Daveed Baptiste is the recipient of the 2025 Empowered Vision Award, given by The Andréa W. and Kenneth C. Frazier Family Foundation and the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
The winner was revealed Thursday night at the W Hotel Union Square in New York. Baptiste bested three other finalists: Keith Herron of Advisry, Nana Kwame Adusei of Kwame Adusei and Edvin Thompson of Theophilio. Over 30 people applied for the grant.
This award, which provides a $100,000 financial grant and a year-long mentorship program valued at an additional $100,000, was created to support and uplift emerging Black designers, providing them with the resources to expand their brands and compete on a global stage. The award fosters innovation, equity and inclusivity in the fashion industry.
Baptiste, who has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Parsons School of Design, is an interdisciplinary artist whose work incorporates fashion, textiles and photography. He draws inspiration from his migration from Port au-Prince, Haiti, to Miami. His work explores the ideas of race, gender and class within the Haitian community and the larger Caribbean diaspora.
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“As we enter year two of the Empowered Vision Award, we reaffirm our commitment to championing designers at every stage of their creative journey,” said Steven Kolb, chief executive officer and president of the CFDA. “Our goal is to build an ecosystem where diverse talent not only has the opportunity to emerge, but the foundation to thrive. We are grateful for The Andréa W. and Kenneth C. Frazier Family Foundation’s leadership, whose vision and generosity help make this vital work possible.”
The inaugural winner was Rachel Scott of Diotima.
Baptiste stood out among the group of finalists for his exceptional creativity, vision, and commitment to building a sustainable brand that reflects a bold, forward-thinking perspective. The designer’s work was said to exemplify the award’s mission to promote both creative and business growth, redefining the possibilities within fashion.
“The range of this year’s finalists made this second-year process surprisingly difficult with each designer bringing something distinct to the table,” said Milton Dixon III, program director of the Empowered Vision Award. “Daveed Baptiste ultimately distinguished himself through clear, thoughtful storytelling and a disciplined, vulnerable approach to building and strengthening their tools to lead a business. We’re proud to support a designer whose work speaks to the future of fashion, and we’re excited to move forward with him over the next year of mentorship and continued investment.”
James Frazier, trustee of The Andréa W. and Kenneth C. Frazier Family Foundation, said, “Our goal to champion rising Black designers continues to strengthen as we progress into year two of the Empowered Vision Award. These designers’ talent and determination are shaping the future of fashion and we look forward to witnessing the expansion of their influence in the years ahead.”
Following the award’s reveal, Baptiste was celebrated at a reception and cocktail event at the W Union Square on Thursday night, where the CFDA and The Andréa W. and Kenneth C. Frazier Family Foundation gathered to honor the winner’s achievements and continued program toward greater inclusivity in the fashion industry.
Those who attended included Rachel Scott, Kim Shui, Bernard James, Bach Mai, Jordan Daniels, Anna Saber, Quil Lemons, Doo-Yi Chow, Jeffrey Banks, Karreuch Tran, Kate Barton, Prabal Gurung, Hilary Taymour, Brandon Blackwood, Everard Best, Tela D’Amore, and Jacques Agbobly.
“It was an honor to be part of the selection committee for the Empowered Vision Award this year,” said Alastair McKimm, stylist and creative director. “It was incredibly inspiring not only to review all the applications and examine the work, but also to personally experience the presentations by the four finalists. What struck me most was the deeply personal and emotional connection each designer had to their work. All four were very different, yet they shared the same passion, creativity, and drive it takes to succeed in the fashion industry. I was truly impressed by their energy, confidence, professionalism, and level of preparedness. I expect to see huge careers from each of them.”
This year’s selection committee consisted of Edward Buchanan, artistic director and cultural advocate; Walter Frye, global director of brand and retail marketing, Amazon; Imaann Hammam, model; Alastair McKimm, fashion and image director at large of Vogue France, stylist and creative director; Carlos Nazrio, style director at large, Harper’s Bazaar, editor and stylist; Emilie Rubinfeld, global president, Carolina Herrera; Bruce Pask, senior director, men’s fashion, Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, and Shiona Turini, Emmy Award-winning costume designer.
