2022 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists hit the runway

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
May 30, 2022

The 2022 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists hit the runway at the Vogue offices this week to present their collections to a panel of judges. 

Launched in 2003 to help nurture emerging designers and foster the next generation of American fashion talent, the program has since evolved to reflect the fashion industry’s increasing challenges. 

The 10 finalists, named in April, will each be granted funds and personal mentorship with industry leaders based on their designated areas of need. The designers are the second group to participate in the Fashion Fund’s new format.

Finalists were instructed to explain their design philosophy and to take the judges through their collections, which included Anna Wintour, Steven Kolb, Aurora James, Chioma Nnadi, Mark Holgate, Eva Chen, Roopal Patel, and Nick Molnar. Meanwhile, Sam Lobban and Paloma Elsesser also make up the other members of this year’s selection committee.

This year’s finalists include Jacques Agbobly from Black Boy Knits; Elena Velez from self-titled line Elena Velez; Felisha Noel from FE Noel; Lauren Harwell Godfrey from Harwell Godfrey; and Taofeek Abijako from Head Of State. 

Completing the list of finalists are Conley Averett from Judy Turner; Colm Dillane behind Kidsuper; Pia Davis and Autumn Randolph from No Sesso; Omar Salam from Sukeina; and finally Jackson Wiederhoeft behind the brand Wiederhoeft.