Prabal GurungSansho Scott/BFA.com
On Saturday morning, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Madison Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) hosted the third annual Step Up for Fashion. Set against the art-filled interiors of The Club at Casa Tua, the initiative championed emerging talent and raised support for the CFDA Scholarship Fund.
Designers, retail directors, and CFDA members were greeted with bubbly mimosas and ushered towards a spread of flaky croissants, fresh fruit, and much-needed coffee after a bustling fashion week. At the heart of the room, the work of four student scholarship recipients—Aneska Ryzada, Giang Luu, Chris Ortiz, and Kineri Shah—was prominently displayed.
“The present and the past have no meaning unless we look into the future,” CFDA board member Prabal Gurung told Vogue. “When I look at these new designers, I see hope about where the industry can go. I’m blown away by the level of talent.”
Basque-waist gowns, feathered tulle, corseted bodices, and intricate layering showcased impeccable design technique and creativity. Bethann Hardison, Tara Rudes Dann, and Lauren Kulchinsky Levison were amongst those who lingered over the work, taking in the intricate details. “As someone who just came to America, I feel so welcome and supported,” scholarship winner Anezka Rysada said while standing beside her garment reminiscent of Renaissance jester fashion.
Matthew Bauer, President of the Madison Avenue BID, and Gurung soon gathered the intimate crowd for remarks, sharing that, in addition to the four scholarship winners, 24 students would be paired with participating brands along Madison Avenue to model, illustrate, and style garments. “You really see all sides of fashion in this room,” Bauer explained. “You design it, make it, and then you get to go out into the public, and the next generation continues the great story.”
What began as 27 Madison Avenue brands participating in Step Up for Fashion in 2024 has grown to 55 this year, including Thom Browne, Carolina Herrera, Veronica Beard, and Michael Kors. By donating 10 percent of their daily sales to the CFDA Scholarship Fund, the community helps propel the rising fashion talent. “We are all driven by creativity, and often it’s such a lonely journey,” Gurung told Vogue as he looked over the participants’s designs. “To have the support of a community, especially like the CFDA, I feel grateful that we were able to bring everyone together.”
Attendees soon made their way to the Carolina Herrera flagship, where a full-scale floral installation by Raúl Àvila draped across the multi-story architecture. Cascading foliage and blush and ivory roses served as the perfect send off to a day advancing tomorrow’s fashion voices.
