LOOK: 10 designers who made the cut for CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund 2021
Not only is the council back for a new season but it returns for an even better cause: providing funds to all 10 finalists.
CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund is now back on its feet after a year in hiatus because of the struggles brought by the pandemic. Not only is the council back for a new season but it returns for an even better cause. Unlike before when CFDA and Vogue provide funding to the chosen winners (grand finalist and two runners-up), the council is now giving funds to all its 10 finalists.
The 10 lucky designers to receive funding and mentorship from the industry heads are Batsheva Hay of Batsheva; Mike Eckhaus and Zoe Latta of Eckhaus Latta; Anifa Mvuemba of Hanifa; Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka of House of Aama; Kenneth Nicholson; Jameel Mohammed of Khiry; LaQuan Smith; Abrima Erwiah of Studio 189; Edvin Thompson of Theophilio; and Willy Chavarria.
Batsheva Hay of Batsheva
The lawyer-turned-designer draws inspiration from the traditions of feminine dressing. Think Victorian, Amish, and Hasidic styles. Her dresses consist of flowy silhouettes with prints, ruffles, and collars.
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Mike Eckhause and Zoe Latte of Eckhause Latta
Known for deconstruction and unpredicted materials, the work of the design duo has been worn by the likes of musician Dua Lipa and model Alek Wek. Their latest collection features pieces in knit, quilts, and leather.
Anifa Mvuemba of Hanifa
One of Teen Vogue’s Generation Next designers in 2019, Anifa has emerged as one of the most promising designers to date. She likes to present her pieces as effortlessly beautiful, bold, and functional.
Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka of House of Aama
Rebecca Henry and Akua Shabaka, mother-and-daughter design tandem, use their platform and designs to rejoice their community and heritage. One of their most notable collections celebrates Southern Creol spirituality and their African roots.
Kenneth Nicholson
Kenneth started his label back in 2016. The Los Angeles-based designer likes to take risks on menswear. His work has been featured in magazines like Blue and Frontpage, and has been worn by the equally adventurous Jaden Smith.
Jameel Mohammed of Khiry
Khiry is a luxury jewelry label founded in 2016. Jameel Mohammed, Khiry designer, has also been a part of Forbes 30 under 30, with his works worn by Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Regina King, Michelle Obama, and Alicia Keys.
LaQuan Smith
Oozing with sensuality, LaQuan’s designs celebrate all body forms. Because of this philosophy of inclusivity, LaQuan pieces have been worn by big names in the fashion industry including Jennifer Lopez, the Kardashian-Jenner clan, Nicole Scherzinger, and Paris Hilton.
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Abrima Erwiah of Studio 189
Studio 189 highlights “African and African-inspired fashion” through various regional prints and handcrafted textiles.
Edvin Thompson of Theophilio
The Jamaican designer produces contemporary clothing that draws the line between avant garde and ready-to-wear pieces. A lot of his pieces incorporate black, red, yellow, and green colors, echoing the colors of Jamaica.
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Willy Chavarria
The Mexican-American designer who launched his brand back in 2015 is also being funded by CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. Willy, who has collaborated with Bench last 2019, is known for his menswear pieces that are loose-fitting, structured, and contemporary.
