It’s not all sunshine kids. When people see others reaching success, they normally envision a steady upward movement towards the top. However, reality is a different beast. It’s filled with ups, downs, tears, blood, sweat and at times; years of hustle and grind. The story behind fashion label Pyer Moss Wins 2018 CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund; is one of triumph and a prime example as to why you should never EVER give up on yourself; or your dreams.

He believed, and so he did. Kerby Jean-Raymond, the couture genius behind Pyer Moss is a winner. Jean-Raymond won the coveted CFDA Fashion Fund for 2018. A move and fund started back in 2003 in order to help up and coming American design talent to find continued success in the tough business of fashion. Not only do designers receive mentorship from established industry leaders; the fund provides significant financial awards to one or more designers in order to help in such areas as: marketing, public relations, production and sales.

Pyer Moss Wins 2018 CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund-Congrats Kerby Jean-Raymond

Nevertheless, what is Kerby Jean-Raymond’s story? How did he “make it?” In a statement regarding his win Kerby relates,

“18 years designing. 5 years with Pyer Moss. A bunch of fails, mad press, but very few wholesale accounts for a while. 3 eviction notices, mad overdrafts, crazy number of heartbreaks [and] employee turnover. People doubted me so much, I even started to believe it.

Few things remained consistent except my core team, friends and family. So thank you guys for this opportunity to rest last year and reset. Thank you [designer] Aurora James for following me around with this camera last night like a proud auntie.

This ride has been insane – we won, in Brooklyn. Thank you the PM team, friends, family, judges, Vogue, CFDA and Reebok. We’re ready for whatever comes next. Love.”

As you can see, it has not been just a walk in the park. Put did you notice his drive? He may have had to reset, rethink and fail; but he NEVER gave up. We hope the same for any of you reading this feature. You can do it too, because like Kerby Jean-Raymond we all have the same amount of hours in the day; it’s just what we choose to do with them. Keep going.

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