Melitta Baumeister wins the nineteenth edition of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund (CVFF). The announcement came during a glamorous event held at Vogue’s Forces of Fashion in New York City. Alongside Baumeister, Rachel Scott of Diotima and Henry Zankov of ZANKOV were celebrated as the talented runners-up of this prestigious competition.
Melitta Baumeister’s win is not only a matter of honor but also a substantial financial boost, as she takes home a substantial monetary award of $300,000. In recognition of their outstanding talent, both Rachel Scott and Henry Zankov receive grants of $100,000 each. Beyond the financial rewards, these emerging designers will benefit from invaluable business mentorships, paving the way for their future success.
The exciting moment of Melitta Baumeister’s victory was unveiled by none other than the iconic Linda Evangelista. This announcement took place at the impressive One World Trade Center headquarters, where Vogue’s Forces of Fashion event was underway. Prior to the revelation, a stimulating conversation between fashion luminary Tommy Hilfiger and the visionary Aurora James focused on emerging talent and the Fashion Fund.
Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast and Global Editorial Director of Vogue, expressed her enthusiasm for the winners and finalists, stating, “Our CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund class of 2023 are wonderfully talented. They all have something to say about what fashion can be—and where it needs to go. As we prepare to celebrate the fund’s 20th anniversary in 2024, this year’s finalists have been a wonderful reminder of why we set up the fund in the first place: To enable a new generation of designers to be seen and heard.”
View this post on Instagram
Thom Browne, Chairman of the CFDA, lauded the uniqueness and creativity of the designers, saying, “The CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund has always supported truly creative talent… it has been a way for the world to see new and unique stories… from my story in 2005 to the new stories we’re celebrating today… congratulations to Melitta Baumeister as well as Henry Zankov and Rachel Scott … and all finalists doing truly individual and creative work…”
The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund plays a pivotal role in nurturing emerging designers, providing them with both financial support and essential business mentorship. These monetary awards are tailored to enable these rising stars to pursue their design visions. Additionally, the winners will engage in regular meetings with dedicated business mentors who will provide expertise and resources tailored to their specific needs.
This year’s ten finalists included a diverse array of talents, from Angelo Fabricio Urrutia of 4SDESIGNS to Henry Zankov of ZANKOV. The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund was established after 9/11 to foster emerging designers and cultivate the next generation of American fashion talent.
The 2023 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund received generous support from Afterpay, Instagram, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Vogue. The Selection Committee, composed of fashion luminaries and experts, had the challenging task of choosing the winners. The committee featured notable figures such as Anna Wintour of Vogue, Steven Kolb of CFDA, Chioma Nnadi of Vogue, Aurora James of Brother Vellies & Fifteen Percent Pledge, Roopal Patel of Saks Fifth Avenue, Eva Chen of Instagram, Sam Lobban of Nordstrom, Paloma Elsesser, model & activist, Nick Molnar of Afterpay & The Next Generation, and Thom Browne of Thom Browne New York & CFDA.
The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, established in 2003, has been a driving force in supporting emerging American design talent. Over the years, its format has evolved to align with the changing fashion landscape. In 2020, it transformed into a grant program, A Common Thread, to address the urgent needs of American fashion brands during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the fund continued to adapt, providing funds and mentorship based on the specific needs of selected designers. Now, in 2023, the program returns to its original competitive format with ten finalists and one deserving winner, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing, supporting, and empowering the young American designer community.
melitta totally deserves this award! bravo!
this girl is the moment!