Kickstarter has introduced a Fashion Advisory Board, made up of influential designers and fashion voices, to give independent creators guidance, community and connections.
The board extends the Kickstarter Culture Fund, a $1 million fund supporting independent creators in the arts, fashion, film and music through contributions to their Kickstarter campaigns, and the company's Power of Belief brand campaign.
Its five members are Hillary Taymour of Collina Strada, Raul Lopez of Luar, Brandon Blackwood, Recho Omondi of The Cutting Room Floor, and Milton Dixon III, a style and creative consultant and fashion ambassador at Kickstarter.
Through the end of 2026, the advisers will provide creator guidance, media engagement and shared content, helping raise visibility for independent fashion creators and connect them with industry networks and Culture Fund opportunities.
"Independent designers are shaping culture, but often face challenges finding the resources and support to bring their ideas to life and build sustainable businesses," said Everette Taylor, Kickstarter's chief executive officer. He said the board builds on the Culture Fund by bringing experienced voices and meaningful connections into that journey, so more original ideas can break through and more designers can build lasting businesses while retaining ownership.
The $1 million Culture Fund launched in August as Kickstarter's first direct investment in creative ideas. Financed entirely by Kickstarter and open to creators worldwide, it provides direct financial contributions to live Kickstarter campaigns. Creators in the fund's four core categories can apply when their campaign is live or when they have a project page in draft.
"The Fashion Advisory Board brings our Power of Belief campaign to life through voices who understand what it takes to build independent fashion," said Courtney Brown Warren, Kickstarter's chief marketing officer. She said the campaign is rooted in the idea that creativity moves forward when people believe in each other.
Originally reported by WWD