One American designer will receive a year at Studio Smithfield, including a 400-square-foot studio, mentoring, and travel support, with applications opening August 14.
The CFDA and Paul Smith’s Foundation are joining forces on a new Designer-in-Residence opportunity that places one American designer in the Fashion Residency at Studio Smithfield in London. The recipient will enter the program’s second-year cohort alongside six UK-based designers.
The package is practical. The designer receives a complimentary 400-square-foot studio for 12 months supported by Projekt, mentoring from industry leaders, business-planning training, visa and flights, plus a significant contribution toward living costs.
Applications open through the CFDA on August 14. In September, shortlisted candidates will interview in New York City with a panel that includes Sir Paul Smith, Steven Kolb, Chief Executive Officer and President at the CFDA, and Sara Kozlowski, Vice President of Program Strategies / Education Sustainability Initiatives at the CFDA. The panel will determine the recipient.
The initiative builds on a long record of exchange between the UK and the U.S. It arrives at a moment when funding for the arts and access to education are described as being at an all-time low, and it draws on the CFDA’s programs and Sir Paul Smith’s direct, experience-driven approach to support designers as they grow sustainable businesses and careers.
“Partnering with the CFDA to have this opportunity to have an American based designer join the Fashion Residency is delightful and hopefully it will be a life changing experience for them,” said Sir Paul Smith. “We formalized the Paul Smith’s Foundation a few years ago but I have been told quite flatteringly we’ve been running one for years without realizing it! I have had designers come to me for years, like John Galliano and Alexander McQueen . . . who have come for very practical advice, and that’s what I am very proud of what our foundation does.”
“Fashion is a truly global business, and an opportunity such as this will provide one American talent with invaluable experience and exposure in an international market,” said Steven Kolb, CFDA CEO and President. “The chance to work alongside peers in the UK fosters creative exchange, builds cross-cultural understanding, and strengthens our industry as a whole. We are deeply grateful to Sir Paul Smith for his continued collaboration and dedication to nurturing the next generation of talent.”
