After the morning presentations came the celebration.

On Wednesday evening, the CFDA, Vogue and Nordstrom took over Jean’s Lafayette to fête the 10 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists with a cocktail party to remember.

The finalists – Aisling Camps, Amir Taghi, Terrence Zhou, Emily Dawn Long, Jamie Haller, Julia Ferentinos, Zane Li, George Inaki, Claire Sullivan and Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen – were joined by Thom Browne, Georgina Chapman, Wes Gordon, Joseph Altuzarra, Christopher John Rogers, Ashlynn Park, Lauren Levison, Dr. Macrene Alexiades, Lisa Chambers, Hari Nef, Jackie Aina, and more.

“Investing in the next generation of designers is one of the most important things we can do,” Nordstrom’s executive vice president of global brand partnerships Yumi Shin said.

Chloe Malle, Head of Editorial Content for American Vogue and first-time judge, recalled how covering the Fashion Fund was one of her first assignments when she first joined Vogue in 2011.

“The United States celebrates its 250th anniversary this year,” she added. “We have really been homing in on the American narratives we’re proudest of…in our summer issue, in our partnership with the CFDA, and with the CVFF finalists, who really exemplify this.”

The night was also marked by the fourth game for the Knicks, turning all of New York City into celebration mode.

“What’s going on in the city right now – with the energy and how people are coming together watching the game – is pretty contagious,”  CFDA CEO and President Steven Kolb said. “And I think there’s something about what we’re experiencing with the Knicks right now that happens every year with the Fashion Fund. New York is rooting for these exceptional athletes to win, and we’re rooting for exceptional fashion designers to win.”

Yes, indeed!