Ten U.S.-based designers gathered in New York this week for presentations and a cocktail reception marking their selection as finalists in the 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.
Early yesterday morning the finalists presented their collections at One World Trade Center. Each designer had 15 minutes to explain the past, present and future of their brand to a panel of judges.
On Wednesday evening the group met again at Jean’s in NoHo for a reception co-hosted by Nordstrom. Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA, told attendees that New York was “rooting for exceptional fashion designers to win.”
Chloe Malle, Vogue’s head of editorial content, said the finalists “exemplify” American narratives ahead of the country’s 250th birthday. Designers including Julia Ferentinos of Juju Vera and George Inaki of Milamore shared personal stories of their work during the event.
