And the winner is: Sophie Théallet!

So, French-born and Brooklyn-based Sophie Théallet won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award in New York last night and the $200,000 grand prize that accompanies it! She joins an impressive list of past winners that features Alexander Wang and Proenza Schouler. Jewellery designer Monique Péan and menswear designer Patrik Ervell are the two runners-up, taking home $50,000 each.

Interestingly, Her Highness Anna Wintour said in her speech that other countries are keen to introduce a similar contest, most notably France, "and Brazil, India, Russia, and China aren't far behind."

Congrats to all the designers!

Patrik Ervell, Sophie Théallet, DvF and Monique Péan. Image by Style.com.

And the finalists are: And the rest!

With the heavy schedules of showing, wholesaling, manufacturing, shooting and every other -ing that a fashion designer has to get through every season (did I mention being inspired and coming up with the next collection too?) it was to be expected that not all of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund nominated designers were able to get back to me with their Q&As. The lovely Alexa and Flora of Ohne Titel did manage to tell me, in between showing in New York and leaving for selling the collection in Paris, that they "are very proud to be counted among the top ten for the award."

With the Big Night itself taking place this evening in New York I thought it would only be fair to include the remaining nominated designers here just so we can wake up tomorrow morning and read up on who won, who didn't, who wore what and get all excited about our very own British Fashion Council / Vogue Designer Fashion Fund to take place next year!

OHNE TITEL

SOPHIE THEALLET

WAYNE

PATRIK ERVELL

MONIQUE PEAN

Images by US Vogue.

And the finalists are: Esquivel Shoes!

Good shoes! That's what I keep thinking every time I look at George Esquivel's designs and I hope this doesn't take away from how truly amazing they are; in fact, "I must have them" tends to be the follow-up thought. And anyway, since when is 'good' just not...good enough?

There must be something in the way they're handmade, each pair given the same care and attention in Esquivel's Southern California shop; using the finest materials, hand-cutting, massaging the leather into shape. But - these are shoes with an edge too, inspired by Esquivel's rock clientele, in their hand-burnished, hand-stained leather and unusual colour combinations. Like a rock star with a helluva soul. Really, they're just too good!

Here's his When, What and Who.

WHAT DID YOU DO WHEN YOU FIRST HEARD YOU WERE NOMINATED? SET THE SCENE FOR US.

I found out that I was one of the finalist as we were preparing to board the plane for NYC. I wanted to jump, scream, laugh, cry, call my wife, give everyone a big hug but we (Albert my GM) and I were being ushered onto the outside ramp to board the plane at Long Beach Airport. Because I had to sit with the news stirring in my head by myself, I think that flight was probably the longest yet the best I have ever taken. I sat in my seat and internally freaked out for the next 5 hours.

WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO WEAR ON THE BIG NIGHT AND WHO ARE YOU TAKING WITH YOU?

I think this event warrants me getting something really special, if I have time I will get something made (debating between a tux or a suit). My wife will be accompanying me to the dinner.

WHO ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO SEE THERE?

The way people are with celebs is the way I am with Designers (I’m a big fan of their creativity and their business savvy). I don’t think I can narrow it down to just one person, I’m excited to see all of the designers.

All the best George!

Images by Esquivel and Style.com.

And the finalists are: Spurr!

English-born Simon Spurr designs menswear that women want to see their boyfriends in and then steal from their wardrobe or straight off their back for the ultimate "boyfriend look"! That's how I see it anyway because as soon as I looked at Spurr's SS10 collection I caught myself making a mental shopping list: that pink suit, the denim shirt...you get the idea. With a background working alongside the biggest names in menswear (Hedi Slimane for Yves Saint Laurent, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren) Simon set up his own label in New York in 2006 and injected the city with some seriously modern, Saville Row-worthy tailoring. Now, If only every gentleman could wear a pink flower on his jacket's lapel...

Here's his When, What and Who.

WHAT DID YOU DO WHEN YOU FIRST HEARD YOU WERE NOMINATED? SET THE SCENE FOR US.

When I first heard that I was a nominee, I calmed the raised hairs on the back of my neck and took my dog for a long walk to let it all set in. Then I started calling my family and friends. To be honest, I still did not realize the magnitude of the nomination.

WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO WEAR ON THE BIG NIGHT AND WHO ARE YOU TAKING WITH YOU?

Obviously I will dress up from my usual working uniform of jeans and a white T-shirt. I will most likely wear a SPURR suit and shirt (no tie), maybe with a flower in the lapel which echoes the SPURR look for Spring 2010.

I will probably take 2 people to the event. Firstly, my wife Justine who has personally been my rock throughout the years and who has patiently kept believing in me and supporting me. And secondly, my business partner Judd Nydes without whom this dream would not have been possible.

WHO ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO SEE THERE?

The list of CFDA members is so impressive that I will honestly be pleased to just be there as a new member of the CFDA and as a nominee for the award. To spend a little more time speaking with Anna Wintour and Diane Von Furstenberg will be the highlight for me. But to see Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein again after having worked for them would be such an honor. Ultimately without the support of all the members I would not be there so everyone will be special in their own right.

Cheers Simon!

Images by Spurr.

And the finalists are: Gary Graham!

