Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund 2026 Finalists Celebrated at NoHo Reception
The Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund celebrated its ten finalists at a cocktail reception co-hosted by Nordstrom at NoHo hotspot Jean's on Wednesday evening, coinciding with game four of the NBA finals. CFDA CEO Steven Kolb drew parallels between the New York Knicks' playoff run and the Fashion Fund, stating that rooting for young designers means American fashion wins. Chloe Malle, Vogue's head of editorial content, highlighted the fund's role in showcasing American narratives as the U.S. approaches its 250th birthday. Finalists included Julia Ferentinos of Juju Vera, George Inaki of Milamore, and others. Ferentinos remarked that being a top ten finalist makes everyone a winner, while Inaki, an immigrant from the Philippines raised in Japan, described the honor as the pinnacle of his American dream, bridging fine jewelry and fashion. The event featured attendees in Knicks hats and avant-garde attire, with guests reluctant to leave even as the sun set.
Key facts
- The Vogue/CFDA Fashion Fund celebrated its ten finalists at a cocktail reception co-hosted by Nordstrom.
- The event took place at NoHo hotspot Jean's on Wednesday evening, during game four of the NBA finals.
- CFDA CEO Steven Kolb compared the Fashion Fund to the New York Knicks, emphasizing support for young designers.
- Chloe Malle, Vogue's head of editorial content, noted the fund's focus on American narratives ahead of the U.S. 250th birthday.
- Finalists included Julia Ferentinos of Juju Vera and George Inaki of Milamore.
- Ferentinos said being a top ten finalist makes everyone a winner.
- Inaki, an immigrant from the Philippines raised in Japan, called the honor the pinnacle of his American dream.
- The reception featured Knicks hats, avant-garde attire, and guests reluctant to leave.
Entities
Artists
- Julia Ferentinos
- George Inaki
- Chloe Malle
- Steven Kolb
- Joseph Altuzarra
- Thom Browne
- Christopher John Rogers
- Paloma Elsesser
- Hari Nef
- Eva Chen
- Aurora James
- Yumi Shin
- Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen
- Bernard James
- Kate Barton
- Yao King
- Terrence Zhou
- Koko Dubuisson
- Soull Ogun
- Dynasty Ogun
- Emily Dawn Long
- Zane Li
- Jinni Xu
- Gabe Gordon
- Claire Sullivan
Institutions
- Vogue
- CFDA
- Nordstrom
- Jean's
- New York Knicks
- Madison Square Garden
- Juju Vera
- Milamore
- Altuzzara
Locations
- New York City
- United States
- Philippines
- Japan