The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund was formed in 2003 to help nurture emerging designers and foster the next generation of American fashion talent. The format evolved last year to reflect the fashion industry’s increasing challenges, and now each CVFF finalist receives a grant and personal mentorship from various industry leaders. Today, the 10 new finalists chosen for 2022 have been unveiled. The distinctive designers are Jacques Agbobly of Black Boy Knits; Elena Velez; Felisha Noel of Fe Noel; Lauren Harwell Godfrey of Harwell Godfrey; Taofeek Abijako of Head of State; Conley Averett of Judy Turner; Colm Dillane of Kidsuper; Pia Davis and Autumn Randolph of No Sesso; Omar Salam of Sukeina; and Jackson Wiederhoeft of Wiederhoeft.
“Our ten finalists are a wonderful reminder that great fashion isn’t only wildly creative, but that it comes with a conscience,” says Anna Wintour, Condé Nast’s chief content officer and Vogue’s global editorial director, of the exciting mix. “I’m so proud of this year’s group; they represent the very best of what America can be—and what it can stand for.” Steven Kolb, the CFDA’s CEO, added, “This year’s group of finalists are among the best talents to bring fashion into the future. They’re diverse, daring, and redefine codes of American style.”
In addition to Wintour and Kolb, the other nine members of this year’s selection committee include designer Thom Browne, Vogue’s Mark Holgate and Chioma Nnadi, 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 co-founder and co-CEO Nick Molnar.
Many of the finalists have already begun to make waves within the industry. Whether it’s Head of State’s Taofeek Abijako using his fashion line to give back, or No Sesso using fashion to craft an inclusive community, these emerging names are bringing unique visions—and clothes—to the space. The CVFF has a history of spotting young, creative minds like these. In the past, some of fashion’s top names have passed through the fund, including Telfar and Proenza Schouler. Meaning, keep your eyes on these labels. They’ll only go up from here.
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