative immersion, and a platform for designers to showcase their collections to a global audience.
One designer rising to the occasion is Bach Mai, whose work I’ve had the privilege of capturing both on the runway and in photoshoots. His ability to combine emotional storytelling with couture craftsmanship has left an indelible mark on the fashion world. Now, with the support of CFDA and Genesis House, his creative journey is set to reach extraordinary new heights.
For those unfamiliar with the key players behind this initiative, the CFDA is a leading force in American fashion. With a focus on advocacy, professional development, and support for emerging talent, the CFDA has long been a champion of inclusivity in fashion. Meanwhile, Genesis House is a cultural hub established by Genesis, the luxury car brand, that bridges the worlds of art, design, and modern luxury. Together, they have built a program that is reshaping the future for AAPI designers, and I am genuinely excited to see where it leads.
The Power of the AAPI Design + Innovation Grant
The AAPI Design + Innovation Grant isn’t just a financial boost for emerging designers. It’s a complete creative experience. The program gives each selected designer, including Bach Mai, access to $40,000 in funding to create a new collection inspired by their Asian heritage. But the support doesn’t stop there.
Participants receive one-on-one mentorship from fashion industry leaders, providing guidance on everything from design refinement to business strategy. As if that were not enough, they also embark on a creative immersion trip to Seoul in South Korea, a city widely regarded as a global hub for innovation in fashion, design, and pop culture. From streetwear to avant-garde couture, Seoul’s influence on global fashion is undeniable, and its dynamic energy serves as a fresh wellspring of inspiration for these designers.
At the culmination of the grant, each designer presents their collection at Genesis House in New York City, a stunning multi-level space that blends art, design, and culinary experiences. It’s a breathtaking venue that allows designers to tell their stories in a setting that feels every bit as polished and grand as their collections. To make things even more exciting, one designer will be awarded an additional $60,000, raising the total support for that designer to $100,000. This final prize serves as both a recognition of excellence and a signal to the fashion world that their name is one to watch.
Bach Mai: A Designer on the Rise
For anyone familiar with New York Fashion Week (NYFW), the name Bach Mai should already ring a bell. He’s the designer behind the unforgettable Invincible Summer collection, a kaleidoscopic celebration of color, resilience, and hope. His use of vibrant hues and meticulous tailoring drew inspiration from a deeply personal moment with his father, who asked, “Where is all the color?” It was a moment of reflection that turned into a full-scale creative breakthrough.
Photographing Bach Mai’s work always feels electric. His designs carry an energy that makes them feel alive. His garments are more than clothes. They become narratives of transformation and bold self expression. Every time, it is a thrill to capture how his fabrics move on the runway and how light catches the intricate details of his gowns.
Being part of the AAPI Design + Innovation Grant gives Bach Mai even more room to push boundaries. The mentorship he’s receiving through the program, coupled with the creative immersion trip to Seoul, will no doubt shape the next chapter of his career. Considering how impactful his Invincible Summer collection was, I can only imagine what he’ll create with this kind of support. If you haven’t had a chance to explore his work, I highly recommend following him on social media and checking out his collections on the official CFDA website and through NYFW coverage.
CFDA: More Than a Trade Association
When you hear CFDA, your first thought might be New York Fashion Week, but there’s so much more to it than that. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) is a not-for-profit trade organization that represents and supports American fashion designers. With over 450 members, it plays a vital role in shaping the future of the fashion industry.
One of the most impactful ways the CFDA supports designers is through grants, scholarships, and awards. The AAPI Design + Innovation Grant is one such initiative, specifically aimed at giving AAPI designers the financial support and industry access they need to grow their brands. The CFDA doesn’t just hand out checks and walk away. It provides mentorship and exposure to key industry players, ensuring each designer gets the tools they need to succeed.
Designers like Bach Mai stand to benefit greatly from this model. The guidance of seasoned fashion veterans can be the difference between launching a single collection and building a sustainable, long-term brand. And with the exposure that comes from being part of the CFDA’s network, these designers are more likely to see their collections on magazine covers, red carpets, and storefronts around the world.
Genesis House: The Perfect Stage for AAPI Talent
While Genesis House is best known as a showcase for Genesis’ luxury vehicles, it’s also a cultural destination that celebrates design, art, and culinary excellence. Located in the heart of New York City, Genesis House has become a landmark for creative exploration.
What makes Genesis House such a fitting partner for the AAPI Design + Innovation Grant is its commitment to elevating the voices of underrepresented communities. As a venue, it offers designers like Bach Mai a sophisticated space to present their collections in a way that captures their full creative vision. The space is sleek, modern, and undeniably luxurious, making it the perfect backdrop for high-concept fashion.
Presenting a collection at Genesis House is more than just a photo op. It’s a chance for designers to connect with buyers, editors, and industry leaders who can help propel their careers. For someone like Bach Mai, having his work showcased in this environment puts him one step closer to solidifying his place as a marquee name in global fashion.
Why This Matters for the Next Generation of Designers
For years, AAPI designers have played a pivotal role in shaping global fashion, yet many still face barriers to visibility and access. The AAPI Design + Innovation Grant seeks to change that. By giving designers like Bach Mai access to funding, mentorship, and exposure, the program sets a new standard for how emerging designers should be supported.
This grant isn’t just about the designers it funds; it’s about the ripple effect it creates. When AAPI designers are given the chance to rise, it inspires a new generation of creatives who see themselves reflected in fashion’s most celebrated spaces. It changes the industry’s narrative around representation, showing that talent comes from all corners of the world and deserves to be seen.
For me, as a photographer who’s had the honor of capturing Bach Mai’s work on the runway, seeing him receive this support is incredibly meaningful. His work is a celebration of strength, elegance, and beauty, and every time I photograph his designs, I feel like I’m witnessing history in the making. The thought of seeing him create something entirely new, inspired by his journey to Seoul, is thrilling.
What You Can Do to Support AAPI Designers Like Bach Mai
If you’re inspired by what CFDA and Genesis House are doing, you can help amplify these efforts. Share news about the AAPI Design + Innovation Grant on social media. Support the designers directly by purchasing pieces from their collections. Follow their creative journeys through their social media pages and websites. And, if you’re ever in New York City, consider visiting Genesis House to experience a space that merges modern luxury with the power of art and design.
For those curious to learn more, you can follow Bach Mai on Instagram, stay updated on the latest from CFDA, and explore the creative programming at Genesis House. The future of fashion is brighter and bolder thanks to the work being done by these three incredible forces.
This is a moment of change, and it’s one we should all be paying attention to. Bach Mai is just getting started.
© Paul Tocatlian. All Rights Reserved.
Kisau Photography 