Fashion Council of America Inc. Establishes a New Era of Fashion Through Education and Industry Reform
UNITED STATES — The Fashion Council of America Inc. (FASHCA) is establishing a new foundation for the fashion industry, bringing education, professional advocacy, and economic infrastructure together to advance sustainable, systematic reform. Supported by GZTV, the Council builds upon the culture and educational mission established through WHYME, extending its work beyond individual career development toward the systems that shape the fashion industry.
The WHYME Institute of Fashion will continue as the curriculum program of the Fashion Council of America Inc., preserving its commitment to educating, mentoring, and preparing emerging fashion professionals while supporting FASHCA’s broader mission to create opportunities, strengthen protections, and advance appropriate compensation across the industry.
From the Classroom to New York Fashion Week
The transition follows a successful year of the WHYME curriculum program, culminating in an educational experience during New York Fashion Week. Models who completed the curriculum participated in runway presentations, fashion campaigns, and exclusive industry events throughout New York City, including opportunities connected to Fashion Bomb Daily and designer Jai Lyle’s presentation for Bloomingdale’s.
For participants, the experience let them see the curriculum's principles applied in real time. Concepts explored through education and preparation became tangible through professional interactions, runway presentations, and exposure to the fashion industry’s working environment.
Former WHYME participant Andre Rice reflected on the experience, stating, “This experience was such a life-changing one. Thank you for believing in me.”
Rice subsequently walked in the Fashion Bomb Daily show for Bloomingdale’s designer Jai Lyle. Other participants also expressed appreciation for the curriculum and the chance to apply its lessons as they entered professional fashion environments.
The experiences reinforced the importance of preparing aspiring models and creatives not only to participate in the industry, but also to understand its professional expectations, structures, and opportunities.
Continuing the WHYME Curriculum
The WHYME curriculum program consists of a 20-week course designed to provide foundational fashion education and professional development that took place at GZTV Inc. Headquarters. Some participants experienced an extended, two-semester format when the curriculum was taught at Georgia State University through a student fashion organization.
Through this educational model, WHYME connects instruction with practical industry exposure, helping participants understand the relationship between preparation and professional opportunity. Its continuation under FASHCA establishes education as a core component of a larger effort to improve how the fashion industry supports its workforce.
Building Economic Infrastructure for Fashion
The Fashion Council of America Inc. (FASHCA) was established to address the need for stronger economic infrastructure throughout the fashion industry. Led by Council President Justyn Burgest-Graham, an award-winning international fashion model and entrepreneur, the organization draws inspiration from the institutions and advocates who have shaped fashion’s cultural significance and professional development; in addition, previously served under the title Dean of Fashion.
Its historical influences include Louis XIV’s role in establishing France’s fashion legacy, the development of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, Eleanor Lambert’s contributions to fashion publicity through Press Week and the formation of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), and the advocacy work of the Model Alliance.
These legacies demonstrate the influence that organized institutions can have on fashion’s cultural identity, industry standards, and professional opportunities. FASHCA seeks to continue this evolution by focusing on the structural challenges facing people pursuing careers across fashion.
The Council’s mission is to create opportunities, strengthen professional protections, and advance proper compensation for the people whose work sustains the industry. By connecting education with systematic and sustainable reform, FASHCA aims to help build a fashion economy that better supports the individuals responsible for its cultural and commercial growth.
Through the continued work of the WHYME Institute of Fashion and the support of GZTV, FASHCA represents the next stage in an effort to connect fashion education with long-term industry development.
For more stories about the people, institutions, and ideas shaping fashion’s future, join us on GZTV.
About the Fashion Council of America Inc. (FASHCA)
The Fashion Council of America Inc. (FASHCA) is an organization focused on building economic infrastructure for the fashion industry through education, professional advocacy, industry protections, and sustainable reform. Supported by GZTV, the Council seeks to create opportunities and advance appropriate compensation for individuals pursuing careers across fashion.
The WHYME Institute of Fashion continues as FASHCA’s curriculum program, providing fashion education and professional development grounded in practical industry experience.
About GZTV
GZTV is a global fashion streaming network dedicated to original productions, fashion films, documentaries, runway presentations, interviews, and digital storytelling. Available in more than 170 countries, the platform connects audiences with established and emerging voices across fashion, entertainment, and culture.
GZTV is available on iPhone and iPad. Additional device availability will be announced as distribution expands.
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