The 10 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalists are getting started! Last Wednesday, the Finalists met at Milk Studios for their first in-person presentation to the Selection Committee, which includes Anna Wintour, Diane von Furstenberg, Steven Kolb, Marcus Wainwright and Andrew Rosen. For the occasion, Vogue.com’s Kristin Anderson caught up with the designers— from their brand aesthetic to their high school experience, ultimate muse and everything else you should know about them (see excepts below). Click here for the complete story.
Adam Selman, Adam Selman
What was the moment you found out that you were a finalist like? “I didn’t find out until later in the afternoon. I was like, ‘I didn’t get it, I didn’t get it.’ It was very suspenseful. I don’t want to say [I was] shocked, because I couldn’t find the words to say exactly. Then the pressure was actually on—ready, set go.”
Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Panszczyk, Area
What does it mean to you to be a CVFF finalist? “A real shot at it—actually making this work.” (Fogg)
Marjan and Maryam Malakpour, Newbark
Do you have an ultimate muse? “For sure, Jamie Bochert, and then there was this Persian singer, Googoosh. Each time she came out with a new record, it was like a whole new look.” (Maryam)
Chloe Gosselin, Chloe Gosselin
What was your high school style like? “I was a bit of a rebel. Hippie, mixed with punk, a lot of different hair colors—I did it all.”
Chris Stamp, Stampd
What does it mean to you to be a CVFF finalist? “It’s super exciting to be around rad designers, and people who are working not necessarily within our market, but doing their thing.”
Ji Oh, Ji Oh
Do you have an ultimate muse? “I can’t name just one, but I like women like Léa Seydoux, Tilda Swinton. Someone who’s confident, and it’s more about their opinion than others.”
Laura Vassar and Kristopher Brock, Brock Collection
How would you describe your brand’s aesthetic to a stranger? “Romantic, with a sense of ease, and timeless.” (Vassar)
Joshua Cooper and Laurence Chandler, Rochambeau
What does it mean to you to be a CVFF finalist? “It’s the biggest thing that’s ever happened to our business. We’re in front of people who made this business what it is.” (Cooper)
Stirling Barrett, Krewe du Optic
What was your high school style like? “I’ve always loved sandals! In the studio there’s a strict no-shoe policy. So it was very comfortable: shorts, jeans, T-shirt, sandals.”
Morgan Curtis, Morgan Lane
What was the moment you found out that you were a finalist like? “I was in my office, by myself, and it was the end of the day. I was getting nervous, and then they showed up. My office is connected to my mother’s office, so right after I ran downstairs, screaming to everybody.”
Photographer: Jeff Henrikson. Photos courtesy of Vogue.com.