CFDA names 2022 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Apr 27, 2022

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) announced on Tuesday the 10 finalists of the 2022 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. 

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. 

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The designers will benefit from the Fashion Fund’s evolving format, which since 2021 has grown to address the challenges the American fashion industry is facing. In turn, all finalists will be granted funds and personal mentorship with industry leaders based on their designated areas of need.

“Our ten finalists are a wonderful reminder that great fashion isn’t only wildly creative, but that it comes with a conscience,” said Anna Wintour, chief content officer, Condé Nast, and global editorial director, Vogue. “I’m so proud of this year’s group; they represent the very best of what America can be—and what it can stand for.”

“This year’s group of finalists are among the best talents to bring fashion into the future,” added Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA. “They’re diverse, daring, and redefine codes of American style.”

The finalists were chosen by a selection committee, which features Wintour and Kolb as well as Aurora James of Brother Vellies and the 15 Percent Pledge; Chioma Nnadi and Mark Holgate of Vogue; Eva Chen of Instagram; model and activist Paloma Elsesser; Roopal Patel of Saks Fifth Avenue; and Sam Lobban of Nordstrom. New this year, Nick Molnar, co-founder and co-CEO of Afterpay, and designer Thom Browne equally joined the 2022 committee.

The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund was established after 9/11 to help emerging designers and cultivate the next generation of American fashion talent. It is supported by Afterpay, Instagram, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Vogue.