New CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Winner!

Looks from Sophie Theallet Spring 2010

CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund has a new winner, Sophie Theallet. As winner Theallet takes home $200 000 and a year’s worth of mentoring! She follows in the footsteps of now much celebrated designer Alexander Wang. Considering this, we should definitely keep careful watch of what Theallet will do next.

Truthfully I hadn't had a chance to look at Sophie's collection before today but she is well known as having worked with Azzedine Alaïa for a decade before establishing resort line, Motu Tane with make up artist François Nars. According to Style.com,"The Brooklyn-based French expatriate...is one of Michelle Obama's Chosen Ones." Guess what Mrs O says is as good as gold. Check out the rest of her collection here.

Chanel Iman with Sophie Theallet

The runners-up, Ervell and Pean, did not go home empty handed as they each received $50 000 and a business mentor.

Can't wait to see what's next for these young talents.

GAP X CFDA Finalists: All About Khaki

So the Gap is at it again for another round with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award Winners Albertus Swanepoel, Alexander Wang and Vena Cava. This time instead of white shirts they decided to put a spin on an American staple they are known for...Khaki! The campaign shots leaked onto the net today but the collaboration won't be hitting stores until June 19th, 2009. The will be sold in flagship and top stores worldwide as well as Gap.com. Prices range from $39.50 to $88.00.

Albertus Swanepoel with his hat designs for Gap

Alexander Wang and his Khaki Moto, Shorts and Trousers

Vena Cava designer's Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai with their dresses & trousers.

Wangtastic!

The baby faced designer Alexander Wang has been one of my favorite contemporary designers since I stumbled across his clothes at a sample sale in late 2007. He launched his first full women's wear collection in 2007 comprising predominantly of knits. Still famous for his luxe cashmere, he has come a long way in the last couple of years to become an in demand designer, who despite a tough economy had his floor space at Barney's actually increase.

The Alexander Wang look is full of contrasts: luxe vrs street, sexy vrs androgyny, vagabond meets street-smart modernist. It is based on his intrigue of how women dress when they're not trying to dress up. I think it equates to effortless cool; versatile, simple, classy, all-occasion but with an edge.

Now, Alexander Wang has some serious fashion cred behind his name as he was just chosen as the fifth CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund recipient. With funding & support for his label, I can't wait to see what the future has in store for his label.

WWD reports:
At Monday night’s CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund dinner gala, Wang took home the top honors, pocketing $200,000 and a year’s worth of mentoring. Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai of Vena Cava and Albertus Q. Swanepoel of Albertus Quartus were this year’s runners-up, and will each receive $50,000 and a business mentor.

The winners beat out finalists Richard Chai, Jason Wu, Irene Neuwirth, Alejandro Ingelmo, Juan Carlos Obando, Obedient Sons & Daughters, and Organic.

Founded by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue, the fund is seen as an accelerator of fashion careers. Previous winners were Rogan in 2007, Doo-Ri in 2006, Trovata in 2005 and Proenza Schouler in 2004. Past runners-up were 3.1 Phillip Lim, Philip Crangi Jewelry, Rodarte, Thakoon, Derek Lam, Thom Browne, Cloak and Habitual.

Click to see how I've worn Wang.


Check out this amusing interview with Grazia Magazine where Chase Crawford thinks Alexander Wang is married to Vera Wang.