Ten Finalists Were Chosen for the Design Award, With the Winner to Be Named in October
The Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue have announced the ten finalists for the 2024 edition of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.
The ten finalists are Taylor Thompson of 5000; Connor McKnight; Grace Ling; Kate Barton; Dynasty and Soull Ogun of L’Enchanteur; Spencer Phipps of Phipps; Presley Oldham; Sebastien and Marianne Amisial of Sebastien Ami; Jane Wade; and Jackson Wiederhoeft of Wiederhoeft.
Saks, the CFDA, and Vogue partnered to announce the finalists and to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Fashion Fund during a cocktail party at Le Chalet at L’Avenue at Saks in New York. The finalists were announced by 2023 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner Melitta Baumeister and runners-up Rachel Scott of Diotima and Henry Zankov of Zankov.
“This milestone year’s group of CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists reflects the creativity and diversity of American design, from women’s and men’s sportswear to eveningwear and semi-precious, fashion and ethical jewelry. These exciting young voices will play a significant role in shaping the future of American fashion,” said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA.
As part of the Fashion Fund season, Nordstrom will invite the ten finalists to participate in the Nordstrom Secure the SPACE Challenge for the second year. One winner will be selected to have their collection carried at select Nordstrom stores for an upcoming season. Launched in 2015, Nordstrom SPACE is an in-store and online boutique dedicated to advanced and emerging designers. The Secure the Space Challenge will take place on Thursday, June 6th.
For the 20th milestone occasion, the Fashion Fund is also bringing back the Design Challenge, a legacy program which will be supported by the Tommy Hilfiger company. The founder and principal designer himself will also serve as the lead mentor to the 10 finalists. It will mark the first Design Challenge since 2019.
The Fashion Fund winner will be announced in mid-October at a celebratory dinner gala, and will receive $300,000. Two runners-up will each be awarded $100,000. The program will also continue to create meaningful business mentorships and a pathway to success for all finalists.
This year’s selection committee includes Anna Wintour, Aurora James, Eva Chen, Mark Holgate, Nicole Phelps, Paloma Elsesser, Rickie De Sole, Roopal Patel, Steven Kolb, and Thom Browne.
