As the 2022 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund program comes to a close, Saks Fifth Avenue CEO Marc Metrick hosted an intimate cocktail to celebrate the 2022 Fashion Fund finalists at L’Avenue’s ultra cozy après ski-inspired Le Chalet.

It felt indeed like a warm, jovial family gathering – Elena Velez even brought her adorable son and newborn – and the designers were joined by Saks executives and Selection Committee for light bites and bubbly.

The group had much to celebrate: Velez had just been  named American Emerging Designer of the Year at the 2022 CFDA Fashion Awards. The designers toasted her and caught up on exciting new projects each has planned for the coming months.

Saks Fifth Avenue’s Roopal Patel made a toast, sharing words of inspiration and encouragement to the designers as they begin their journey beyond the program. Steven Kolb, Anna Wintour, Mark Holgate, Chioma Nnadi and Tracy Margolies were in the mix along with several Vogues editors and CFDA team members. 

“The Saks CVFF cocktail was the perfect closing celebration to what was a busy CFDA week,” Kolb said. “As we approached the end of the program, it was nice to catch up with the designers. I was inspired hearing from Conley about how his mentor Joseph Altuzarra and his friend Cate Holstein have positively impacted his brand, Judy Turner.” 

We can’t wait to see what’s next for this talented crop of Fashion Fund Finalists!