ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

CFDA and Madison Avenue BID Host Third Annual Step Up for Fashion at Casa Tua

other · 2026-09-21

On Saturday, the third annual Step Up for Fashion event took place at The Club at Casa Tua, organized by the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District alongside the Council of Fashion Designers of America, supporting the CFDA Scholarship Fund. Student designers Aneska Ryzada, Giang Luu, Chris Ortiz, and Kineri Shah presented their creations, featuring Basque-waist gowns and feathered tulle. Praising their skill and future promise, CFDA board member Prabal Gurung highlighted their potential. Newcomer Ryzada expressed her appreciation for the support. Additionally, Matthew Bauer, President of the Madison Avenue BID, revealed that 24 more students will partner with brands on Madison Avenue, with brand participation rising from 27 to 55, contributing 10% of sales to the fund. Notable attendees included Bethann Hardison and Tara Rudes Dann.

Key facts

  • The CFDA and Madison Avenue BID hosted the third annual Step Up for Fashion at The Club at Casa Tua
  • Four student scholarship recipients were featured: Aneska Ryzada, Giang Luu, Chris Ortiz, and Kineri Shah
  • The event raised support for the CFDA Scholarship Fund
  • Participation grew from 27 Madison Avenue brands in 2024 to 55 in 2025
  • Participating brands include Thom Browne, Carolina Herrera, Veronica Beard, and Michael Kors
  • Brands donated 10 percent of daily sales to the CFDA Scholarship Fund
  • 24 students were paired with Madison Avenue brands to model, illustrate, and style garments
  • Raúl Àvila created a full-scale floral installation at the Carolina Herrera flagship

Entities

Artists

  • Prabal Gurung
  • Aneska Ryzada
  • Giang Luu
  • Chris Ortiz
  • Kineri Shah
  • Bethann Hardison
  • Tara Rudes Dann
  • Lauren Kulchinsky Levison
  • Raúl Àvila
  • Matthew Bauer
  • Caterina Assi
  • Madison Valenta
  • Grace Gui
  • Jamie Han
  • Lisa Smilor

Institutions

  • Council of Fashion Designers of America
  • Madison Avenue Business Improvement District
  • The Club at Casa Tua
  • CFDA Scholarship Fund
  • Thom Browne
  • Carolina Herrera
  • Veronica Beard
  • Michael Kors
  • Vogue

Locations

  • New York
  • United States
  • Madison Avenue

Sources