The Fashion Trust U.S. (FTUS) held a cocktail event at The Twenty Two, bringing together New York’s fashion community to encourage emerging designers to apply for the FTUS 2026 grant. The evening was hosted by Google’s Senior Director of Global Commerce Marketing Stephanie Horton, Fashion Trust U.S. Board Member Laura Brown, and designer Rachel Scott, winner of the FTUS 2025 Ready-to-Wear Award and newly appointed Creative Director of Proenza Schouler. 

Applications for the Fashion Trust U.S. 2026 Awards are available online at the Fashion Trust U.S. portal through December 1, 2025. Applicants will be able to compete in the following categories: Ready-to-Wear, Accessories, Jewelry, and Graduate Award. The 16 finalists across these categories will be considered for the Sustainability Award, recognizing a designer who demonstrates a strong commitment towards sustainable practices.

FTUS winners receive financial grants tailored to the unique business structures of each recipient. In addition to financial funding, winners gain mentorships covering budget, strategy, e-commerce, social media, merchandising, and general business support. 

Finalists will be announced in early February 2026. The presentation of the finalists and the award ceremony will take place in Los Angeles in early April 2026.  

Image credit: David X Prutting/BFA