About us

RAISEfashion was founded in July 2020, in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. As people across the world stand in solidarity to confront the systemic oppression and contemporary reality of racial injustice, we feel compelled to reflect more closely on the opportunity and responsibility of the workers in the fashion world to cultivate a more diverse industry, one that actively promotes and fosters BIPOC-owned businesses and BIPOC individuals.

We started by asking ourselves the question, how can we as individuals actively participate in this movement, using our tools and personal skillset to help others?

By coming together to share our knowledge and experiences, we can work towards dismantling the racial bias and hurdles that undermine the success and potential of many BIPOC-owned brands. In establishing this community, we hope that our diverse experiences will result in a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Our process

How the Network Advisory Works

RAISEfashion is steered by an organizing group matching applicants with our network of vetted experts. First, an intake meeting will be scheduled with one of the group’s advisors, to assess your brand’s largest areas of opportunity and greatest needs. Then you will be paired with up to 3 industry experts for a minimum of 1 consulting session on each of those specific topics.

The volunteer advisory network consists of 300+ industry leaders, with years of experience across all sectors of the market, including creative content, branding, merchandising, sales, and business development. Advisors have backgrounds ranging from high luxury to contemporary and mass markets, across categories of men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, leather goods, jewelry, and home goods. 

Should the consulting sessions you receive require follow up or prompt an actionable next step, a repeating session will take place. Separately, the network will do its best to supply you with any specific tools or resources that could be applicable for your business or personal career goals. 

The Intake Process

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.

How Designers Are Assessed

We evaluate designers based on the following criteria:

  • Creative Vision: Innovation and originality that align with RAISEfashion’s values of diversity and inclusion.

  • Business Potential: We assess the scalability and sustainability of the designer’s business model, including the potential for revenue growth.

  • Revenue Scale: Designers at different stages of business development are considered, with a focus on those who demonstrate potential for strong financial growth.

  • Social Impact: A commitment to positive change, especially within underrepresented communities, is central to our selection process.

  • Brand Presence: We evaluate the designer’s current market presence and how effectively they communicate with their target audience.

  • Communication Strategy: We also assess each designer’s ability to communicate their brand's message effectively through both digital and traditional channels. A clear and engaging communication strategy is crucial for long-term success.

Program Pathways

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

  2. 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.

We look forward to reopening the application process soon and continuing to support emerging BIPOC designers in the fashion industry. Stay tuned!

Special Thanks…

To all of the amazing people who have graciously volunteered their time to help bring this important initiative to life. But most especially to these friends of RAISEfashion:

Kate Silzer, Branding
Nic Gonzalez, Logo & Identity
Shim & Associates, Legal
Fross Zelnick, Legal
Hand Baldachin & Associates, Legal
Christian Langbein, PR
Daniel Urzedo & Madelynn Matichak at NETWORK, PR

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.