The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Vogue have announced the 2025 finalists for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, marking the program’s 20th anniversary. The ten selected designers represent a diverse array of disciplines, including womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessories, and are at various stages in their careers. This milestone year underscores the fund’s ongoing commitment to fostering emerging talent and shaping the future of American fashion.
This year’s finalists are: Ashlynn Park (Ashlyn), Julian Louie (Aubero), Bach Mai, Bernard James, Ashley Moubayed (Don’t Let Disco), Gabe Gordon and Timothy Gibbons (Gabe Gordon), Stephanie Suberville (Heirlome), Jamie Okuma, Meruert Tolegen, and Peter Do. Each designer brings a unique vision to the table, collectively reflecting the creativity, innovation, and resilience that characterize the modern American fashion landscape.
CFDA CEO Steven Kolb emphasized the significance of the fund, noting, “Now entering its third decade, we see just how much the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund has transformed American fashion into a diverse and inclusive industry, and this year’s designers underscore the point.” The selection of finalists illustrates a broad spectrum of experiences and aesthetics, reinforcing the fund’s mission to support originality and diversity.
The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund was established in 2003 as a response to the challenges faced by emerging American designers, particularly in the wake of economic uncertainty and shifting industry dynamics. Since its inception, the fund has awarded over $8 million in financial support and invaluable mentorship to more than 200 designers, many of whom have gone on to achieve international acclaim.
Each year, the fund provides monetary awards and strategic guidance to the most promising fashion talents in the U.S. The grand prize winner receives $300,000, while two runners-up are awarded $100,000 each. Beyond the financial support, all finalists benefit from a yearlong mentorship program involving some of the most influential figures in the fashion industry.
The 2025 selection committee includes Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director of Vogue; Instagram’s Director of Fashion Partnerships Eva Chen; celebrated designer Zac Posen; model and activist Paloma Elsesser; and CFDA Chairman Thom Browne. Their combined expertise ensures a rigorous and holistic evaluation process, grounded in both creative and commercial criteria.
The inclusion of designers like Jamie Okuma, known for her work rooted in Native American traditions, and Meruert Tolegen, whose designs are inspired by Central Asian heritage, reflects the fund’s increasing recognition of multicultural narratives within fashion. Similarly, the dynamic duo of Gabe Gordon and Timothy Gibbons offers a modern take on gender-neutral clothing, highlighting the growing consumer demand for inclusivity.
For the designers, being named a finalist is more than a professional milestone—it’s a transformative opportunity. The platform enables them to gain visibility, secure critical funding, and receive mentorship that helps navigate the complexities of brand development, production scaling, and market expansion.
Past recipients of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund include industry stalwarts such as Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, and Joseph Altuzarra, whose careers were significantly bolstered by the recognition and resources provided by the fund. Their success stories serve as both inspiration and benchmark for the new class of finalists.
This anniversary year also brings a moment of reflection for the CFDA and Vogue. As they look back on two decades of nurturing fashion talent, the institutions are also looking forward, aiming to adapt the fund to meet the evolving needs of designers in a digital-first, sustainability-conscious era.
Moreover, the fund’s continued partnership with social media platforms and tech companies underscores a shift in how designers are discovered, promoted, and sustained. These collaborations not only broaden the reach of the program but also provide finalists with tools and insights essential for thriving in a highly competitive global market.
As the 2025 finalists prepare for a year filled with growth opportunities, mentorship, and public exposure, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund reaffirms its role as a critical incubator for the next generation of fashion innovators. By spotlighting diverse talent and fostering creative excellence, the fund continues to shape the narrative of American fashion, one designer at a time.