The Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue announced the ten finalists for the 2009 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. For the sixth year the emerging talents have the opportunity to win a cash prize and mentorship programs from their selected industry leaders. The winner and 2 runners-up will be announced November 16. Vogue’s Editor In Chief, Anna Wintour summed up the nominees “The ten finalists we selected are a talented, diverse group, who are building healthy independent businesses in challenging times.” The Fashion Fund is one of the most coveted awards as previous winners include Alexander Wang, Rogan Gregory of Rogan, Doo-Ri Chung, Trovata and Proenza Schouler’s Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough.
ALABAMA CHANIN – Natalie Chanin (eco-conscious, womenswear)
ESQUIVEL SHOES – George Esquivel (shoes)
GARY GRAHAM – Gary Graham (womenswear)
HOUSE OF WARIS – Waris Ahluwalia (jewelry)
MONIQUE PEAN – Monique Péan (jewelry)
OHNE TITEL – Flora Gill and Alexa Adams (womenswear)
PATRIK ERVELL – Patrik Ervell (menswear)
SOPHIE THEALLET – Sophie Theallet (womenswear)
SPURR – Simon Spurr (menswear)
WAYNE – Wayne Lee (womenswear)