RAISEfashion was founded in July 2020 by eight visionary women who united to create pathways for emerging designers and students with limited access to the fast-paced fashion industry. What started as a dedicated group of eight has flourished into a dynamic global community of hundreds of experienced leaders and advisors spanning four continents, offering pro-bono services to designers and mentorship to students.

With the guidance of an expanded board of diverse leaders, RAISEfashion has grown into a thriving network that empowers creativity and drives success. Rooted in a shared commitment to uplifting others, we began by asking a simple yet profound question: how can we use our expertise and resources to make a meaningful impact? Through collaboration and the sharing of knowledge, we have built a supportive community that provides designers and students with the tools, insights, and opportunities to excel in the ever-evolving fashion industry.

FAQs

How does Network Advisory Work?

RAISEfashion is guided by a dedicated group of vetted industry experts. Through our exclusive members-only advisory platform, designers and interns can connect with up to two industry professionals, each providing a minimum of one consulting hour per month.

Our volunteer advisory network comprises over 300 seasoned leaders from a diverse range of companies, bringing expertise across all sectors of the fashion industry, including creative content, sustainability, branding, merchandising, sales, and business development. These advisors represent varied backgrounds, spanning high luxury, contemporary, and mass markets, and specialize in categories such as men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, leather goods, jewelry, and home goods.

What is the Intake Process?

At this time, our network is at full capacity. Designers and interns must be referred by a board member or partner organization to be considered. Additionally, we review applications during specific times of the year and will actively reach out should space become available.
Thank you for your interest in RAISEfashion’s Pro-Bono Advisory Services. At this time, our application process is closed, but we will reopen it soon. Please check back for updates.

What are the program pathways?

RAISEfashion Masterclass Program: 
A mentorship-driven initiative where selected designers receive the tools and resources needed to scale their businesses and communicate effectively with their audience.  

RAISE Collective: 
An invitation-only and referral-based program for designers who show exceptional potential in business growth and leadership. Participants in the Collective gain access to pro-bono advisory services, as well as exclusive opportunities to network and collaborate with industry experts.  

Summer Internship Program:  
A competitive program designed to provide students with hands-on experience in the fashion industry. Interns work directly with RAISEfashion advisors and partner organizations, gaining valuable insights and skills to help them navigate and succeed in the fast-paced fashion world.  

Disclaimer

The views, information and opinions expressed by the individuals within the volunteer collective are solely the views of the individuals themselves, and do not necessarily reflect the organizations they are affiliated with. As we are critically thinking human beings, these views are always subject to change and re-thinking at any time, and should not be held in perpetuity. As the nature of this collective is on a volunteer basis of personal time, consultations do not guarantee access to any organizations the volunteers may be professionally associated with. RAISEfashion and the volunteers themselves assume no liability for any losses, damages, or delays in information arising from any advisory discussions.