MEMBERSHIP

The Young Fashion Designers Association (YFDA) is a not-for-profit association whose membership will consists of emerging young fashion designers who are striving to become relevant in the fashion world. The word "Young" meaning developing their craft and emerging into the fashion world. There is an age limit where as an Emerging Members must be 21 years or older and our Junior Members must be 18 to 20 years old. Designers will specialize in all facets of fashion design including womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessory design. Designers should be emerging designers who have not been signed to any major distribution or publicity deals. 

Membership Levels

Emerging Member (Must Have 4 of the Following) - $75 Per Quarter ($25 Initiation Fee) (Resident*)

- Willing to educate, elevate and encourage others
- Has presented a complete collection in at least 2 public showings
- Creates at least 2 unique collections each year (Spring/Summer, Fall/Winter, Resort, Cruise, etc.)
- Obtained or is obtaining a degree in any area of fashion including design, merchandising or journalism
- Working as a fashion designer (clothing, jewelry)
- Have a working, functioning website with photos of your work
- Has been designing at least 2 years

Junior Member (Must have at least 1 of the following) - $30 Per Quarter ($15 Initiation Fee) (Resident*) 
- Obtained or is obtaining a degree in any area of fashion including design, merchandising or journalism
- Working in a fashion role independently or under a designer, including, designer, design apprentice or intern

*Proxy Emerging Members $45 Per Quarter ($15 Initiation Fee) 
*Proxy Junior Members $20 Per Quarter ($5 Initiation Fee) 
Membership is open to Americans designing in the United States or abroad or international designers who are based primarily in the United States. During our inaugural membership selection period (April 1st 2025 - June 30, 2025) all applications are accepted and reviewed. New members will be announced August 8th 2025 comprising our Fall 2025 Class. Each quarter, the Admissions Committee will meet to review new candidates’ applications before making its recommendations to the YFDA ’s Board of Directors. An affirmative vote by the Board is required for the election of each new member.
*Resident members are members who reside within 100 miles of the City of Atlanta 
*Proxy members are members who reside outside a 100 mile radius of the City of Atlanta 

To have your membership application reviewed please click here to access our member application which will be available starting March 1st, 2025.