In the 12 years since the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund launched, it’s helped to turn some big-name brands — including Alexander Wang (2008), Joseph Altuzarra (2011) and Proenza Schouler (2004) — into American design royalty. This year’s winner will receive $400,000 to invest in his or her label, $100,000 more than in years past, with $150,000 awarded to the two runners-up.
At last night’s intimate cocktail reception at The Jane Hotel in New York City, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund regulars toasted this year’s roster of nominees. Fairy godmothers Anna Wintour, Carolina Herrera and Diane von Furstenberg hobnobbed with Steven Kolb and footwear powerhouse Paul Andrew, the 2014 winner who announced the 2015 finalists for the very first time.
For the next four-ish months, Vogue and the CFDA will put these 10 designers through a number of design, advertising and runway challenges, leading up to a final show at West Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont. The CFDA/VogueFashion Fund will reveal the winner on November 2.
We wish all of the 2015 finalists the best of luck. Find out who made the cut below:
Baja East, Scott Studenberg and John Targon
Baldwin, Matt Baldwin
Brother Vellies, Aurora James
Cadet, Brad Schmidt and Raul Arevalo
CG, Chris Gelinas
Chromat, Becca McCharen
David Hart, David Hart
Gypsy Sport, Rio Uribe
Jonathan Simkhai, Jonathan Simkhai
Thaddeus O’Neil, Thaddeus O’Neil
Credit: fashionita.com
