Meet the 2026 Crown Royal Designer Grant Recipient
Kingsley Gbadegesin, Founder and Creative Director of K.NGSLEY
During The Penthouse Edit, RAISEfashion x Refinery29’s two-day celebration of independent fashion at The Standard, East Village during New York Fashion Week, Kingsley Gbadegesin of K.NGSLEY was named the recipient of the $15,000 Crown Royal Designer Grant.
Made possible through Crown Royal’s partnership with RAISEfashion, the grant provides direct investment to help independent designers strengthen their businesses, expand their reach, and build toward long-term growth.
This grant was open to designers participating in RAISEfashion's Penthouse Edit activation who are 25 or older, recognizing and investing in an entrepreneur's vision and long-term business growth. Applications open on August 17, 2026 and close on August 31, 2026.
Drink Responsibly. Don’t share with anyone under 21.
The Impact Continues
The impact extends beyond this year’s grant. 100% of net proceeds* from the Crown Royal x Juicy Couture collection will benefit RAISEfashion and support an additional designer grant in 2027, continuing the investment in independent designers and their businesses.
*RaiseFashion Inc./RAISEfashion, 909 3rd Ave., Unit 6432, New York, NY 10150, https://raisefashionnow.org.
Tracksuits available for purchase between 8/11/2026 & 12/31/2026, while supplies last. Purchase not tax deductible. Diageo to make $75,000 donation which includes (but is not contingent upon) sales of tracksuits. $15,000 of donation will fund The Crown Royal RAISEfashion Designer Grant providing financial assistance to one (1) aspiring fashion designer selected by RAISEfashion. The remaining $75,000 of donation will support RAISEfashion's activities furthering its mission in conjunction with 2026 New York Fashion Week.
Please Drink Responsibly. CROWN ROYAL Blended Canadian Whisky. 40% Alc/Vol. The Crown Royal Company, New York, NY.
Tracksuits available for purchase between 8/19/2026 and 12/31/2026, while supplies last. Purchase not tax deductible.