CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Nominees Are Announced

For the eighth time, The Council of Fashion Designers (known as the CFDA) has partnered with womenswear fashion bible Vogue to present the nominees for this year's CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fun. The initiative culls together a finely curated group of fledgling design companies that show both creative and commercial potential, takes a look at their current business structures and operational standards and then decides on a winner, to be announced at a gala dinner on November 14th. The top prize consists of $300,000 to help grow the brand and set forth a path for continued success, and a mentorship with an industry leader (like Diane von Furstenberg or J. Crew's CEO Mickey Drexler). Two runner-ups will receive $100,000 and benefit from mentorship as well. With past winners including Billy Reid, Alexander Wang and Proenza Schouler, this is clearly not some rinky-dink competition. It's the real deal (obviously, if our girl Anna is involved).
The nominees this year are (drumroll, please):

AA, Antonio Azzuolo
Altuzarra, Joseph Altuzarra
Carlos Campos, Carlos Campos
Creatures of the Wind, Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters
Cushnie Et Ochs, Michelle Ochs and Carly Cushnie
Finn Jewelry, Soraya Silchenstedt
Fenton/Fallon,Dana Lorenz
Ohne Titel, Alexa Adams and Flora Gill
Pamela Love, Pamela Love
Suno, Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty

Of the ten, only two -- Antonio Azzuolo and Carlos Campos -- are menswear designers, though Campos recently expanded into womenswear as well. But still, its a pretty eclectic mix, and we wish all the nominees the best of luck. We'll keep you updated as more news come through. Let the games begin!