Genesis and CFDA Award $100,000 Grant to AAPI Designer Terrence Zhou
Event summary
- Terrence Zhou of Bad Binch TongTong won the 2026 CFDA | Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant, receiving $100,000 in total funding.
- The grant program provided $40,000 to each of the three finalists, including mentorship and a trip to Seoul for cultural inspiration.
- Zhou's winning collection explored innovation through cultural heritage, inspired by Chinese and Korean motifs.
- The event took place at Genesis House in New York City on February 5, 2026, with collections on display until February 22nd.
The big picture
Genesis's partnership with the CFDA underscores its commitment to cultural innovation beyond automotive design. The grant program positions Genesis as a supporter of emerging AAPI talent, aligning with broader industry trends of cross-sector collaborations. With over 90 standalone retail facilities in North America, Genesis is leveraging its lifestyle spaces like Genesis House to create immersive brand experiences that extend beyond vehicle sales.
What we're watching
- Brand Alignment
- How Genesis's investment in fashion design aligns with its broader brand strategy of blending Korean culture with luxury automotive experiences.
- Designer Impact
- Whether the grant program can sustain long-term growth for AAPI designers in the competitive fashion industry.
- Cultural Integration
- The pace at which Genesis can integrate cultural narratives from Seoul into its North American retail and lifestyle offerings.
Related topics