Established in 2003, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund initiative was created to support rising American designers. Geared to help them find success, the idea is to help them by providing financial support and guidance from a top industry icon. The contest brings hundreds of contestant submissions each year for the chance to win a cash prize and a business mentorship from a well-respected and successful fashion leader such as Diane von Furstenberg or Mickey Drexler.
This year’s competition had a long list hopefuls. The finalists though, have already been chosen and will be presenting their current collections to a panel of judges on a date closer to the end of July. The contenders will then continue to compete in other challenges including creating a one-of-a-kind piece for Tiffany & Co., and staging an entire runway show at L.A.’s Chateau Marmont. The winner will be announced on November 13, 2012.
Last year, Joseph Altuzarra won a whopping $300,000, while the runners-up, Pamela Love and Creatures of the Wind’s Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters, took home $100,000 on top of the business mentorship and related contracts.
The finalists for this year’s competition have been selected and are listed below. Who will you be rooting for?
Andrea Lieberman, A.L.C.
Greg Armas, Assembly New York
Sofia Sizzi, Giulietta
Justin Salguero, Daniel Silberman, Alina Silberman; Illesteva
Jennifer Fisher, Jennifer Fisher Jewelry
Jennifer Meyer Maguire, Jennifer Meyer
Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty, Suno
Tabitha Simmons, Tabitha Simmons
Greg Chait, The Elder Statesman
Wes Gordon, Wes Gordon