CFDA names 10 Vogue finalists

The Council of Fashion Designers of America on June 2 named the 10 finalists for the 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, opening the latest round of one of American fashion’s best-known emerging-designer programs. The finalists will compete for cash awards and business mentorship through a process that begins with presentations to judges next week. (cfda.com) The winner will receive $300,000, and two runners-up will each receive $100,000, the CFDA said. The 2026 class was selected Monday at CFDA offices, according to the organization. ### 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, the CFDA said. (cfda.com) The March application notice said eligible designers had to be in business for at least two years, be primarily based in the United States, employ no more than 30 full-time staff and generate no more than $10 million in annual revenue. The CFDA said the 2026 edition is the 22nd since the program was launched in 2003. (cfda.com) ### How much money is at stake? The CFDA said the top prize for 2026 is $300,000, with two runners-up each receiving $100,000. The program also includes what the organization called “meaningful business mentorships and a pathway to success for all finalists.” (cfda.com) Steven Kolb, CFDA’s chief executive and president, said in the announcement that the finalists “reflect the depth of talent and creativity emerging across American fashion today.” Kolb said their “unique perspectives and strong sense of purpose represent the future of our industry.” (cfda.com) ### Who is judging the competition? 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, according to the CFDA. (cfda.com) Nicole Phelps, global director of Vogue Runway and Vogue Business, said the finalists were “a timely reminder about the diversity, resourcefulness, and deep creativity of our homegrown talent” as the United States marks its 250th birthday. The CFDA also said Chloe Malle, Denise Magid, Yumi Shin and Christopher John Rogers are joining this year’s selection committee. (cfda.com) ### What companies are backing the fund this year? The 2026 fund is supported by Bloomingdale’s, Humane World for Animals, Instagram, Nordstrom and Vogue, the CFDA said. Humane World for Animals is also this year’s Design Challenge partner. (cfda.com) The CFDA said finalists will take part in a Material Innovation Challenge tied to bio-based textiles as part of that partnership. The group described Humane World for Animals as a global animal-protection organization formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. (cfda.com) ### What happens next in the process? The first designer presentations to judges are scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, followed by a cocktail event hosted that evening by Vogue and the CFDA in partnership with Nordstrom, the organization said. The winner of the 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund will be announced on October 20 at a dinner gala in New York City. (cfda.com)