Designers get those portfolios ready. Good American and the Fashion Scholarship Fund are teaming up to provide two emerging designers with a $10K grant. The initiative will include mentorship for the winners with a specific focus on teaching them how to create a fully inclusive collection from inception to production. Size diversity within fashion design has been a large issue amongst the community for years. Many fashion students have shared that they weren't truly equipped with the skills to design for larger bodies at their schools. So, to continue pushing size-inclusive education, Good American is offering the The Good American x Fashion Scholarship Fund Grant to keep the industry's progress moving forward.
The Good American x Fashion Scholarship Fund Grant is meant to not only mentor aspiring fashion designers but also look to them to help pave the way for inclusive design to become a standard in the industry. Applications are live today for members of the Fashion Scholarship Fund Class of 2022 and FSF Class of 2023 Scholars. In tandem with this program, Good American launched their latest collection, Varsity.
In celebration of the program and collection launch we caught up with founder, Khloé Kardashian to talk about making your application stand out, chasing a career in fashion, and what true inclusivity looks like.
Teen Vogue: How did this partnership with the Fashion Scholarship Fund begin?
Khloé Kardashian: Our mission with Good American has always been to create a brand where everyone can feel seen and represented. We have been at the forefront of creating inclusive spaces in fashion through our innovative fabrics, thoughtful designs, and Open Casting program, which selects real women of diverse shapes and sizes to participate in our campaigns. Even with the industry pushing forward, there is still tons of work to be done to make fashion more inclusive. We’ve always admired the work that the Fashion Scholarship Fund has done to diversify the industry further, and we are thrilled to work with them to help equip the next generation of fashion designers with the tools and skills to create beautiful clothing of all sizes.
TV: What will the selection process look like? How can a candidate make their application the strongest?
KK: Applicants will submit a digital portfolio of 8-10 size-inclusive denim designs that will be reviewed by both the Good American and Fashion Scholarship Fund teams. We’ll be looking for candidates who can show their personality through their designs while also being thoughtful about Good American’s customers and what they want to see from the brand. We're so excited to see how these applicants will come to the table with new and innovative ways to approach inclusive design, whether it be through flattering fits or elements of adjustability that make our garment as comfortable and flattering as possible!
TV: What part do you want Good American to play in regard to supporting these designers on their journey?
KK: I’m confident that the work we’re doing together, between Good American and Fashion Scholarship Fund, is only the beginning for these designers. It is so important for us to provide these budding designers with the foundation, resources, and education they need to begin their careers. We’re awarding two winners a $10,000 grant as well as hands-on mentorship opportunities with Good American’s design, product development, and marketing teams. In addition to this, we’ll also bring one of their designs to life to be sold through GoodAmerican.com. I can’t wait to review the submissions with our team and see all the amazing ideas these individuals can bring to Good American!
TV: What does real, size diversity look like to you as someone running a size-inclusive fashion brand?
KK: It's all about making sure that everyone is being seen and heard–we want our customers to come to us and know that they can easily see themselves reflected in our brand. Every single one of our products is created in our inclusive size range, and when we work with our retail partners, we require them to carry every size and ensure that they don’t separate them into plus-size and sample-size sections when they’re merchandised. It’s all about making all sizes mainstream - there’s literally no reason they shouldn’t be! True size diversity is about listening to our consumers, understanding their experiences, and creating a space where they feel supported, beautiful, and empowered.
TV: What are the most important factors when wanting to start a fashion company?
KK: I would say having a clear vision and passion are key, almost like a north star, to guide you through each decision and design. At Good American, inclusivity is that guiding star. It influences everything we do - from which fabrics we use to how we cast our photoshoots and campaigns. All of our decisions as a business are backed by our overarching goal to make the fashion industry as inclusive as possible.
TV: What would be your advice to young people hoping to enter the fashion industry in any type of capacity?
KK: Be true to your design vision and inspiration, but also have conversations with your community! This is something we’ve always done at Good American — we look to our Good Squad for advice and guidance on what works for their bodies and what doesn’t. At the end of the day, you want your customer to feel empowered and beautiful in everything you are putting out, so always use them as a guide to help inform your design decisions!
TV: Can you share a little bit about the Good American collection that just dropped?
KK: I’m so excited about this collection! It’s a nostalgic Varsity drop with a vintage collegiate feel. The pieces are super cozy and wearable for every day but still have that touch of chic and elevated design. I love that I can run errands, hang with the kids, and head to meetings, all without changing my look. One of my favorites is our Fleece Corset Top –it’s so comfortable but still structured and flattering. It’s the perfect piece for an effortless, put-together look.
