Revealing the 2023 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalists: Celebrating American Design Brilliance

Meet the shining stars of American fashion! Discover the 2023 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists and celebrate the future of US design brilliance.

The prestigious CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund (CVFF), established in 2003 to uplift emerging American design talents, has unveiled this year's group of finalists competing for the coveted grand prize of $300,000. With a mission to nurture the next wave of American fashion brilliance, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund emerged in the aftermath of 9/11, determined to support and foster the growth of promising designers.

Out of numerous talented contenders, ten exceptional designers have earned their place among the finalists:

1. Angelo Fabricio Urrutia - 4SDESIGNS
2. Colin LoCascio - COLIN LOCASCIO
3. Rachel Scott - DIOTIMA
4. Kim Shui - KIM SHUI
5. Kozaburo Akasaka - KOZABURO
6. Melitta Baumeister - MELITTA BAUMEISTER
7. Sami Miro - SAMI MIRO VINTAGE
8. Fletcher Kasell and Tanner Richie - TANNER FLETCHER
9. Everard Best and Téla D'Amore - WHO DECIDES WAR
10. Henry Zankov - ZANKOV

Returning to its original competition format, this year's program will award the winner with a grand prize of $300,000, while two runners-up will receive $100,000 each. Beyond the monetary rewards, all finalists will benefit from valuable business mentorships, paving a clear path to success within the fashion industry.

Thom Browne, Chairman of the CFDA, emphasized the significance of showcasing this new generation of American designers to the world. He acknowledged the unparalleled creativity, diversity, and authentic American spirit embedded in the United States' talent pool. The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund stands as a generous beacon, spotlighting and uplifting these remarkable designers.

While staying true to its purpose, the program will also address the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has greatly impacted the American fashion industry. Building upon the temporary objective of its revamped two-year version, A Common Thread, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund will continue its efforts to generate awareness and crucial funds for those affected by the pandemic.

The distinguished members of the 2023 Selection Committee, entrusted with the challenging task of evaluating and selecting the finalists, are as follows:

• Anna Wintour - VOGUE
• Steven Kolb - CFDA
• Mark Holgate - VOGUE
• Chioma Nnadi - VOGUE
• Aurora James - BROTHER VELLIES & FIFTEEN PERCENT PLEDGE
• Roopal Patel - SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
• Eva Chen - INSTAGRAM
• Sam Lobban - NORDSTROM
• Paloma Elsesser - MODEL & ACTIVIST
• Nick Molnar - AFTERPAY & THE NEXT GENERATION
• Thom Browne - THOM BROWNE NEW YORK & CFDA

As the anticipation builds, the fashion industry eagerly awaits the announcement of the winner and runners-up, eager to witness the transformative impact these emerging designers will make on the American fashion landscape.