Sarabande Foundation Hosts ‘What Now?’ To Complement Met Gala Fashion

As the buzz of the MET Gala takes over New York City and the social media accounts, another noteworthy event makes its mark the following day, May 7, 2024, at The Standard, East Village. The Sarabande Foundation is bringing its acclaimed career fair program "What Now?" to the Big Apple. Bridging the gap between aspiring fashion industry creatives and stewards, Sarabande promises to be a cornerstone for those looking to carve out a niche in the dynamic world of fashion and creativity.

"What Now?" is more than just a career fair; it is a lifeline for students and graduates eager to realize their creative vision and increase their employability. The event, which runs from 10 AM to 6 PM, offers attendees the unique opportunity to engage one-on-one with industry specialists from prestigious brands such as Thom Browne, Gabriela Hearst, Maria Cornejo, Louis Vuitton, and many more. This platform facilitates a deeper understanding of the industry while allowing emerging talents to receive personalized guidance and insights from professionals who have navigated the complexities of the creative sectors.

The Sarabande Foundation, named after Lee Alexander McQueen's Spring/Summer 2007 collection, was founded in 2010 by his close friend and collaborator, Trino Verkade. Established with a mission to support budding artists from diverse backgrounds, the foundation has significantly contributed to the arts and fashion sectors by offering scholarships, mentorship, and subsidized studio space. Since its inception, it has supported over 130 fashion artists, enabling them to follow in the footsteps of Lee Alexander McQueen, who had to overcome considerable financial challenges to pursue his dreams.

Trino Verkade, the director of Sarabande Foundation, states, “established to support and nurture the creative minds of the future. The Foundation does this through scholarships, heavily subsidized studio space, mentoring, and public events such as 'What Now?'.”

This year's event at The Standard, East Village, underscores The Standard’s commitment to fostering opportunities within creative fields. The venue has been instrumental in hosting events that enrich the artistic community. Verkade expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting the significance of bringing the London-born initiative to a global stage like New York. Aiming to guide graduates through the complexities of transitioning from academic environments into professional realms, Sarabande introduces participants to the evolving roles within a rapidly changing industry.

Verkade notes, “Although our focus is on creatives at a pivotable moment in their career rather than the early stages, ‘What Now?’ is an event that we started in London three years ago following multiple conversations with recent graduates who felt adrift after leaving the safety of college and needed to see the pathway beyond that. Especially true in a world that is quickly changing, where roles are opening up in sustainability, community and diversity, and digital AI, to name only a few. We wanted to bring this Graduate Survival guide to NYC as this is a global issue.”

She continues, notifying industry associates, “Sarabande with 20 like-minded leading companies such as Thom Browne, Gabriela Hearst, and LVMH, across art, fashion, digital, and creative industries are participating. And open to all those seeking support [from] Sarabande Foundation.”

“'What Now?' offers solutions to close the expectation gap after leaving college when you’re unsure what lies ahead, and introduces real advice from those who have previously been on that pathway,” Verkade details further, “This is a chance for graduates to learn what new roles exist, especially in a fast-changing world, how companies think and what they are looking for. Companies are equally interested in how you think, your soft skills are as relevant as your hard skills, and where your interests and skills are complimented in their organization.”

Francesca Amfitheatrof, President of the American Friends of Sarabande and Artistic Director of Watches and Jewelry at Louis Vuitton, highlighted the importance of the event for both the participants and the brands involved. She remarked, "I know what I’m looking for in a graduate, and all the brands taking part in ‘What Now?’ also know what they want.”

Amfitheatrof continues, “This event provides an incredible opportunity for our next generation of creatives to have direct access to industry leaders from an exceptional group of brands. Our objective is to educate and advise students on how to excel in their careers, emphasizing that our industry’s scope is truly global."

With plans to expand and enhance the "What Now?" program, the Sarabande Foundation aims to replicate its success in London and establish a more permanent presence in New York. The vision includes hosting panel talks and further enriching the curriculum to ensure that every creative receives the understanding to navigate the terrain of the fashion industry.

“We have already shown some ambition bringing 20 leading brands together under one roof at the Standard, East Village, to ensure a stronger pipeline of minds and creatives of our next generation,” Verkade explains. “We hope to introduce an enhanced 'What Now?' program in the future, replicating our London program with panel talks to reassure the audience that college is only one building block in your career path. And with or without the traditional education system behind you, every day you can [choose] to build a career that satisfies you.”

The Sarabande Foundation hosted a private cocktail hour and immersive dinner experience at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, on November 28, 2023, ahead of Art Basel Miami. The event aimed to encourage established figures in the art world to engage with new, visionary talent supported by the foundation. Co-hosted by Francesca Amfitheatrof and Trino Verkade, the dinner featured a breakdancing performance by Sarabande artist Izaak Brandt, and leaders from the global creative community were in attendance.

Earlier in the 2023 calendar year, Sarabande gathered artists and designers at The Standard, High Line in New York City on Tuesday, May 2. Guests included prominent figures like Thom Browne, Daniel Roseberry, and Francesca Amfitheatrof. The event showcased the work of Sarabande artists Andrew Davis and Rosie Gibbens, offering attendees a glimpse into the charity's mission of supporting artists through scholarships and studio space.

As "What Now?" coincides with the glamour of the MET Gala, it serves as a poignant reminder of the practical pathways available to those aspiring to make a mark in the fashion world. This event is not just about celebrating creativity but actively investing in the next generation of artists and designers who will shape the future of fashion.