Photo credit: Kickstarter
Kickstarter is expanding its support for independent fashion designers with a new advisory board. The initiative brings together five influential voices to help emerging talent access industry guidance, connections and opportunities.
Announced on Oct. 14, the Kickstarter Fashion Advisory Board includes Hillary Taymour of Collina Strada, Raúl Lopez of LUAR, Brandon Blackwood, Recho Omondi of The Cutting Room Floor and Milton Dixon III.
The board is part of Kickstarter’s wider effort to strengthen creative independence. It also builds on the company’s Kickstarter Culture Fund and its Power of Belief campaign. Through these initiatives, Kickstarter aims to help emerging designers turn original ideas into sustainable businesses.
Meet Kickstarter’s fashion advisory board
The five members bring experience in independent design, accessories, fashion media and creative storytelling. Together, they offer different perspectives on the challenges facing emerging designers.
Hillary Taymour is the founder and creative director of Collina Strada. Her designs combine sustainability, social awareness and self-expression. In addition, her work brings an experimental approach to contemporary fashion.
Raúl Lopez founded LUAR, a Brooklyn-based fashion label. The brand is known for blending New York style with Dominican cultural influences. As a result, his experience offers a distinctive perspective on identity and independent brand building.
Brandon Blackwood founded Brandon Blackwood New York, an accessories label known for its handbags and contemporary designs. His experience building a recognizable fashion brand adds another perspective to the board.
Meanwhile, Recho Omondi brings expertise in fashion media and storytelling. She founded The Cutting Room Floor, an independent platform that explores the people and businesses shaping the industry. Through conversations and interviews, her work examines both the creative and commercial sides of fashion.
Milton Dixon III is a fashion stylist and creative consultant. He also serves as Kickstarter’s Culture Fund Fashion Ambassador. Additionally, he spearheaded the creation of the new advisory board.
Kickstarter aims to support independent designers
Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor said independent designers help shape culture. However, many struggle to find the resources and support needed to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses.
The advisory board aims to address these challenges by connecting creators with experienced professionals. It will also help designers build meaningful industry relationships.
Through the end of 2026, members will contribute creator guidance, media engagement and shared content. These efforts are designed to increase designers’ visibility. Furthermore, they will help creators connect with industry networks and discover new opportunities.
The initiative reflects Kickstarter’s broader effort to make creative support more accessible. This is particularly important for designers working outside traditional fashion industry structures.
$1 million Culture Fund backs creative projects
The Fashion Advisory Board builds on Kickstarter’s $1 million Culture Fund, which launched in August 2026. The fund supports creators across art, fashion, film and music. It provides direct financial contributions to selected live Kickstarter campaigns.
By combining funding with industry guidance, Kickstarter hopes to give independent creators more ways to develop their work. In addition, the program aims to help them reach new audiences and strengthen their businesses.
For emerging designers, success requires more than creative talent. They also need visibility, strong professional networks and an understanding of the commercial side of fashion.
The new board brings these perspectives together under one initiative. As its work continues through the end of 2026, the program will focus on helping designers build their brands and bring new ideas to market.
Source: Kickstarter Newsroom
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