Six Black Americans have been chosen to take part in the emerging accelerator program this year offered by luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue.
They will be among eight designers in The New Wave at Saks. The program, created in 2021, aims to support the next generation of design and retail talent and develop high-potential independent brands by boosting their growth at Saks and within the overall fashion industry.
The 2023 cohort class includes brands from women’s and men’s fashion that cover footwear, jewelry and kids. Tied to Saks’ mission to amplify diverse voices and elevate representation in fashion, at least half of program participants annually are BIPOC brands.
“Saks is committed to amplifying emerging brands and it is incredibly important to us that we use our platform to elevate independent designer businesses and BIPOC voices,” said Anna Irving, senior vice president and general merchandise manager of women’s designer ready-to-wear at Saks, according to Women’s Wear Daily. “This program is a crucial part of our goal to increase representation in our merchandise assortment and to provide emerging designers with the resources to succeed at Saks and beyond. At the same time, the program supports our mission to offer unique and inspiring fashion to our customers.”
The Black brands in this year’s program are Armando Cabral, Áwet, Bernard James, Elisamama, June 79, and Renowned.
Participants will gain the skills to scale their businesses at Saks and beyond. Each brand will be eligible to gain a $10,000 grant to support its business operations and growth. They also will receive marketing support from Saks, including content exposure on Saks’ website.
The designers will learn from a six-month program consisting of a retail boot camp, mentorship and consulting services, entrepreneurial workshops, and industry roundtables.
Mastercard is the sponsor of The New Wave at Saks for the third straight year. It was reported the company will host a roundtable session to provide participating brands an overview and access to its Digital Doors program,. That effort will include exclusive resources and tools aimed to help small businesses further grow and digitally enhance their online presence.
The Black designers and their brands in this year’s New Wave at Saks program are:
Awet Woldegebriel, Awet
Bernard James, Bernard James
Fisayo Che, Elisamama
Armando Cabral, Armando Cabral
John Dean, Renowned
Shawn Pean, June 79
