The next CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund cohort is here.
On Tuesday, the prestigious fashion incubator and competition revealed its 10 finalists for 2026, selected on Monday at the CFDA office. This year’s participants are: 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 winner will take home $300,00, and the two runner-ups will receive $100,000 each. All finalists receive business mentorship opportunities.
“The 2026 finalists reflect the depth of talent and creativity emerging across American fashion today. Their unique perspectives and strong sense of purpose represent the future of our industry,” Steven Kolb, CFDA CEO and president, said in a press statement.
Over the next few months, the finalists will compete in specialized brand challenges, such as the Material Innovation Challenge (sponsored by first-time partner Humane World for Animals). The first designer presentation will take place on June 10.
This year’s Selection Committee includes Aurora James of Brother Vellies and Fifteen Percent Pledge, Nicole Phelps and Chloe Malle of Vogue, Eva Chen of Instagram, model Paloma Elsesser, designer Christopher John Rogers, Denise Magid of Bloomingdale’s, Yumi Shin of Nordstrom and designer and CFDA Chairman Thom Browne.
These leading fashion voices will choose the Fashion Fund winner, who will be announced on October 20 at a dinner gala in New York City.
