In The Archives: The Early Years of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund

December 2, 2025

Paula Viteri

Luar, Diotima, Bode — these are just some of the names we think of when we talk about the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

Launched in 2003 to support emerging designers with mentorship, business guidance and the kind of visibility that can change a career overnight, the Fashion Fund’s earliest years set the tone for everything it would become.

Across its first decade the premise stayed the same: a group of finalists sharpening their collections, pitching their visions, and proving why they were ready for the next chapter.

It all culminated in a decidedly New York moment — a chic dinner where industry icons (like Karl Lagerfeld in 2010) gave keynote remarks before the year’s winner and runners-up were announced. The spirit of the evening is always celebratory, natch.

Here’s a look back at the winners and finalists from the Fund’s formative first few years.

2004

Winners: Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough of Proenza Schouler

01 / 04

Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough of Proenza Schouler

2005

Winner: Trovata

01 / 10

Sam Shipley, Josiah Lamberto-Egan, John Witledge, and Jeff Halmos of Travota and Tilda Swinton.

2007

Winner: Rogan

01 / 09

Rogan Gregory, Phillip Lim and Philip Crangi

2009

Winner: Sophie Théallet

01 / 10

Alber Elbaz, Sophie Theallet and Nicole Kidman

2010

Winner: Billy Reid

01 / 07

Michael Kors, Billy Reid and Arlenis Sosa

2011

Winner: Joseph Altuzarra

01 / 08

Joseph Altuzarra, Pamela Love, Shane Gabier, Christopher Peters

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