Lorraine Schwartz and ELOQUII’s Initiative for BIPOC Businesses

Renowned celebrity designer Lorraine Schwartz has collaborated with the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) to ensure the industry is more inclusive.

The Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative will help Black and minority-owned jewelry designers grow by giving out funds worth $1 billion.

The newly launched initiative will see recipients get $20,000 in diamond credits, which will facilitate the businesses to collaborate with specific suppliers with existing BIPOC brands and create a path for new designers.

Apart from the credit, the initiatives have noted on its website that designers who will get into the program be part of new marketing opportunities, education sessions and customized mentorship.

Additionally, they will gain production know-how and supply chain resources.

ELOQUII’s contribution to BIPOC businesses

Concurrently, the pioneering brand for inclusivity ELOQUII also put out its latest initiative.

As a founding sponsor of The Cultivate Award, from The Curvy Fashionista, the upcoming industry will help the next generation of BIPOC designers to vouch for inclusive fashion.

The Cultivate Award will open avenues for up and coming designers to apply for a chance to win a $10,000 grant. The award will allow them to participate in a one-year professional mentorship.

Moreover, they’ll have a once in a lifetime chance to have their capsule collection to be sold and produced on ELOQUII.com next year.

The two runners-up will each receive funds worth $2,500 and additional prizes. Based on criteria including aesthetic, innovation, originality, and inspiration, a panel of judges will be present to evaluate their work and choose the recipients.

Some of these judges include Yesenia Torres, Liris Crosse, Timothy Snell, and Lindsay Peoples Wagner. ELOQUII and TFC aim to assist BIPOC indie designers with this project by building thriving businesses and bring their visions to life.

To apply for the BIPOC designers that fit a plus size (size 14 +) submit your application here.

The panel will review all applications until March 1, 2021, and after that, finalists notified through a live-streamed finale in May.