Summary
- Ten designers have been selected as finalists for the 2025 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund program
- Winners will receive $300,000 for first place and $100,000 each for two runners-up
- The announcement comes as the program enters its third decade of supporting American fashion talent
Ten emerging designers will compete for substantial financial awards through the 2025 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, with the winner receiving $300,000 and two runners-up each taking home $100,000. The Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue magazine announced the finalists on Tuesday.
The selected designers represent a range of creative approaches to American fashion. Bach Mai, Peter Do, and Meruert Tolegen join the competition alongside Ashlynn Park of Ashlynn, Julian Louie of Aubero, Bernard James, Ashley Moubayed of Don't Let Disco, Gabe Gordon and Thomthy Gibbons of Gabe Gordon, Stephanie Suberville of Heirlome, and Jamie Okuma.
Each finalist will receive business mentorship opportunities regardless of their final placement in the competition. The program was established after September 11, 2001, with the goal of nurturing the next generation of American fashion designers.
A selection committee will evaluate the finalists' work before determining the winners. The panel includes Vogue's Anna Wintour, Mark Holgate, and Nicole Phelps, along with Instagram's Eva Chen, Aurora James from Fifteen Percent Pledge, model Paloma Elsesser, Nordstrom's Rickie De Sole, Saks' Roopal Patel, CFDA chairman Thom Browne, and Gap's Zac Posen.
Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA, noted the program's role in developing American fashion over nearly twenty years. He emphasized how the initiative has contributed to creating a more diverse and inclusive industry landscape.
The competition concludes with the winner announcement scheduled for November 18. The Fashion Fund has previously launched careers of numerous designers who have become established names in American fashion, demonstrating the program's continued relevance in identifying and supporting new talent.
Beyond the immediate financial support, winners typically gain access to industry connections and business guidance that can prove valuable for long-term career development. The mentorship component addresses practical challenges that emerging designers often face when scaling their operations or entering retail partnerships.
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Kristin Kaye
Insatiably curious about human expression, she immerses herself in literature, theater, art, and dance. Her academic journey led to degrees in Modern Literature, where she delved into The Furioso, and Historical Sciences with a focus on Contemporary History. Her studies took her to the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam, broadening her international perspective.
Her passion for culture isn't confined to personal enjoyment—it spills onto the pages of various publications. There, she explores not only artistic endeavors but also civil rights issues and the myriad ways human culture manifests itself. For her, writing about these topics isn't just a profession; it's an irresistible calling that stems from her deep-seated fascination with the human experience.