Kerby Jean-Raymond and Kering have announced the creation of ‘Your Friends in New York’, a groundbreaking new platform designed to empower the next generation of innovators. ‘Your Friends in New York’ will merge fashion, music, art, philanthropy, and wellness to form an eco-system of creativity that reimagines how consumers discover and interact with brands, including Jean-Raymond’s own brand, Pyer Moss. Aiming to participate in this powerful community for new talents and innovation, Kering will support as a partner.
‘Your Friends in New York’ (YFINY) consists of multiple divisions including an event and experiences arm, an incubator inspired program, philanthropic initiatives, and a merchandise label.
Conceived by Kerby Jean-Raymond, ‘Your Friends in New York’ was set in motion after a meeting with Francois-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, in 2019. ‘Your Friends in New York’ was then set to launch in March 2020, but due to the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic globally, the announcement was put on hold.
It is important to me to create and work on ventures that are future forward, involve the community at large and that will continue to help others grow in the fashion and art space.
— Kerby Jean-Raymond, Founder and Creative Director for Pyer Moss
‘Your Friends in New York’ will further evolve to include an incubator-inspired program that will enable diverse emerging designers to grow and explore innovative and disruptive new business models.
When I met Kerby in 2019, I was impressed by his unique perspective of creativity, innovation, business, and social issues. What struck me immediately was his willingness to invent a new, singular model, freeing himself from the usual constraints of the fashion system. It was only natural for Kering to support this project that seeks to empower new artistic talents, to encourage the diversity of creativity and to give a voice to the younger generation of innovators.
— François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering
‘Your Friends in New York’ quickly mobilized in March 2020 with a personal donation from Jean- Raymond as part of the organization’s mission to aid marginalized communities impacted by the pandemic. Kering aided YFINY’S COVID-19 relief efforts with a supporting donation. Moving forward, ‘Your Friends in New York’ plans to continue to focus on pressing issues in local communities, including but not limited to providing mental health services for children and residents of public housing primarily.
This new platform will be the connective tissue that will bring brands, artists, and the community together in different forms, including multi-day events that will also serve as the next evolution of Pyer Moss fashion shows. Additional details on each program under ‘Your Friends in New York’ will be made public in the coming months.
Kerby Jean-Raymond Photo by Craig McDean