Chanel Champions New Female Voices in Writing

Chanel has initiated the Originators program, a new literary endeavor in collaboration with The Women's Prize Trust. This annual initiative is dedicated to supporting emerging female writers by offering mentorship and grants. Five unpublished female novelists in the United States, who are currently working on their first manuscripts, will be selected to benefit from this program.

The program's launch was marked by a cocktail hour at The Twenty Two New York, attended by literary and fashion professionals. The event featured literary works from the prize judges, including Tayari Jones and A.M. Homes.

Judges for the inaugural cohort, who will also serve as mentors, include V.V. Ganeshananthan, A.M. Homes, Tayari Jones, Nicole Krauss, and Virginia Evans. These experienced writers shared insights into their own early careers, emphasizing the transformative and liberating power of writing.

The Originators program highlights the importance of mentorship in nurturing literary talent. The judges expressed enthusiasm for guiding the selected writers, drawing parallels to the invaluable support they received from their own mentors, both known and unknown.