The Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue have revealed the 10 finalists of the 2025 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.
The 10 finalists are Ashlynn Park, Ashlyn; Julian Louie, Aubero; Bach Mai; Bernard James; Ashley Moubayed, Don’t Let Disco; Gabe Gordon and Timothy Gibbons, Gabe Gordon; Stephanie Suberville, Heirlome; Jamie Okuma; Meruert Planul-Tolegen, Meruert Tolegen, and Peter Do.
The winner will be disclosed on Nov. 18 at a celebratory dinner gala in New York.
“For over 20 years, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund has given voice to our country’s emerging designers, and I’m so looking forward to hearing what this year’s finalists have to say. It’s not easy being an independent label today, so their talent, tenacity, and commitment to American fashion is endlessly inspiring,” said Mark Holgate, global network lead and U.S. fashion features director, Vogue.
“Now entering its third decade, we see just how much the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund has transformed American fashion into a diverse and inclusive industry, and this year’s designers underscore this point. We look forward to seeing how the finalists will make their mark on American fashion,” said Steven Kolb, chief executive officer of the CFDA.
The winner will receive $300,000 and the two runners-up will each take home $100,000. All of the finalists will receive business mentorship.
The 2025 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund is supported by Gap Inc., Instagram, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tommy Hilfiger, and Vogue.
The members of the 2025 selection committee are Anna Wintour, Vogue; Aurora James, Brother Vellies and Fifteen Percent Pledge; Eva Chen, Instagram; Mark Holgate, Vogue; Nicole Phelps, Vogue; Paloma Elsesser, model; Rickie De Sole, Nordstrom; Roopal Patel, Saks Fifth Avenue; Steven Kolb, CFDA; Thom Browne, Thom Browne New York and chairman of the CFDA, and Zac Posen, Gap.
As part of the Fashion Fund season, Nordstrom will invite the 10 finalists to participate in the Nordstrom Secure the Space Challenge for the third year. One winner will be chosen to have their collection carried at select Nordstrom stores for an upcoming season. Last year’s winner of the Secure the Space Challenge was Dynasty and Soull Ogun of L’Enchanteur. 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 June 12.
For the second consecutive year, the Design Challenge is supported by the Tommy Hilfiger brand. Principal designer Tommy Hilfiger will once again serve as lead mentor, guiding the 10 finalists through this year’s competition.
The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund was established after 9/11 to help emerging designers and to cultivate the next generation of American fashion talent. Since its inception, 189 designers have received mentoring and a total of more than $7.7 million in support. Of the designers who have gone through the program, 41 percent of brands are fully or partially women-owned, and 40 percent are fully or partially minority-owned.
Last year’s CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner was Dynasty and Soull Ogun of L’Enchanteur. Past winners include Rodarte, Proenza Schouler, Thom Browne, Alexander Wang, and Joseph Altuzarra.
