The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and the Bezos Earth Fund have announced a US $ 6.25 million partnership to launch The Next Thread Initiative, a three-year programme designed to advance innovation and education in sustainable fashion.
The initiative seeks to support independent designers and emerging talent who are redefining the way clothing is created, produced, and consumed. It will provide funding for designer awards, student scholarships, and storytelling projects aimed at showcasing the creative and commercial opportunities within sustainable fashion.
According to CFDA president and CEO Steven Kolb, the collaboration will give designers and students practical tools to help shape a more sustainable fashion industry. He noted that under Lauren Sánchez Bezos’s leadership, the Bezos Earth Fund has been instrumental in turning ideas into action and fostering innovation. Kolb added that the CFDA was proud to collaborate with Sánchez and her team, highlighting that the initiative aligns with the organisation’s long-standing commitment to advancing sustainability in American fashion.
Through the initiative, independent designers pioneering work in sustainable materials, circular design, and low-impact manufacturing will be eligible for grants ranging from US $ 50,000 to US $ 500,000. Undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing sustainable fashion design will also receive scholarships between US $ 25,000 and US $ 75,000.
The CFDA plans to showcase the work of grant and scholarship recipients through curated exhibitions, events, and digital storytelling campaigns aimed at engaging both industry professionals and the wider public.
Insights generated from the initiative are expected to guide future Bezos Earth Fund investments in areas such as materials science, manufacturing innovation, and supply chain transformation.
Bezos Earth Fund president and CEO Tom Taylor said the fashion industry has long reflected cultural shifts and now has the potential to become a catalyst for environmental change. He emphasised that, in partnership with the CFDA Foundation, the Fund is investing in the next generation of designers and innovators who are shaping a more sustainable future for fashion.
