CFDA and Paul Smith Foundation Team Up for Designer-in-Residence Opportunity

Calling all American designers. The Council of Fashion Designers of America has partnered with the Paul Smith Foundation so that one American designer will have the chance to join the Fashion Residency at Studio Smithfield in London for its second-year cohort alongside six U.K.-based designers.

The recipient of the inaugural Paul Smith’s Foundation x CFDA Designer-in-Residence will receive complimentary studio space. Applications are now open.

In 2022, the CFDAteamed up with Paul Smith and chose Commission as the talent,focused on supporting diverse emerging menswear talent. The first cohort included Paolina Russo, Yaku, Laura Pitharas, Karoline Vitto, Paolo Carzana and Pauline Dujancourt, and were assembled by Sir Paul Smith; Justine Simons OBE, London’s deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries, and GQ’s deputy global editorial director Adam Baidawi.

This year’s choice will have the opportunity to work from a 400-square-foot private studio at Studio Smithfield for 12 months. The individual will also glean guidance from mentors, who have yet to be named. They will also have a visa, flights and receive a $30,000 contribution toward their living expenses.

The program has been developed for designers in the early stages of their careers. It is designed for those who have delivered for two to six seasons, and are at a pivotal moment for growth. Needless to say, they will have to be up for a year abroad and commit to living in London for the full residency period of one year. Successful applicants will have to have a clear vision, an understanding of their market, knowledge of their customer — existing and/or targeted — and an ambition to develop their business skills with a view for long-term growth.