EXCLUSIVE: Fashion Trust U.S. 2026 Finalists Revealed

Fashion Trust U.S., founded by Tania Fares, has revealed the finalists for its fourth annual FTUS Awards, set to take place in Los Angeles on April 7. The event will spotlight design talent across ready-to-wear, jewelry, accessories and graduate categories.

Selected by members of the Fashion Trust U.S. board and advisory board, this year’s finalists represent a mix of emerging brands and designers at pivotal moments in their careers. Winners in each category will receive financial grants along with mentorship from leading figures in the fashion and retail industries.

In ready-to-wear, the finalists are Ashlynn Park of Ashlyn, the New York–based label founded in 2020 and recognized for sharp tailoring and experimental yet wearable silhouettes (Park was awarded the 2025 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund). Also recognized is Keith Herron of Advisry, which began as a teenage project in 2014 and has since gained attention for its thoughtful, culture-driven approach to streetwear. Maxwell Osborne (a CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year recipient for Public School) and Kristy Chen’s anOnlyChild, founded in 2021, centers on upcycled design, transforming deadstock materials into modern silhouettes. And completing the category is Zane Li of LII, who launched the brand in 2023 and is known for minimalist, architecturally inspired collections.

The jewelry finalists highlight diverse approaches to expression and craftsmanship. IVI Los Angeles, founded in 2016 by Ivi Kyratzi, is known for its bold designs that play with scale and form. JV Insardi by Jen Insardi, based in New York, focuses on sculptural and understated fine jewelry. Harlot Hands, created by Jing Feng in 2020 in New York, brings a personal approach to jewelry, creating pieces that blend symbolism with maximalist design. And Josefina Baillères, a Mexican designer, bridges fine jewelry and wearable art, emphasizing texture and movement.

In accessories, Camilla Gabrieli, who’s based in L.A., designs refined Italian footwear that balances elegance with functionality. Andrea Marron, who founded her namesake brand in 2024 in Miami, is recognized for her hand-crafted leather bags and goods. Chris Echevarria of Blackstock & Weber, created in New York, has built a following for the brand’s modern reinterpretation of classic loafers. And Ká Dipuglia by Karla Maria Dipuglia Perez, a Dominican designer in New York, offers sculptural, statement accessories.

The graduate category recognizes Deborah Won of the Fashion Institute of Technology; Kelechukwu Mpamaugo of Central Saint Martins; Lorena Pipenco of Parsons School of Design, and Marcelle Barbosa of The New School, Parsons.

All 16 finalists across the four categories will also be considered for the Sustainability Award, recognizing innovation and responsibility within design practices.

Google returns as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 FTUS Awards. In partnership with Fashion Trust U.S., Google will provide winners with access to a mentorship program designed to help elevate emerging designers.

Along with Fares, FTUS board members are Laura Brown, Karla Welch, Dan Constable, Maha Dakhil, Jamie Mizrahi, Carlos Nazario, Anastasia Soare and Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath.