Vogue names 10 CFDA/Vogue finalists 2026

Vogue and the Council of Fashion Designers of America on Tuesday unveiled the 10 finalists for the 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, opening this year’s edition of the emerging-designer competition. The group includes 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 the finalists were chosen after the Fashion Fund Selection Committee met on Monday at its offices. The winner will receive $300,000, and two runners-up will each receive $100,000, along with business mentorship. ### Which designers made this year’s class? The 10 finalists named on June 2 span apparel, accessories and jewelry, according to the CFDA’s announcement. The list includes womenswear-focused names such as Amir Taghi, Bad Binch TONGTONG, Emily Dawn Long and Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen, alongside accessory and jewelry labels including Juju Vera, Lii and Milamore. Vogue’s accompanying coverage described the class as heavily weighted toward womenswear, with two jewelry brands in the group. (cfda.com) Julia Ferentinos appears on the list under Juju Vera, Zane Li under Lii, George Inaki under Milamore and Claire Sullivan under Miss Claire Sullivan, the CFDA said. The organization listed Terrence Zhou as the designer behind Bad Binch TONGTONG. ### How does the Fashion Fund work this year? The CFDA said the 2026 program is the 22nd edition of the Fashion Fund, which was launched in 2003 to support emerging American fashion talent. (cfda.com) Designers eligible to apply 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, according to the application guidelines published in March. The prize structure remains the same as last year’s program: $300,000 for the winner and $100,000 each for two runners-up. The fund also pairs finalists with mentors and includes business-development support, according to CFDA program materials. ### Who is judging the finalists? 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.” Nicole Phelps, global director of Vogue Runway and Vogue Business, said the class was “a timely reminder about the diversity, resourcefulness, and deep creativity of our homegrown talent.” (cfda.com 1) (cfda.com 2) The 2026 selection committee includes Aurora James, Chloe Malle, Nicole Phelps, Christopher John Rogers, Denise Magid, Eva Chen, Paloma Elsesser, Thom Browne and Yumi Shin, according to the CFDA. The organization said Malle, Magid, Shin and Rogers are new additions to this year’s committee. ### What are the next dates to watch? June 10 is the next scheduled milestone in this year’s competition. (cfda.com) The CFDA said the first designer presentations to the judges will take place that day, followed by a cocktail event hosted by Vogue and the CFDA in partnership with Nordstrom. October 20, 2026 is the date set for the final decision. The CFDA said the Fashion Fund winner will be announced at a dinner gala in New York City. (cfda.com) Humane World for Animals is also joining this season as the Design Challenge partner for a Material Innovation Challenge focused on bio-based textiles, the organization said.