Christopher John Rogers Wins 2019 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund!

Known for his voluminous evening-wear full of colour, drama, and sequins, Brooklyn-based designer Christopher John Rogers has become the latest designer to receive the prestigious CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. The 25-year-old designer from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has had his work seen on the likes of Michelle Obama, Lizzo, and Tracee Ellis Ross and received a standing ovation when he presented his S/S 20 collection at his New York runway debut in September this year,

This year marks the 16th anniversary of the annual awards event, being established in 2003, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund helps emerging American design talent progress in the industry with funding and mentorship and winner of this year’s award Rogers will receive $400,000 and year of mentorship from a CFDA member. Runners up Danielle Hirsch of Danielle Frankel, the first-ever bridal wear finalist, and Reese Cooper, LA-based grungy streetwear designer, will receive $150,000 each and a year’s mentorship.

Since its inception, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund has awarded $6.6 million to 45 design companies with winners including the likes of Pyer Moss, Telfar, Alexander Wang, and Proenza Schouler. This year’s candidates were judged by a panel led by Vogue’s Anna Wintour and the CFDA’s Steven Kolb, with Joseph Altuzarra, Vogue’s Chioma Nnadi and Mark Holgate, Eva Chen, Andrew Rosen, Jeffrey Kalinsky, Roopal Patel, Diane von Furstenberg, and Elsesser. The finalists will receive their prizes at Cipriani South Street, presented by Ashley Graham, Paloma Elsesser, and Alton Mason.