Brooklyn Launches Search For Fashion Designers With $5,000 Grants And Runway Spot

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Five emerging Brooklyn fashion designers will receive $5,000 grants, industry mentorship and the opportunity to present five complete looks at a runway show hosted inside Brooklyn Borough Hall this September under a new open call announced by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Brooklyn Arts Ambassador Colm Dillane.

Applications close July 5 at 11:59 p.m.

The competition is open to Brooklyn residents age 18 and older.

Selected designers must be available from the week of July 27 through the fashion show in early September.

The initiative follows the inaugural People’s Runway in September, which drew more than 1,000 spectators to Brooklyn Borough Hall and featured appearances by Lauryn Hill, Ne-Yo and Busta Rhymes.

“Last year, The People's Runway showed that Brooklynites are hungry to see real investments in creatives that call this borough home,” Reynoso said.

He encouraged local designers to apply.

“If you are an upcoming designer making a splash in Brooklyn's fashion scene, this application is for you,” he said.

Dillane, founder of KidSuper, connected the program to his own beginnings in the borough.

“I got my start in fashion just a few blocks from Brooklyn Borough Hall, and it’s so special to come back years later to give emerging designers the opportunity to take their career to the next level,” Dillane said.

The borough president’s office will provide the runway venue, lighting, sound, music, stage design, models, hair and makeup, styling, photography, videography and backstage operations. The office also will manage ticketing, seating, media relations and external communications.

Each selected designer will receive a $5,000 grant to help cover expenses but will remain responsible for creating and completing their garments. The borough president’s office will not provide materials, tools or garment-construction assistance.

Applicants must submit original work. The use of artificial intelligence is prohibited.

Designers selected for the program will receive notification during the week of July 20. Organizers plan an orientation during the week of July 27, require all designs to be finalized by Aug. 31 and will stage the fashion show in September.

Designers can apply here.