Meet the 2023 CFDA/'Vogue' Fashion Fund Finalists
Photo: Courtesy of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund
Following the Covid-19 pandemic's major disruptions to the fashion industry (especially emerging designers), the organizers behind the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund chose to operate a bit differently in 2021 and 2022. Instead of pitting 10 finalists against each other to compete for one of three prizes (one winner and two runners up), the program awarded grants and mentorship to each one. But for 2023, the competition aspect is back.
One winner will receive $300,000 and two runners-up will get $100,000. The CFDA and Vogue announced their plan to return to their original format back in March when applications opened, and on Wednesday they revealed exactly which designers will be competing, including buzzy names like Kim Shui, Diotima and Colin LoCascio. Aurora James, Roopal Patel, Eva Chen and Paloma Elsesser are among the selection committee.
"Every year I am astounded by how much talent we have in this country, with designers who are as wildly creative as they are sensitive to the world today," Anna Wintour, chief content officer, Condé Nast, and global editorial director, Vogue, said in a statement. "They're not only imaginative, but they strive to be thought leaders and community creators, reminding us that fashion can be meaningful to everyone."
"It's so important that the world sees this new generation of American designers," added Thom Browne, chairman of the CFDA. "The talent in the United States is unparalleled in regards to creativity and diversity." It is not yet known when the winners will be announced, but in previous years an award ceremony was held in November.
Without further ado, read on for all 10 finalists of the 2023 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund:
Angelo Fabricio Urrutia of 4SDesigns
Colin LoCascio of Colin LoCascio
Rachel Scott of Diotima
Kim Shui of Kim Shui
Kozaburo Akasaka of Kozaburo
Melitta Baumeister of Melitta Baumeister
Sami Miro of Sami Miro Vintage
Fletcher Kasell and Tanner Richie of Tanner Fletcher
Everard Best and Téla D'Amore of Who Decides War
Henry Zankov of Zankov
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