What does investing in the next generation of fashion truly look like? It looks like our Kickstart Career Festival, an inspiring initiative hosted with Calvin Klein, that opens a pipeline to the next generation of creative talent.
Designed for brands looking to authentically reach a young, creative audience interested in fashion and creative careers, the Kickstart activation offers a rare, front‑row seat into the industry. Students gain insider access, build new skills, ignite their passion, and connect with professionals who are shaping the future of fashion. Through pathway sessions, hands‑on workshops, mentoring sessions, and meaningful conversations, the Festival creates a space where creativity, curiosity and opportunity, for both brand and talent, come together. The result is powerful: skills strengthened, passions sparked, pathways opened, and connections that last far beyond the day.
We extend a massive thank you to Calvin Klein and the incredible CK associates who generously shared their stories, insights, and lived experiences. Their openness and encouragement helped empower students to imagine themselves in roles across design, styling, marketing, production, photography, and more.We also celebrate the students, teachers, and schools who showed up with energy, curiosity, and creativity. Their enthusiasm transformed the Festival into a vibrant learning environment.
A special shout‑out goes to our guest facilitators; Teneshia Carr, Daniel Martin, Lexi De Medici, Robin Schweitzer and Leica Camera USA, who all offered intentional guidance and gave students a real glimpse into what it takes to show up, shine and succeed in the fashion and creative industries. And, of course, heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated NYC team: Kim, Kyamora, Raquel, Michelle, and Ky’Naisha. Everyone who participated showed commitment and ensured every student felt supported, inspired and seen.
Interested in Building a Brighter, More Inclusive Fashion Future where you connect with the next generation of young talent, open a pipeline into fashion and gain insights into current and future consumer behaviour? Look No Further. The Kickstart Career Festival is more than an event the engages and connects to future talent. It’s a commitment to equity, access and opportunity. By bringing young people into the heart of the fashion world we’re helping both the next generation of talent and consumers, alongside the industry, envision futures where creativity, identity, talent and insights can thrive. Together we can build a fashion industry that reflects the world we live in, the world we want to create.
