NEW YORK, Nov 17, 2009 / FW/ — Sophie Théallet was named the grand prize winner of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund with a purse of $200,000 purse that will help the winner pursue their design plans. Winning $50,000 apiece are runners-up Monique Pean and Patrik Ervell.
Announced last night during the sixth annual awards gala, the winners, aside from the cash prize will also receive mentorship from a specially assembled team based on the designer’s specific needs for business expertise and resources.
Since its inception in 2003, the program has granted $1.8 million to fifteen different design companies, including 3.1 Phillip Lim, Albertus Swanepoel, Alexander Wang, Doo.Ri, Derek Lam, Philip Crangi, Proenza Schouler, Rodarte, Rogan, Thakoon, Thom Browne, Trovata, and Vena Cava.
The CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund is in partnership with the GAP, and generously underwritten by American Express, Appleman Foundation, Barneys New York, Coach, Evgeny Lebedev, Hudson Bay Trading Company, Juicy Couture, Liz Claiborne Inc., L’Oréal Paris, Nordstrom, Theory, and VOGUE.
The 2009 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards gala was generously underwritten by Cartier.
Of the evening, CFDA Executive Director Steven Kolb said, “The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund not only ensures that young talent is given the tools and support needed to succeed in a competitive global marketplace, but it also serves as a cornerstone in growing an industry that is vital to a strong American economy.”
To be eligible for the CVFF, applicants must: 1) have a primary design business in the United States, which has been in existence for a minimum of two consecutive years; 2) be a designer of demonstrable talent, as evidenced through substantial and recent editorial coverage, and have support (i.e., orders) from key retailers; and 3) have professional staff (paid and volunteer) that can devote the time and effort required to accomplish the stated aims of an applicant’s design career plans.
