This 2022 Image of the Year Award® winner not only represented a new initiative for rising designers, but also helped level the playing field for creatives of color.

Despite the push for more representation in the fashion community, Black designers continue to face significant barriers to success. Recognizing these unique challenges and the opportunity to provide a platform for creative advancement, Lands’ End teamed up with ESSENCE and Chase Consumer Banking to launch Banking on Style as an avenue to empower Black entrepreneurial fashion designers and take their brands to the next level.

The focus of this important collaboration was to create new professional styles within the Chase Style, the collection that Chase bankers can integrate into their work wardrobe. Each designer worked collaboratively with the design team at Lands’ End Business Outfitters on their final submissions. A panel of four esteemed judges selected the winner’s design to be featured in Chase’s2021Business Collection and win a monetary prize.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the designers presented their work virtually. Judges determined the winner based on the fashion concept and how the collection would fit into Chase’s current uniform collection. The winning designer, Deidre Jefferies, was cited for her attention to detail and fascination with blending classic and modern designs in a range of new and exclusive styles for Chase.

Banking on Style was the second collaboration between Chase and Lands’ End Business Outfitters. Previous collaborations allowed Lands’ End to leverage its familiarity with the Chase brand and work environment to develop and execute this program. As a result of these experiences, including Banking on Style, Lands’ End is already working on a third capsule collaboration with Chase.

The entry process for the 2023 Image of the Year Award® competition, as well as NAUMD’s other awards program will soon open. Check the website for more information, or contact rick.levine@naumd.com with questions.