The Las Vegas Fashion Council (LVFC) is weaving a new narrative for the city known for its glittering casinos and entertainment, positioning it as an emerging fashion hub. Founded in 2013 by Carrie Carter Cooper, this nonprofit organization is on a mission to advance the Las Vegas fashion industry and expand the local economy by sewing relationships between fashion professionals, students, and community leaders.
"LVFC's mission is to create a supportive community that fosters the growth and development of the fashion industry in Las Vegas," explains Carrie, Founder and Executive Director of LVFC. "We provide a platform for designers, artists, and industry professionals to collaborate, share ideas, and showcase their talents."
Since its inception, LVFC has implemented various programs and initiatives to support the local fashion community. These include organizing events, raising scholarship funds for fashion industry students, and providing educational presentations and showcase opportunities for emerging designers and artists.
"We've been able to shine a light on the local fashion scene and provide presentation platforms, media and marketing opportunities, and raise funds for grants and scholarships to further support our fashion community," Carrie notes. "This has allowed us to amplify the work of local designers and contribute to the city's economic diversification."
One of LVFC's key strategies for attracting national and international attention to Las Vegas as a fashion destination is hosting high-profile events. Carrie elaborates, "We organize fashion shows, panel discussions with industry leaders, and design competitions for students and emerging designers. These events attract professionals and media from around the globe, increasing Las Vegas' visibility as a forward-thinking fashion hub."
Annual programs such as artLIVE!, the Little Black Dress design competition, Eco Couture Vegas, and Fashion Focus Forum have become staples of the LVFC calendar. Carrie hints at even more ambitious plans on the horizon: "We're planning several new fashion initiatives and presentations that will attract global exposure, to be announced in the coming months."
Education and nurturing new talent are central to LVFC's mission. The organization has partnered with The Public Education Foundation since 2016 to support 36 students pursuing careers in fashion. "Our Fashion Industry Scholarships and design competitions provide valuable financial support to aspiring fashion students and emerging designers," Carrie says. "Each recipient receives financial prize packages, awards, and LVFC membership, which opens doors to learning opportunities, networking, and unique marketing platforms."
The impact of these educational initiatives extends beyond individual beneficiaries. Carrie believes that "investing in the education and development of young talent creates a brighter future for the fashion industry" as a whole.
LVFC's efforts are not limited to supporting emerging talent. The organization also works to attract established brands and trade shows to Las Vegas, creating a more robust fashion ecosystem in the city. This multifaceted approach aims to position Las Vegas as a serious contender in the global fashion industry.
As LVFC continues to grow and evolve, community involvement remains crucial to its success. Carrie encourages the public to engage with the organization in various ways: "People can attend our programs and events, support us through sponsorships and donations, join our committees, volunteer, or become members to gain access to exclusive resources."
Through its efforts, the Las Vegas Fashion Council is steadily transforming the city's image, proving that Las Vegas has more to offer than just bright lights and high stakes. With each event, scholarship, and initiative, LVFC is not only putting Las Vegas on the global fashion map, but also it is enriching the local community, supporting homegrown talent, and contributing to the valley’s economic and cultural development. It is stitching together a diverse and economically significant fashion scene in the heart of the desert, ensuring that Las Vegas will soon be known as much for its style as for its spectacle.
Carrie Carter Cooper
Founder and Executive Director
Las Vegas Fashion Council
A PASSION FOR FASHION, PHILANTHROPY, AND COMMUNITY
The Las Vegas Fashion Council is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose membership consists of fashion professionals, students, emerging artists, community leaders, philanthropists and organizations that have a desire to diversify and expand the Las Vegas economy through the efforts of the fashion industry.
VISION
To place Las Vegas as an established leader in the global fashion industry by cultivating relationships between fashion professionals, students, emerging artists, community leaders, and organizations.
MISSION
To advance the Las Vegas fashion industry and diversify the economy.