CFDA names 2023 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
May 19, 2023

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) announced on Wednesday the 10 finalists of the 2023 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. 

This year’s finalists include Angelo Fabricio Urrutia from 4SDesigns; Colin LoCascio from self-titled line Colin LoCascio; Rachel Scott behind Diotima; Kim Shui from self-titled line Kim Shui; and Kozaburo Akasaka from Kozaburo. 

Completing the list of finalists are Melitta Baumeister from self-titled line Melitta Baumeister; Sami Miro from Sami Miro Vintage; Fletcher Kasell and Tanner Richie behind Tanner Fletcher; Everard Best and Téla D’Amore from Who Decides War; and Henry Zankov from Zankov. 

The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund was established in 2003 to help emerging American design talent find continued success in the business of fashion. Since its inception, the format has shifted, adapting in 2020, into a grant program.

This year, the program returns to its original competition format, and will award one winner $300,000 and two runners-up $100,000, while all finalists will benefit from meaningful business mentorships and a pathway to success. In contrast, last year, all finalists were granted funds and personal mentorship with industry leaders based on their designated areas of need.

"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,” said Anna Wintour, chief content officer, Condé Nast, and global editorial director, Vogue, said.

“They're not only imaginative, but they strive to be thought leaders and community creators, reminding us that fashion can be meaningful to everyone. I'm delighted to say that this year's ten CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists are all those things—and more. My congratulations to our class of 2023.”
 
Thom Browne, chairman of the CFDA, added: “It’s so important that the world sees this new generation of American designers… the talent in the united states is unparalleled in regards to creativity and diversity and, moreover, truly American… the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund shines an important and generous light on this.” 

The finalists were chosen by a selection committee, including Wintour and Browne as well as Instagram director of fashion partnerships Eva Chen, Nordstrom EVP Sam Lobban, and model and activist Paloma Elsesser, among others.