The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has revealed the 10 finalists for its 20th annual CFDA/Fashion Fund competition, representing the diversity and creativity of American design. The finalists are:
– Abaeté by Sebastien and Marianne Amisial
– Airei by Natasha Wein
– AKJP by Joanna Ku
– Atu by Akua Shabaka
– Dynasty and Soull by Dynasty and Soull Ogun
– Fe Noel by Felisha Noel
– Heron Preston by Spencer Phipps
– Knitting Factory by Taylor Thompson
– No Sesso by Pierre Davis
– Wiederhoeft by Jackson Wiederhoeft
This year’s group reflects the contemporary fashion landscape, with designers expressing themselves across gender and product categories. From menswear and womenswear to unisex or gender-neutral collections, jewelry, accessories, and even a bridal collection, the finalists represent the diverse range of creativity in American fashion.
Established in 2003, the CFDA/Fashion Fund provides support to the next generation of emerging designers. Over the years, it has played a significant role in shaping the careers of renowned designers such as Joseph Altuzarra, Telfar, Emily Adams Bode Aujla, Christopher John Rogers, and Melitta Baumeister.
The selection committee for this year’s competition included industry experts from Vogue, Instagram, Saks, Nordstrom, Brother Vellies, and the CFDA. The Fashion Fund will award $300,000 to the winner and $100,000 to two runners-up, who will be announced later this year.
