The CFDA and Vogue Announce the 2009 Fashion Fund Finalists

This just in: The Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue are thrilled to announce the ten finalists for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. For the sixth year, up-and-coming American fashion talent will compete for cash prizes and mentoring from industry insiders. “We had very strong applicant pool this year, particularly among the jewelers," say Vogue s Editor In Chief, Anna Wintour. "The ten finalists we selected are a talented, diverse group, who are building healthy independent businesses in challenging times.” One winner and two runners-up will be announced at a gala on November 16 in New York City. And the finalists are… ALABAMA CHANIN – Natalie Chanin ESQUIVEL SHOES – George Esquivel GARY GRAHAM – Gary Graham HOUSE OF WARIS – Waris Ahluwalia MONIQUE PEAN – Monique Péan OHNE TITEL – Flora Gill and Alexa Adams PATRIK ERVELL – Patrik Ervell SOPHIE THEALLET – Sophie Theallet SPURR – Simon Spurr WAYNE – Wayne Lee