INSIDE THE FASHION INDUSTRY – How Are Emerging Designers Finding the Spotlight Nowadays

Since Copenhagen FW is currently happening and we have a series of fashion weeks starting right after, it seems fair to circle back to a topic which many of my clients keep asking me about! 

Being an emerging designer nowadays is not only about being creative or finding funds to start a fashion line. It's both of these things together, combined with a special ingredient which the internet and social media have brought upon us: visibility! 

In today’s highly saturated fashion landscape, visibility is one of the most valuable currencies an emerging designer can earn. But securing the spotlight isn’t just about creativity, it’s about building a brand, connecting with investors, and navigating strategic platforms that can catapult a vision into a viable business.

While the digital age has made visibility more accessible, it's also raised the bar. Gaining real attraction now requires more than a viral moment. Designers must engage with a robust ecosystem of funding sources, talent showcases, international prizes, and fashion week access points that collectively help shape the next generation of fashion leaders. So, in this blog, lets look into some of the sources and strategies emerging designers should look into in order to build a successful fashion brand. 

Global Competitions and Talent Programs That Launch Careers

At the top of the list is the LVMH Prize (which I already blogged about here INSIDE THE FASHION INDUSTRY - How the LVMH Prize Fuels Innovation and Business Growth for Emerging Designers), one of the most prestigious global competitions for young designers. Since its inception in 2013, the prize has provided not only a €400,000 grant but also a year of mentorship from LVMH experts to help winners scale their brands. Many notable designers, including Grace Wales Bonner, Marine Serre, and Simon Porte Jacquemus (my personal favorite), have either won or been shortlisted, gaining immense credibility and international press coverage as a result. Learn more: LVMH Prize Official Website

Another platform making waves is Copenhagen Fashion Week, which has quickly become a launchpad for sustainable and boundary-pushing emerging brands. Labels like Rotate Birger Christensen, Ganni (another personal favorite), and Stine Goya have not only garnered international attention but have also become models for how sustainability and aesthetics can coexist in new business models. Discover more: Copenhagen Fashion Week – Emerging Designers

PS: I know that if you work in fashion, one of the main goals is to make it to Paris Fashion Week. Obviously! I will admit though, Copenhagen Fashion Week has always been number 1 on my bucket list!

Designers looking for exposure beyond Europe can explore International Talent Support (ITS) in Italy and Hyères Festival in France. These platforms offer funding, mentorship, and press opportunities that often lead to retail partnerships and further investments. Explore ITS: ITS Contest Hyères Festival Info: Villa Noailles

Getting into New York Fashion Week (NYFW)

For U.S.-based designers, NYFW remains a goldmine for attention. While breaking into its schedule may seem daunting, there are now multiple entry points. Programs like CFDA's Incubator, Fashion Week Online’s open calls, and partnerships with platforms like Flying Solo make NYFW more accessible than ever.

Flying Solo, for example, curates shows featuring independent designers from around the world, offering a professional venue, model casting, and even PR outreach. Check out: Flying Solo – NYFW Opportunities

PS: I have clients who launched their brands and are now selling at Flying Solo. Starting a partnership with this store opened many doors for my clients. The visibility they bring to the table goes beyond NYFW! They open doors to more retail partnerships around the US, and bring emerging designers the opportunity to be featured in fashion magazines and websites around the world. One of my clients got featured on Bazaar Vietnam! They are absolutely amazing to work with and fully focused on emerging brands that are trying to “break” industry standards and adapt to the new consumer era - which is focused on sustainability and less massive productions. 

Designers can also submit to CFDA's Runway360, a digital platform that allows smaller brands to showcase collections online during Fashion Week, giving them a cost-effective entry into the official calendar. Learn more: Runway360 by CFDA

How Emerging Designers Can Secure Funding

Beyond talent showcases, funding remains one of the most significant barriers for new designers. Fortunately, there are now more alternatives than ever:

• Fashion for Good and Fashion Impact Fund offer grants and early-stage investments for designers committed to sustainability. Fashion for Good Innovation ProgramFashion Impact Fund (via PVBLIC Foundation)

• Kickstarter and IFundWomen allow designers to crowdfund directly from their audience, while gaining exposure and validating demand. IFundWomen – Fashion CampaignsKickstarter – Fashion Projects

• Angel investors and fashion-specific VCs like Venrex and Imaginary Ventures are also actively looking for promising labels that demonstrate strong brand identity, growth potential, and production readiness.

Pitching to these investors, however, requires more than a compelling lookbook. It demands a comprehensive business plan, clear sourcing strategies, and an understanding of fashion’s supply chain and retail mechanics - areas many creatives struggle to navigate alone.

Having worked closely with many designers throughout my coaching program, I know firsthand that talent alone isn’t enough! Emerging designers need a roadmap tailored to their vision, including how to build a pitch deck, where to find aligned investors, and how to translate creativity into long-term business growth.

If you're a designer ready to take your brand seriously, I offer a free 30-minute strategy call where we can discuss your vision and how to position your brand for success.

Schedule your free call here: https://go.oncehub.com/BarbaraSessim