Fashion Trust U.S. (FTUS)  hosted its annual New York cocktail reception at The Twenty Two Hotel, bringing together leading figures and friends from the fashion community to celebrate the launch of the fifth annual Fashion Trust U.S. Awards 2027.

The evening was hosted by Marigay McKee, Dan Constable, José Criales-Unzueta, and Alex White, welcoming past Fashion Trust U.S. winners, finalists, and friends of the organization alongside designers, editors, stylists, and influential members of New York's fashion community, including Dao-Yi Chow, Maxwell Osborne, Batsheva Hay, Michelle Ochs, Eva Chen, Julie Gilhart, Richie Shazam, Bethann Hardison, Rachel Scott, and Fern Mallis.

The annual gathering served as an opportunity to celebrate the next generation of American design talent and raise awareness of Fashion Trust U.S.'s ongoing mission to discover, fund, and nurture emerging U.S.-based designers through financial grants, mentorship, and meaningful industry connections.

Founded by Tania Fares, Fashion Trust U.S. provides emerging designers with the resources, expertise, and industry access needed to build sustainable independent fashion businesses. The organization’s continued partnership with Google underscores a commitment to supporting creative entrepreneurship and helping emerging designers navigate the evolving fashion and retail landscape.

Applications are currently open for the fifth annual Fashion Trust U.S. Awards, taking place in Los Angeles in April 2027. Eligible U.S.-based designers are invited to apply across four categories: Ready-to-Wear, Jewelry, Accessories, and Graduate Awards, with selected finalists also considered for the Sustainability Award.

The 16 finalists will be selected by the Fashion Trust U.S. Board and invited to present their work to an esteemed panel of industry judges. Award recipients will receive financial grants tailored to their businesses, alongside a year-long mentorship program offering expert guidance across key areas including business strategy, merchandising, marketing, e-commerce, and wholesale development.

Image credit: Mike Vitelli/BFA