CFDA/Vogue names 10 finalists 2026

Vogue and the Council of Fashion Designers of America on Tuesday named the 10 finalists for the 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, opening this year’s edition of the industry’s annual prize and mentorship program. The class is weighted toward apparel, with finalists spanning womenswear, accessories and jewelry, according to the CFDA’s announcement. The winner will receive $300,000, and two runners-up will each receive $100,000, the organization said. The 2026 winner is due to be announced on October 20 at a gala dinner in New York City. ### Which designers made this year’s class? The 10 finalists are Aisling Camps, Amir Taghi, Terrence Zhou of Bad Binch TONGTONG, Emily Dawn Long, Jamie Haller, Julia Ferentinos of Juju Vera, Zane Li of Lii, George Inaki of Milamore, Claire Sullivan of Miss Claire Sullivan, and Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen, according to the CFDA. The list includes two jewelry brands — Juju Vera and Milamore — alongside a field otherwise dominated by fashion labels. (cfda.com) June 2 marked the public unveiling of the class after the Fashion Fund Selection Committee met at the CFDA’s offices on Monday to choose the finalists, the organization said. The fund was launched in 2003 and this year marks its 22nd edition, according to CFDA program materials. ### How does the Fashion Fund work this year? The CFDA said the program combines cash awards with business mentorship for all finalists. (cfda.com) The first designer presentations to judges are scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, followed by a cocktail event hosted by Vogue and the CFDA in partnership with Nordstrom. March 11 was the date the 2026 application opened, and CFDA said eligible designers had to be based primarily in the United States, have been in business at least two years, employ no more than 30 full-time staff and generate no more than $10 million in annual revenue. (cfda.com) ### Who is judging the 2026 finalists? The 2026 selection committee includes Aurora James of Brother Vellies and Fifteen Percent Pledge, Chloe Malle and Nicole Phelps of Vogue, Christopher John Rogers, Denise Magid of Bloomingdale’s, Eva Chen of Instagram, Paloma Elsesser, Thom Browne and Yumi Shin of Nordstrom, the CFDA said. (cfda.com) Steven Kolb, CFDA chief executive and president, said in the organization’s announcement that the finalists “reflect the depth of talent and creativity emerging across American fashion today.” Nicole Phelps, global director of Vogue Runway and Vogue Business, said the class showed the “diversity, resourcefulness, and deep creativity” of American design. (cfda.com 1) (cfda.com 2) ### What is different about this year’s challenge? Humane World for Animals is joining this year as the Design Challenge partner, the CFDA said. The group will ask finalists to take part in a Material Innovation Challenge focused on bio-based textiles and alternatives the organization said could support more sustainable and cruelty-free production. (cfda.com) The 2026 program is backed by Bloomingdale’s, Humane World for Animals, Instagram, Nordstrom and Vogue, according to the CFDA. Last year’s fund had a different sponsor mix, including Gap Inc., Saks Fifth Avenue and Tommy Hilfiger, showing the annual program’s partner roster can change from year to year. ### What happens next for the finalists? June 10 is the next formal milestone, when the finalists present to judges as the competition moves from selection into review. (cfda.com) The final decision is scheduled for October 20, when the CFDA and Vogue will announce the winner and two runners-up at a dinner gala in New York City.