This year’s 2022 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalists are an eclectic group. Each comes from a unique background, specializes in various disciplines, and has a distinct aesthetic.  

Chosen by our Selection Committee, which includes Steven Kolb, Anna Wintour, Aurora James of Brother Vellies and the 15 Percent Pledge, Chioma Nnadi and Mark Holgate of Vogue, Eva Chen of Instagram, Paloma Elsesser, Roopal Patel of Saks Fifth Avenue, Sam Lobban of Nordstrom, Nick Molnar of Afterpay, and Thom Browne, the group is unified by their creative spirit unique perspective that brings something new to American fashion. 

To that end, this promising group of young designers will receive personal mentorship with industry leaders based on their areas of need, and will receive funding to expand their business. 

Get to know the participating brands – and view their fabulous designs below.

No Sesso

Italian for “no sex/no gender,” the Los Angeles-based brand was founded in 2015 by Pia Davis and Autumn Randolph. The duo made waves for challenging gender in fashion with deconstructed silhouettes that celebrate all bodies. 

Wiederhoeft 

A graduate of Parsons School of Design, Jackson Wiederhoeft spent three years working under Thom Browne before launching their namesake label Wiederhoeft. Their whimsical designs are inspired by their background in theater.

Harwell Godrey 

It’s no surprise Harwell Godfrey has taken off with celebrities, editors, and fashion fans alike. The accessories brand is hard to miss – with vivid gemstones and intricate patterns inspired by the African Diaspora. After working as an Art Director and Creative Director with brands including Levi’s and Nike, it’s only natural she would begin to tell her own story.

Head of State

At just 17 years old, Taofeek Abijako launched Head of State out of his bedroom with no formal training. The designer has since dressed Evan Mock for the 2022 Met Gala and is stocked by Ssense and H. Lorenzo. The Nigerian-born, Brooklyn-based talent pays homage to his heritage while also moving the needle for the next generation of tastemakers. 

Sukeina 

Omar Salam has trained with the best, working for the houses of Sonia Rykiel and Christian Lacroix before establishing his own label SUKEINA. Named after his late mother, he combines a European influence informed by his childhood travels with a distinct American sensibility.

Elena Velez 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin native Elena Velez studied at Parsons School of Design and Central Saint Martins before launching her namesake collection. She has already dressed the likes of Solange, Grimes, and Charli XCX, all fans of her work which the designer describes as “aggressively delicate.” Velez frequently works with underrepresented communities, including artisans from the Midwest, to make her vision come to life, separating her from the rest.

Judy Turner 

Designer Conley Averett has grabbed the industry’s attention with his ability to rework and redefine the classic art of knitwear. With an approachable and joyful approach, the brand’s balaclavas and crochet dresses come in a range of shapes and shades that ultimately give new life to age-old craft. 

Black Boy Knits

Jacques Agbobly founded Black Boy Knits with a mission to tell the story of black, queer, and immigrant narratives – all of which are communities the designer is apart of. The business is highly personal for Agbobly, who still makes every order personally in their Brooklyn studio. The bright, bold knits from the designer are made-to-order with minimal waste, championing an ethical supply chain.

KidSuper

It’s difficult to summarize Colm Dillane, or describe his label KidSuper. The designer has a less traditional path to fashion than most, but always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit. He began selling clothes in high-school, and soon started exploring other creative endeavors while in a live-work space in Brooklyn where Dillane produced wearable art, paintings, and music. With KidSuper, he organically built a community of like-minded creatives to build his brand, which is best known for its bold, graphic prints worn by Lewis Hamilton and Angus Cloud among others. His collaborations and independent spirit have made him one of the top talents to watch.

Fe Noel 

Designer Felisha “Fe” Noel entered the fashion industry at just 19 years old when she opened a boutique in Brooklyn, which later served as the catalyst for her womenswear label Fe Noel. Influenced by her Caribbean heritage, Noel’s bold prints and vibrant colors help women everywhere embrace their femininity and feel glamorous. 

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Photographer and Director: César Buitrago

Director of Photography: Juan Pablo Herrera

Lighting Director: Jimmy Franklin 

1st AC and Camera Assistant: Adam Kenner 

Producer: Paige Viti 

Stylist: Kirby Marzec 

Stylist Assistant: Avery Mcqueen

Tailor: Samantha McElrath

Models:

Melanie Perez, The Society NYC

Anyelina Rosa, The Society NYC

Hair Stylist: Matt Benns, CLM Agency

Makeup Artist: Michaela Bosch, Bryant Artists

Manicurist: Mo Qin, The Wall Group

Studio: The Atrium