In this 20th milestone anniversary year for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, eight of the 10 finalists pushed their creative works deeper into the world of fashion by presenting the new collections during New York Fashion Week. From menswear to women’s eveningwear and fine jewelry, these designers stopped at nothing to execute and show off their visions, turning their imagination into a captivating reality.

These designers not only presented collections but also wielded their platforms to spark broader conversations by weaving together cultural, historical, and philosophical narratives that challenged conventions and pushed the boundaries of fashion’s role in society.

Kate Barton

The designer stayed true to her experimental design philosophy, pushing boundaries with sculptural, gravity-defying dresses in bold textures and vibrant colors. Her vision reimagines modernity through technology, sustainability, and innovation. Equally irresistible: the KATE BARTON x Goldfish® collaboration blended fashion and snacking via playful goldfish motifs appearing throughout her designs, including her viral bag and iconic tee.

Jane Wade

Jane Wade’s The Audit challenges corporate hierarchies and disruptive innovation, deconstructing power suits and sharp lines to critique unchecked capitalism. Each piece questions wealth’s glamorization, urging a reevaluation of greed and transparency. The new collection blended corporate rigidity with athletic designs, symbolizing power and freedom. Through a partnership with Inkbox, Wade highlighted the growing acceptance of tattoos in the workplace – once taboo, they’re now symbols of individuality.

Taylor Thompson, 5000

This season,5000 paid tribute to Mabuhay Gardens, a key venue in the West Coast punk scene. The collection channelled the rebellious energy of “The Mab,” which hosted iconic bands like The Dead Kennedys and Black Flag. With bold designs in silver, black, and navy, 5000 revived the defiant ethos of the venue, celebrating fashion’s enduring link to punk’s raw, unfiltered attitude.

Grace Ling

Ling explored primal roots and the bond between humans and objects. Models appeared scorched, torn, and windswept, creating a dark, romantic aesthetic. The collection featured her signature tailoring and knitwear alongside surrealist metal sculptures. A highlight was the Grace Ling x Humane HANDAXE BAG, merging stone-age inspiration with modern design. In collaboration with Gotham, the runway featured a scorched joint bouquet, and It-girl Meredith Duxbury debuted the repurposed BUTT BAG, infused with new life through pre-rolls.

Dynasty and Soull Ogun, L’ENCHANTEUR

L’Enchanteur’s collection was named K.O.D.E. (Keys Open Doors Everywhere): Extra Terra Astrals (E.T.A) Memory in Time. It invited individuals to unlock inner strength through metaphysical symbols. The spiritually charged salon presentation immersed guests in a transformative space, with natural fabrics cascading from floor to ceiling. Each piece, whether jewelry, clothing, or footwear, in radiant gold and vibrant hues, became a sacred heirloom, honoring craftsmanship and the collection’s deep spiritual resonance.

Presley Oldham

For his “Wide Eyed and Grinning”collection, Oldham expressed themes of arrival and growth through innovative designs. The talent reimagined pearls and introduced bespoke glass and carved gemstones in organic shapes. Handmade beaded flowers, made by his grandmother Linda Oldham, took center stage, alongside antique treasures they collected together. Inspired by wildflowers, the pieces evolved from single flowers to vibrant bouquets of technicolor glass beads, highlighting Oldham’s signature wire wrapping, silk stringing, embroidery, and silversmithing.

Jackson Wiederhoeft, WIEDERHOEFT

Jackson Wiederhoeft debuted Manifesto, a theatrical fashion show in three acts. Act I: Alarm opened with performers urging the main character to flee. Act II: Runway featured elegant evening gowns, bridal dresses, and ready-to-wear, including the Julie corset in silver satin and the Manifesto dress with tattoo-inspired beadwork. The finale, Act III: A Flock of Brides, showcased over 20 identical white bridal gowns in sizes 00 to 28, transforming into dynamic vignettes and ending with a striking sculptural finale.

Sebastien and Marianne Amisial, SEBASTIEN AMI.

Sebastien Ami’s new collection celebrated the beauty of aging, symbolizing personal growth by combining youthful energy and wisdom from experience. Styled by Storm Pablo and Marvin Douglas, the collection featured sleek silhouettes and thoughtful materials that honored life’s journey. The intimate runway show attracted an exclusive audience, including notable figures like Toosii, Pardison Fontaine, Olly Sholotan, and Wisdom Kaye, who appreciated the craftsmanship and storytelling in each garment.