To me, the inclusion of Gary Graham's name on the final shortlist encapsulates all that is right and important about an industry event like the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. I am more than certain that Mr. Graham's label has built a loyal following in the 10 years of its existence and that they, and lucky passers-by, will now be able to visit his new Tribeca store for a close-up of his beautiful collection but little ignoramus me hadn't heard of it until I saw his name on the finalists list. Precisely this, introducing designers to a wider audience whilst supporting young names, is why the Fund is so vital, especially now.

So, I googled and clicked and viewed and loved both his current autumn-winter collection, there's a perfect red dress, a great landscape print and those silk bodysuits/leggings, and the SS10 he presented last month (doesn't it feel longer?). Gary Graham is clearly into Victoriana in all its romantic-worn-in-petticoats glory, but there's a freshness and lightness about his collection that reveals a designer of both experience and expertise, and what could be more important than that?

Here's his When, What and Who!

WHAT DID YOU DO WHEN YOU FIRST HEARD YOU WERE NOMINATED? SET THE SCENE FOR US.

I was helping to set up for our sample sale that we were having in our new space when I found out. I then took the j train to Bushwick to buy a new dryer for our studio.

WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO WEAR ON THE BIG NIGHT AND WHO ARE YOU TAKING WITH YOU?

I will probably wear this black suit I found a couple years ago in New Jersey.

WHO ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO SEE THERE?

Diane Von Furstenberg.

All the best Gary!

UPDATE: Gary just informed me that the always fantastic Shop at Bluebird stocks his label here in London so do check it out!

Images by Gary Graham and Style.com.

And the finalists are: House of Waris!

If Waris Ahluwalia wasn't already a bona fide member of Wes Anderson's troupe (Life Aquatic, The Darjeeling Limited) I imagine Wes would have to make a movie about him; The Fantastic Mr. Waris, perhaps?

Our protagonist moved with his family from Amritsar, Punjab to Brooklyn, NY at the age of 5. He thought of becoming a doctor, a lawyer, risked one advertising interview, attempted to make a music magazine, got involved with a friend's NGO for increasing HIV/ AIDS awareness in South Asia and found himself back in New York, immersed in the art life of the city. He then has a guy in New York make some jewellery for him, escapes the cold of the city for LA, helps a friend set-up a restaurant and one day, wanders into ultra-luxe boutique Maxfield's where the owners spot his rings, immediately place an order, they sell out and House of Waris is born. I hope you're paying attention, Mr Anderson!

Here's his When, What and Who plus a wonderful behind-the-scenes into the making of his exquisite, romantic collection in India. The final image alone takes your breath away.

WHAT DID YOU DO WHEN YOU FIRST HEARD YOU WERE NOMINATED? SET THE SCENE FOR US.

I was sitting in my workshop working on a pair of earrings in Jaipur, India when I first heard the news. I smiled and continued to work on the earrings.

WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO WEAR ON THE BIG NIGHT AND WHO ARE YOU TAKING

WITH YOU?

I don't plan so far ahead but I imagine I'll wear a suit. Some things are better left as a surprise- even for me.

WHO ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO SEE THERE?

The Fashion Fund panelists.

Images by House of Waris and video by Style.com.

And the finalists are: Alabama Chanin!

If there had to be one poster child for 'slow' design, sustainability and community support in the world of fashion surely Alabama Chanin would be it. The proof is in the signature that ties each hand-crafted, limited-edition item to the artisan who made it. Does it get more personal than that? Based in Florence, Alabama the label is commited to producing high quality products, "from farmer to fiber to artisan to home, grown-to-sewn in the USA".

Behind it all, is Natalie Chanin as the owner and designer of Alabama Chanin (and the original Project Alabama). I caught up with Natalie just after the SS10 presentation in New York and here is her When, What and Who!

WHAT DID YOU DO WHEN YOU FIRST HEARD YOU WERE NOMINATED? SET THE SCENE FOR US.

I was sitting in the studio when I got the call that Alabama Chanin had been nominated. Much like today, I was trying to work my way through emails and other business demands - a very mundane day in the "fashion fabulous world!" Steven Kolb, from CFDA, called me and I could really say nothing. Not very typical of me the Southern storyteller...I just sat here in silence. But, I am very happy and honored to be included with such a great group and to have the support of my industry. Means a lot...

WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO WEAR ON THE BIG NIGHT AND WHO ARE YOU TAKING WITH YOU?

Seems that we have a lot of big nights ahead of us before the final gala...Of course, I will be wearing Alabama Chanin and I plan to bring a secret date! (Smile)

WHO ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO SEE THERE?

I am most excited to meet all of the other finalists and looking forward to getting to know them all!

All the best Natalie!

Images by Alabama Chanin and Style.com.

CFDA/Vogue Fund: And the finalists are...

Of course the ten finalists for the 2009 CFDA / Vogue Fashion Fund were announced eons ago (actually, it was July!) so with the Big Event itself coming up soon, Nov. 16th, I managed to speak with most of the designers (NY fashion week, a ton of buying appointments, a quick hop to Paris and oh, a collection to produce somehow got in the way!) and find out the big WHEN, WHAT and WHOs for each one of them.

This year's ten finalists are: Alabama Chanin, Esquivel Shoes, Gary Graham, House of Waris, Monique Pean, Ohne Titel, Patrik Ervell, Sophie Theallet, Spurr and Wayne. A diverse group indeed with designers that according to Mme Wintour "are building healthy independent businesses in challenging times." I will be posting each profile every couple of days (or so), so please do come back for more. Like you wouldn't!!!