Kickstarter names five advisers to guide independent designers
Kickstarter has named five designers and fashion voices to advise independent creators trying to turn ideas into finished garments.
Kickstarter, the crowdfunding platform where members of the public pledge money to creative projects, said the new Fashion Advisory Board will offer guidance, community and connections to help bring original ideas to life. Women's Wear Daily, the US fashion trade publication, reported the launch on 14 October.
The 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. Dixon is a style and creative consultant and serves as fashion ambassador at Kickstarter. The mix brings together working designers and a commentator who speaks to emerging talent.
The advisers will support the programme through the end of 2026. Their brief covers direct guidance for creators, media engagement and shared content. The advice is practical. It is aimed at people running their own small labels or preparing a first collection.
The board extends Kickstarter's USD 1 million Culture Fund. The fund supports independent creators across four areas: arts, fashion, film and music. It launched in August, is financed entirely by Kickstarter and is open to creators around the world. It provides direct financial contributions to selected live Kickstarter campaigns.
Creators in those four core categories can apply at two stages. They can apply when their Kickstarter campaign is live and collecting pledges. They can also apply earlier, when they have a project page saved in draft and are still preparing to launch.
Kickstarter also operates a dedicated fashion page for independent creators. The page lets designers present their work and invite backing to produce clothing, shoes, jewellery or bags, according to Kickstarter. Backers pledge a set amount. Creators use the money to make the work.
What makes this stand out is the link between money and mentoring. Funding helps pay for fabric, sampling and production. Guidance can help a new designer plan those costs and explain the idea clearly to potential backers.
