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CSM graduate Kelsey Ann Kasom has been shortlisted for the Fashion Trust U.S. 2024 Prize

Kelsey is leaning against a circular staircase in her studio. She has a number of pieces of her work around her.
  • Written byEleanor Harvey
  • Published date 22 February 2024
Kelsey is leaning against a circular staircase in her studio. She has a number of pieces of her work around her.
Kelsey in her London studio (2024), Kelsey Ann Kasom | Photograph: Mike Chaney

Sculptural fashion designer Kelsey Ann Kasom has been shortlisted in the Graduate category of the Fashion Trust U.S. 2024 Prize. Fashion Trust U.S. is a non-profit organisation supporting emerging design talent in the United States.

Originally from Michigan, Kelsey moved to London in 2019 to study a Graduate Diploma in Fashion at Central Saint Martins. Her time at CSM allowed her to “foster a level of creative expression and freedom where I was able to boundlessly be myself.”

Kelsey’s work has been exhibited globally in recognition of her creativity embodying the hyper-ability of the dyslexic mind, inspiring climate action, new fashion narratives, reimagining materiality, and innovation for the future of fashion. In 2023, she was named one of the Top 50 Influential Neurodivergent Women of 2023 by Women Beyond the Box.

Like armour, my work is about taking back ownership of the female body, whether it’s for a person born as a woman or those who identify as a woman. I design to empower the body. By connecting art with design, I embed my values and ethics into my design process. Allowing me to step back and put humans alongside the importance of the very things we extract, destroy, violate, and deplete from the earth and each other.

— Kelsey Ann Kasom

About the awards: 

Fashion Trust U.S. was set up in 2022, with the goal of awarding prizes in amounts determined by a designer’s need.

Winners receive grants of between $100,000 and $200,000, depending on the size of their business and annual turnover, as well as mentoring. Both U.S. citizens and noncitizens are eligible, but businesses must be based and registered in the U.S., employ American creators and workers and exist for a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 7 years.

The awards event will be held on Tuesday 9 April at a private residence in L.A. where nearly $500,000 USD in funding will be given out to the winners.

Black and white photo of a behind the scenes of a photoshoot. Kelsey is sat on the floor in shadow, adjusting something on the dress. The model is standing upright, wearing a dress that has been woven together
Tension (2020), Kelsey Ann Kasom | Photograph: Emily Frank, Model: Jordyn Dimaso
A white silk corset with elaborate, sculptured, symmetrical sleeves and a silver curved skirt.
AVEDA (2023), Kelsey Ann Kasom | Photograph: Wes Kroninger, Models: Monica Monica and Ashton Pemapanik Dunkley, Hair and make-up: Avada North American Team Led by Allen Ruiz
A sepia photo of a model leaning to the left in a balletic pose. She's wearing a sculptural top that is wrapped around her. Her arms and legs are bare.
Movement (2023), Kelsey Ann Kasom | Photograph: Owen Patrick, Model: Shanley Jorge
A black and white photo of a model with her arms in the air and her eyes closed. She's wearing a top made from a chiffon-like material. The top, which has detached sleeves, is wrapped around her torso, and her left breast is exposed.
S/ Mag (2021), Kelsey Ann Kasom | Photograph: Ruan van der Sande, Model: Tessa Kuragi, Stylist: Masha Mombelli, Makeup: Joey Choy, Hair: Elvire Roux
Blurred black and white photo of a man's side profile. He's got his eyes closed, mouth slightly open. He's wearing a sculptural headpiece that warps around his head and neck
UGBODU Series (2022), Kelsey Ann Kasom | Photograph: Cameron Ugbodu, Stylist: Gloria Iyare, Model: Webster
The back of a model with their hands in the air. The clothes are sheer and sculpture around their back.
Identity (2020), Kelsey Ann Kasom | Photograph: Silvana Trevale, Model: Isotta He Aiqiong
Close-up of a piece by Kelsey. Black material is pleated together to form rounded shapes.
London studio photoshoot (2024), Kelsey Ann Kasom | Photograph: Mike Chaney

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