The CFDA and the Bezos Earth Fund have announced a $6.25 million partnership to launch a new initiative to advance innovation and education in sustainable fashion.

Dubbed “The Next Thread Initiative”, it aims to support independent designers and emerging talent who are redefining how clothing is made, produced, and consumed. The three-year collaboration will fund designer awards, student scholarships, and storytelling programs designed to spotlight the creative and commercial potential of sustainability in fashion.

“This partnership provides designers and students with tangible support to build a more sustainable future for fashion,” said Steven Kolb, president and CEO of the CFDA. 

“Under Lauren Sánchez Bezos’s leadership, the Bezos Earth Fund is turning ideas into action and bringing innovation forward. We’re proud to work together to drive change across our industry. The CFDA is grateful for this support and looks forward to collaborating with Lauren and the Bezos Earth Fund team. This Initiative aligns with a core pillar of the CFDA and builds on more than a decade of our progress advancing sustainability in American fashion.”

Through the initiative, independent designers leading the way in sustainable materials, circular design, and low-impact production will be eligible for grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000. Meanwhile, scholarships between $25,000 and $75,000 will be awarded to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing sustainable fashion design. CFDA will also highlight program participants through curated events, exhibitions, and digital storytelling to engage both the industry and the public.

Insights from the initiative are expected to help inform future Earth Fund investments in materials science, manufacturing innovation, and supply chain transformation. 

“Fashion has always been a mirror of culture — and now, it can be a catalyst for change,” added Tom Taylor, president and CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund. “Together with the CFDA Foundation, we’re investing in the next generation of designers and innovators building a more sustainable, future for fashion.”