CFDA reveals Elaine Gold Launch Pad winners

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Feb 28, 2019

The Council of Fashion Designers of America and the Accessories Council have announced the winners of the second Elaine Gold Launch Pad, an initiative meant to support young design talent.

The initiative, which is focused on brands aged three years or under, had competing designers participate in a 23-week virtual residency, culminating in a final presentation by five finalists that outlined the future of their ventures. 
 
In a tie for first place, the grand prize of $55,000 was awarded to designers Angela Luna and Loulwa Al Saad of Adiff and Morganne Leigh of Tyche + Iset. In addition, Tyche + Iset was awarded an additional $5,000 by Hilldun Corp’s Gary Wassner, while Adiff’s Luna was gifted a yearlong office suit by Glen Siegel, founder of Belvedere Industry City.

Jewelry designer Leila Dumond of Cyril Studio, accessory designers Moya Annece and Ashley Cimone of Ashya, and apparel designer Leonid Batekhin of Occhii were each awarded $10,000. 

The final selection committee featured executives from companies like UBS Financial, Accenture, Hilldun Corp., Public School New York, Tidal NY, MZ Wallace, and LVMH.

"I think one of the most exciting things about EGLP is that it’s truly a collaboration, not only between the CFDA and the Accessories Council, but with members and industry leaders," said Sara Kozlowski, the CFDA’s director of education and professional development. "It’s exciting to watch them hands-on mentoring the cohorts with the belief that they’re not only helping to sustain their success, but also the future of the industry." 

The inaugural Elaine Gold Launch Pad was in 2017, with winners announced in early 2018. At that time, the grand prize went to Lucy Jones of Ffora, an apparel brand catering to wheelchair users.