Money and fashion mentor? Yes, please! The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund initiative, established in 2003 to help emerging American designers find success through financial support and mentorship from an industry icon, just announced its finalists for the funding competition. Hundreds of contestants compete from around the world -- submitting an in-depth application for a chance to win a cash prize to launch their fashion dreams and aspirations.
Last year Joseph Altuzarra won $300,000, while the runners-up, Pamela Love and Creatures of the Wind’s Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters, took home $100,000 and a business mentorship from a fashion leader like Diane von Furstenberg or Mickey Drexler.
The competition launches this month, with contenders pitching their current collections and designs to a panel of judges at the end of July. The competition continues in true “Project Runway” fashion with a host of other challenges, including creating a one-of-a-kind piece for Tiffany & Co., an underwriter of the event, and staging a full-fledged runway show at L.A.’s Chateau Marmont.
The winner will be announced at a gala dinner on November 13. Below are this year’s finalists:
AndreaLieberman, A.L.C.
Greg Armas, Assembly New York
Sofia Sizzi, Giulietta
Justin Salguero, Daniel Silberman, and Alina Silberman; Illesteva
Jennifer Fisher, Jennifer Fisher Jewelry
Jennifer Meyer Maguire, Jennifer Meyer
Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty, Suno
Tabitha Simmons, Tabitha Simmons
Greg Chait, The Elder Statesman
Wes Gordon, Wes Gordon
