Introducing the 2014 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalists Inline
Photographed by Jeff Henrikson1/10Natalie Levy Grant Krajecki, Grey Ant
Hometown: Los Angeles (Levy), Chicago (Krajecki)
Home base: New York City
Our sunglasses collection in our own words: “Innovative, sometimes whimsical.” –Levy
“Sophisticated, minimal. Modern.” –KrajeckiWhat we’re looking forward to: Everything’s been a lot of work, but it’s been fun so far. This presentation was the most nerve-racking, but we’re looking forward to all of it.
What will be the biggest challenge: The one we just did!
How we celebrated being named a CVFF finalist: Says Levy: “After we got over the initial shock, I just went home and he went out to dinner with his friends. I’m pregnant, so my social life is on hiatus. This actually came at a perfect time because I can’t do anything except work and rest.”
Editor’s note: Levy started as Krajecki’s intern; three years later, she was a partner in the company.
Photographed by Jeff Henrikson2/10Gigi Burris, Gigi Burris
Hometown: Lakeland, Florida
Home base: New York City
My hat collection in my own words: Feminine, modern, and a little bit subversive.
What I’m looking forward to: I’m really looking forward to growing in this process, understanding who I am as a brand and designer through the challenges, and getting to know all of the amazing judges.
What will be the biggest challenge: Having the time to run my business in addition to putting in the time that is needed for this process!
How I celebrated being named a CVFF finalist: I went to my dear friend’s house with my boyfriend. We ordered sushi and had champagne. I almost immediately went on Vogue.com to watch the videos of the previous finalists.
Photographed by Jeff Henrikson3/10Wes Gordon, Wes Gordon
Hometown: Atlanta
Home base: New York City
My women’s collection in my own words: Femininity, modernity, and refinement with ease.
What I’m looking forward to: The competition challenges. They are fun and exciting projects.
What will be the biggest challenge: I think that because it is my second time, I have to show how I’ve grown over the past two years every step of the way. I have to push myself even further to show the progress I’ve made.
How I celebrated being named a CVFF finalist: It was the same night as my birthday party, so it was really fun.
Editor’s note: Gordon’s designs have been worn by at least seven different Vogue cover subjects: Gwyneth Paltrow, Lena Dunham, Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Emma Watson, and Kim Kardashian.
Photographed by Jeff Henrikson4/10Eva Zuckerman, Eva Fehren
Hometown: New York City
Home base: New York City
My fine-jewelry collection in my own words: Geometric and strong. I try to create pieces that feel balanced and always classic with a little bit of edge—timeless and tough.
What I’m looking forward to: I feel like I’ve been focusing more on one-of-a-kind pieces, and it’s gotten me really excited and passionate about jewelry and has sort of revitalized me in a way. Also, I’m working on some new pieces to show in September which are tough and severe, which is my favorite thing.
What will be the biggest challenge: My biggest challenge in life is balance. Running my business and participating in this competition is my biggest challenge right now. I’m lucky that I have a business partner who can keep the wheels in motion. Also, my nerves: This is definitely a very intimidating experience. I’ve had to practice staying true to myself, staying calm, and communicating the message of my brand.
How I celebrated being named a CVFF finalist: I went out with Ryan Roche and had a drink!
Editor’s note: Zuckerman used to work at Ryan Roche’s children’s store in Williamsburg, where she would make jewelry behind the counter.
Photographed by Jeff Henrikson5/10Matt Orley, Alex Orley and Samantha Florence, Orley
Hometown: Outside of Detroit (the Orleys) and Toronto (Florence)
Home base: New York City
Our men’s collection in our own words: Classic menswear rooted in knitwear but subverted with stitch techniques that we develop ourselves and a sophisticated color palette.
What we’re looking forward to: Making friends!
What will be the biggest challenge: Getting along. And running our business at the same time.
How we celebrated being named a CVFF finalist: We took our intern across the street and ordered a giant bottle of champagne . . . at 10:00 a.m. And then we gave her the rest of the day off.
Editor’s note: Orley is a family affair: Matt and Alex are brothers, Samantha and Matt are married.
