The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund is getting back to its roots: After two years, the iconic program — established after 9/11 to help cultivate the next generation of American fashion talent — will return to a competitive format, with one winner and two runner-ups receiving a monetary prize.
Back in 2021, with the fashion industry still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, the fund ventured away from its tried-and-true competition structure, instead offering grants to 10 of the top emerging American brands (like LaQuan Smith of LaQuan Smith, Mike Eckhaus and Zoe Latta of Eckhaus Latta, Anifa Mvuemba of Hanifa). As Anna Wintour said at the time, via a press release: “It’s not only a vote of confidence in their talents, but in a brighter future for American fashion.”
Now two years later, the fashion world — which, here in the U.S., includes the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund — has returned to a somewhat stable state of normalcy.
“We are witnessing a generational shift in American fashion with an exciting group of young designers who, through their work, powerfully address the time and culture we live in,” said CFDA CEO Steven Kolb in a statement. “As CFDA and Vogue embark on the 19th edition of the Fashion Fund, we look forward to further shape the future and continued success of the fashion industry.”
Joining Wintour and Kolb on this year’s selection committee include designer and newly-minted Chairman of the CFDA Thom Browne, Vogue editors Chioma Nnadi and Mark Holgate, Brother Vellies designer and Fifteen Percent Pledge founder Aurora James, Saks Fifth Avenue’s Roopal Patel, Instagram’s Eva Chen, Nordstrom’s Sam Lobban, model and activist Paloma Elsesser and Afterpay’s Nick Molnar.
Applications for the 2023 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund are now open through Wednesday, March 15.
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