Kickstarter has revealed the Kickstarter Fashion Advisory Board, bringing together influential designers and fashion voices to help independent creators find guidance, community and connections they need to bring original ideas to life.
An extension of 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, the board expands Kickstarter’s commitment to creative independence by connecting fashion creators with industry experience and perspectives that can help them fund and launch their work.
The five-member advisory board includes Hillary Taymour of Collina Strada, Raul Lopez of Luar, Brandon Blackwood, Recho Omondi of The Cutting Room Floor, and Milton Dixon III, style, creative consultant and fashion ambassador at Kickstarter. Together they bring perspectives across independent design, brand building, fashion media, and storytelling.
“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, chief executive officer of Kickstarter. “The Kickstarter Fashion Advisory Board builds on our commitment through the Culture Fund by bringing experienced voices and meaningful connections into that journey. We want more original ideas to have the opportunity to break through and more designers to have the support they need to build lasting businesses while retaining ownership.”
Through the end of 2026, advisers will support the initiative through creator guidance, media engagement, and shared content. Their involvement will help raise visibility for independent fashion creators, connect them with industry networks and perspectives, and help them discover opportunities to apply for support through the Kickstarter Culture Fund.
The Kickstarter Culture Fund of $1 million was launched in August. It marks Kickstarter’s first direct investment in creative ideas, offering meaningful financial support. Financed entirely by Kickstarter and open to creators around the world, the fund provides direct financial contributions to live Kickstarter campaigns, helping creators build momentum as they rally support for their ideas.
“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. “Power of Belief is rooted in the idea that creativity moves forward when people believe in each other. Building on the Culture Fund, these advisers bring guidance, perspective, and connections to help more designers find their community and bring their original visions to life.”
Creators working within the Culture Fund’s four core categories can apply when their Kickstarter campaign is live or when they have a project page in draft. Financial contributions are made to selected live campaigns.