Ten emerging American designers will compete for the top prize ahead of the winner announcement in New York this October
The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Vogue have unveiled the ten finalists for the 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, spotlighting a new generation of designers competing for one of American fashion’s most influential industry prizes.
The finalists include Aisling Camps of AISLING CAMPS, Amir Taghi of AMIR TAGHI, Terrence Zhou of BAD BINCH TONGTONG, Emily Dawn Long of EMILY DAWN LONG, Jamie Haller of JAMIE HALLER, Julia Ferentinos of JUJU VERA, Zane Li of LII, George Inaki of MILAMORE, Claire Sullivan of MISS CLAIRE SULLIVAN, and Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen of ZOE GUSTAVIA ANNA WHALEN.
The annual program, which combines financial support with mentorship opportunities, will award $300,000 to the winner and $100,000 each to two runners-up. The recipient will be announced during a gala dinner in New York City on October 20, 2026.
“The 2026 finalists reflect the depth of talent and creativity emerging across American fashion today,” said Steven Kolb, Chief Executive Officer and President of the CFDA. “Their unique perspectives and strong sense of purpose represent the future of our industry.”
This year’s selection committee includes Aurora James, Chloe Malle, Christopher John Rogers, Denise Magid, Eva Chen, Nicole Phelps, Paloma Elsesser, Steven Kolb, Thom Browne, and Yumi Shin. The judging process begins on June 10 with designer presentations, followed by a cocktail event hosted by the CFDA and Vogue in partnership with Nordstrom.
Nicole Phelps, Global Director of Vogue Runway and Vogue Business, noted the significance of this year’s group in the context of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations. “This year’s CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists are a timely reminder about the diversity, resourcefulness, and deep creativity of our homegrown talent,” she said.
The 2026 edition also introduces a new sustainability-focused initiative through a partnership with Humane World for Animals. As part of the Material Innovation Challenge, finalists will be encouraged to explore bio-based textile innovations that support more sustainable and animal-free approaches to fashion production.
Supported by Bloomingdale’s, Humane World for Animals, Instagram, Nordstrom, and Vogue, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund continues its mission of providing emerging designers with financial resources, industry exposure, and long-term mentorship as they build their businesses and shape the future of American fashion.