Paul Smith’s Foundation, CFDA Program Supports American Fashion Design

Sir Paul Smith

Photos Courtesy of CFDA

In the Edith Wharton novel “The Buccaneers” and the current Apple TV+ series, the premise is Gilded Age American heiresses aiding titled Brits with their pocketsful of money in exchange for social status. Today in fashion, the tables have turned, thanks to Sir Paul Smith—he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000—a Brit is offering an opportunity of financial support for an American fashion designer. In continuing to expand the reach of the Paul Smith Foundation, the British tailored clothing legend’s philanthropic venture will expand support via its fashion program to Americans in partnership with the CFDA, as both entities share the mission to promote and support the education of fashion designers to grow their creativity and innovation.

Starting on August 14^th, the CFDA will invite designers to apply to the program, which will give one lucky applicant the chance to join Fashion Residency at Studio Smithfield in London for its second-year cohort alongside six UK-based designers. Established in 2024, The Fashion Residency at Studio Smithfield, founded by The Mayor of London, Projekt, and Paul Smith’s Foundation, was enabled with support from the City of London Corporation. Established in 2020 to coincide with Paul’s 50th year of business, Paul Smith’s Foundation was created to support early-career creative people working in fashion, visual arts, and design.

The recipient of the inaugural Paul Smith’s Foundation x CFDA Designer-in-Residence will receive a complimentary 400-sqft studio space for 12 months, supported by Projekt, mentoring from industry leaders, and business-planning training, visa, flights, as well as a significant contribution to their living.

While up-and-coming British designers have especially struggled post-Brexit, current economic and political factors in the US are pointing to funding for the arts and access to education diminishing daily. Together, the CFDA and Sir Paul aim to help nurture young talent towards their own sustainable businesses.

“Partnering with the CFDA to have this opportunity to have an American-based designer join the Fashion Residency is delightful, and hopefully, it will be a life-changing experience for them. We formalized the Paul Smith’s Foundation a few years ago, but I have been told quite flatteringly that we’ve been running one for years without realizing it! I have had designers come to me for years, like John Galliano and Alexander McQueen just to name two who have come for advice, basic advice like ‘what’s a collaboration, what’s a contract’…not advice on how to design, or run a studio or how to put a collection together but very practical advice and that’s what I am very proud of what our foundation does,” said Sir Paul Smith in a release.

“Fashion is a truly global business, and an opportunity such as this will provide one American talent with invaluable experience and exposure in an international market,” said Steven Kolb, CFDA CEO and President. “The chance to work alongside peers in the UK fosters creative exchange, builds cross-cultural understanding, and strengthens our industry. We are deeply grateful to Sir Paul Smith for his continued collaboration and dedication to nurturing the next generation of talent.

In September 2025, shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by a panel including Sir Paul Smith, Steven Kolb, Chief Executive Officer and President at CFDA, and Sara Kozlowski, Vice President of Program Strategies / Education & Sustainability Initiatives at CFDA, in New York City, where the recipient will be determined.

Closer to another example of the CFDA teaming up with designers to support the next generation of talent, the Veronica Beard X CFDA Creative Futures Scholarship just announced its 2025 class, which includes incoming FIT senior Athmiha Saravanen for tailoring; another incoming FIT senior Giorgio Parolini Arroyo for soft wovens; Polimoda Florence transfer student now at FIT Samira Koehler for knitwear, and Marist University incoming senior Lena Alibrio for denim.