This year’s installment of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund is drawing to a close. After a busy six months that saw the ten finalists take part in design challenges and pitch their collections to retailers—while taking a trip to Paris Fashion Week along the way—all that’s left is to reveal the winner of the 21st annual CVFF.
On November 10, Zac Posen and Isha Ambani will join Vogue’s Anna Wintour and Chloe Malle on co-hosting duty at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Dinner at The Crane Club in West Chelsea. Posen, who notably received his own CFDA Award in 2004, the inaugural year of the CVFF—will also serve as the evening’s keynote speaker.
It will be a first time involvement with the CFDA and the CVFF for Isha Ambani, who leads India’s Reliance Retail. “It’s an honor to partner with such visionary institutions to celebrate and support emerging designers—those shaping the future global creative landscape,” Ambani said.
The finalists who participated in this year’s industry-supported accelerator are all established in their own right, with many showing on the New York Fashion Week schedule or operating physical retail spaces. They are Ashlynn Park of Ashlyn, Aubero’s Julian Louie, Bach Mai, Bernard James, Ashley Moubayed of Don’t Let Disco, Jamie Okuma, Meruert Tolegen, Stephanie Suberville of Heirloom, Peter Do, and Gabe Gordon and Timothy Gibbons of Gabe Gordon.
One thing many of the designers also have common is the timeline of launching their respective labels and jewelry lines during the COVID pandemic, and navigating the complications of sustaining a business at that time. The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund was also born in the aftermath of an unprecedented moment in history, as a response to 9/11 in a bid to nurture and support the next generation of homegrown design talent. “We’re so lucky that since the Fashion Fund started back in 2004, our finalists have had the support of so many in the industry. This year is no exception, and at Vogue we’re so excited to see them write the next chapter of American fashion," said Anna Wintour.
The winner of the Fund will receive $300,000 to invest in their line, while two runners-up will each take home $100,000. As with every year, participants will also be welcomed to avail of meaningful mentorships and support from the CFDA, Vogue, and the wider fashion community.
