Fashion Trust U.S., a non-profit organization that supports and nurtures emerging design talent, has revealed the finalists of its second annual FTUS Awards, which will take place on April 9 in Los Angeles. The awards will recognize and reward six outstanding designers from four categories: ready-to-wear, jewelry, accessories, and graduate.

Ready-to-wear finalists: From demi-couture to inclusive fashion

The ready-to-wear category features four finalists, who have impressed the judges with their creativity, craftsmanship, and vision. They are:

Batsheva Hay, the founder and designer of Batsheva, a New York-based womenswear label that reinterprets traditional feminine styles with a modern twist. Hay’s collections are inspired by her personal history, cultural identity, and religious background, and feature vintage fabrics, modest silhouettes, and playful details.
Charles Harbison, the founder and creative director of Harbison Studio, an inclusive fashion brand that celebrates diversity, fluidity, and individuality. Harbison’s collections are influenced by his upbringing in North Carolina, his travels around the world, and his love of art and music, and feature bold colors, prints, and shapes.
Jack Miner, the founder and designer of Interior, a womenswear label that explores the relationship between clothing and space. Miner’s collections are based on his architectural studies, and feature innovative constructions, geometric forms, and functional elements.
Jackson Wiederhoeft, the founder and designer of Wiederhoeft, a demi-couture evening and bridal line that combines fantasy, drama, and romance. Wiederhoeft’s collections are inspired by his theatrical background, and feature elaborate embroideries, embellishments, and silhouettes.

The ready-to-wear finalists will compete for the FTUS Ready-to-Wear Award, which will provide them with financial support and mentorship from industry experts.

Jewelry finalists: From disco to obscura

The jewelry category showcases four finalists, who have showcased their originality, skill, and expression. They are:

Ashley Harris, the founder and designer of Don’t Let Disco, a jewelry brand that celebrates the disco era and its influence on culture and fashion. Harris’s collections are made from recycled materials, and feature colorful, glittery, and funky designs.
Jade Ruzzo, the founder and designer of Jade Ruzzo, a jewelry brand that reflects her personal journey and philosophy. Ruzzo’s collections are made from natural stones, crystals, and metals, and feature organic, minimal, and spiritual designs.
MoAnA Luu, the founder and designer of ManLuu, a jewelry brand that honors her Haitian heritage and African roots. Luu’s collections are made from artisanal beads, shells, and metals, and feature vibrant, eclectic, and cultural designs.
Mia Vesper, the founder and designer of Vesper Obscura, a jewelry brand that explores the dark and mysterious side of life. Vesper’s collections are made from antique and vintage materials, and feature Gothic, Victorian, and occult designs.

The jewelry finalists will compete for the FTUS Jewelry Award, which will provide them with financial support and mentorship from industry experts.

Accessories finalists: From iris to millinery

The accessories category highlights four finalists, who have demonstrated their talent, quality, and style. They are:

Wilglory Tanjong, the founder and designer of Anima Iris, an accessories brand that promotes African craftsmanship and sustainability. Tanjong’s collections are made from ethically sourced leather and handcrafted by local artisans, and feature geometric, sculptural, and versatile designs.
Rowell Concepcion, the founder and designer of Binata Millinery, a millinery brand that blends traditional and contemporary techniques and aesthetics. Concepcion’s collections are made from natural and recycled materials, and feature whimsical, elegant, and artistic designs.
Esha Soni, the founder and designer of Esha Soni, an accessories brand that fuses Indian and Western influences and sensibilities. Soni’s collections are made from silk, leather, and metal, and feature intricate, colorful, and glamorous designs.
Marie Laffont, the founder and designer of Marie Laffont, a footwear brand that expresses her personality and passion. Laffont’s collections are made from leather, suede, and velvet, and feature quirky, fun, and chic designs.

The accessories finalists will compete for the FTUS Accessories Award, which will provide them with financial support and mentorship from industry experts.

Graduate finalists: From son to arbaje

The graduate category introduces four finalists, who have impressed the judges with their potential, vision, and innovation. They are:

Clara Son, a graduate of Parsons School of Design, who specializes in knitwear and textile design. Son’s collections are inspired by her Korean heritage and her interest in science and technology, and feature experimental, futuristic, and sustainable designs.
Kelsey Ann Kasom, a graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology, who specializes in sportswear and outerwear design. Kasom’s collections are inspired by her Native American culture and her love of nature and adventure, and feature functional, durable, and ethical designs.
Madelen Nyau, a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design, who specializes in footwear and accessory design. Nyau’s collections are inspired by her African background and her fascination with architecture and geometry, and feature dynamic, edgy, and expressive designs.
Yamil Arbaje, a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, who specializes in menswear and streetwear design. Arbaje’s collections are inspired by his Dominican Republic origin and his experience in New York City, and feature urban, eclectic, and diverse designs.

The graduate finalists will compete for the FTUS Graduate Award, which will provide them with financial support and mentorship from industry experts.

FTUS Awards: Supporting and nurturing emerging design talent

The FTUS Awards, which was launched in 2023, is an initiative of Fashion Trust U.S., a non-profit organization that supports and nurtures emerging design talent in the U.S. The organization is led by a board of directors, which includes prominent figures from the fashion industry, such as Anna Wintour, Tom Ford, Diane von Furstenberg, and Tory Burch. The organization also has an advisory board, which consists of experts from various fields, such as retail, media, technology, and education.

The FTUS Awards aims to recognize and reward six outstanding designers from four categories: ready-to-wear, jewelry, accessories, and graduate. The winners will receive financial support and mentorship from industry experts, as well as access to a Google mentorship program, which will provide them with training on retail industry trends, branding, and funding. The winners will also be considered for the Sustainability Award and the Inclusivity Award, which will honor their efforts and achievements in these areas.

The finalists of the FTUS Awards were selected by the FTUS Board members, Shop with Google, and some of the Advisory Board members, based on their creativity, craftsmanship, and vision. The finalists will showcase their work to the FTUS panel on April 9 in Los Angeles, and the six winners will be announced at the awards ceremony that evening.