EPN New York Fashion Week

Empowering Creative Entrepreneurs at EPN New York Fashion Week

In February 2024, the Gatsby Showcase Foundation proudly sponsored EPN New York Fashion Week, reinforcing our commitment to advancing economic opportunity for underrepresented and emerging designers within the global fashion industry.

This initiative aligns with the Foundation’s Economic Empowerment mission and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). By supporting platforms that increase visibility, access, and market opportunity, we help creative entrepreneurs overcome systemic barriers and build sustainable businesses.

Fashion as a Pathway to Economic Opportunity

EPN New York Fashion Week provides a vital platform for designers from historically marginalized communities to showcase their collections to an audience of industry influencers, buyers, entrepreneurs, and media professionals. For many emerging designers, this exposure represents a critical step toward:

• Business growth

• Brand recognition

• Long-term viability in a highly competitive global industry

The Gatsby Showcase Foundation’s sponsorship helped ensure that diverse creative voices were not only present but centered opening doors to new networks, partnerships, and commercial opportunities.

Supporting Inclusive Creative Industries

We believe creative industries play a powerful role in driving inclusive economic growth. Fashion, in particular, functions as both cultural expression and business enterprise capable of generating income, employment, and global visibility for entrepreneurs who have historically been excluded from mainstream markets.

Through initiatives such as EPN New York Fashion Week, the Foundation supports:

• Creative entrepreneurship and small business development

• Women- and minority-led enterprises

• Access to industry networks, buyers, and commercial pathways

These efforts contribute to more equitable participation in the global economy and strengthen pathways to financial independence.

Building Platforms, Not Just Moments

Our support of EPN New York Fashion Week reflects a broader commitment to building platforms that elevate underrepresented talent and foster long-term opportunity. Through strategic partnerships within the creative economy, the Gatsby Showcase Foundation continues to champion initiatives that blend innovation, culture, and economic empowerment.

As we expand our work across entrepreneurship and creative industries, we remain focused on ensuring that talent, vision, and opportunity not background or access determine who succeeds.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Alignment

• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
  Supporting creative entrepreneurs by expanding access to markets, buyers, and income-generating opportunities within the fashion industry.

• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
  Elevating designers from historically marginalized communities by addressing systemic barriers to visibility and economic participation.

• SDG 5 – Gender Equality
  Promoting economic empowerment and leadership opportunities for women-led creative enterprises.

• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
  Advancing impact through strategic collaboration with industry platforms and ecosystem partners such as EPN New York Fashion Week.