November 21, 2006

3rd Annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Prize

I admit I have watched most of Season 2 and 3 of Project Runway. But unlike majority of the viewers, I'm definately not a fan of the show. Also, I had only ever watched 10 minutes of America's Next Top Model before, and I surprisingly hated it.

To me, fashion-related reality shows are great entertainment, but don't do much to contribute to the fashion world. Awhile ago, I read an article that had Anna Wintour say something I really agreed on. It was something along the lines that, Project Runway actually approached Vogue before Elle, but Vogue felt that the reality show wouldn't do much for new designers. Instead, Vogue and the CFDA have an annual fashion fund prize to help outstanding new designers. Now this is actually useful.

So this year's ten finalists are 3.1 Phillip Lim, Costello Tagliapietra, Devi Kroell, Doo.Ri, Jovovich-Hawk, Marchesa, Rag & Bone, Rodarte, Subversive Jewelry, and Thakoon. I'm sure you've heard of most of these names before.
At the Prize ceremony /party:


Anna Wintour and Diane von Furstenburg, who recently became the chairwoman of the CFDA.

Left: Ashley, Marc Jacobs and Mary Kate. Right: Michelle Williams and Derek Lam.

Past winners of this award, Proenza Schouler. -See what I mean, you've actually heard of them in a high-fashion capacity.

Two nominees: Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig of Marchesa (left). Who hasn't heard of Marchesa? Marchesa dresses are absolute favourites of young Hollywood stars at the moment.
Milla Jovovich and Carmen Hawk of Jovovich-Hawk (right). Jovovich-Hawk had really pretty boho-ish clothes in its SS07 collection. And do check out the website -lovely styling.


Runner ups: Thakoon (left). Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte (right).

*Drum roll* And the winner is...

Doo-Ri Chung! I was surprised Philip Lim, whose clothes are so loved by the social crowds, didn't get into the Top 3. Anyways, here are my 3 fav looks from Doo-Ri SS07 collection:

So young and pretty...

30 comments:

  1. i love phillip lim. i think doo.ri was pretty good too. and i agree about antm. fun to watch but i havent seen one of those models in vogue. that reminds me... i have to post about the awards!

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  2. I thought CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund came out in 2003? Which would make it precede Project Runway by a year. I often wonder who had the idea first...The documentary "Seamless" highlights Proenza Schouler, the first winner of the award. Awesome documentary.

    Enjoying your blog!

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  3. It's a great service that Vogue is doing by supporting the CFDA prize. However, I'm not sure why it's so great that we've already heard of all the designers who were finalists and winners. Of course I don't know anything about the business, but they all seem to have strong enough brands that they wouldn't need any extra help; shouldn't it be the unknown yet talented designers receiving monetary leg-ups?

    Of course, a reality tv show is not a good way to find those unsung talented people, but perhaps there is another way.

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  4. Who were the top 3 finalists?

    I think CFDA and Vogue are great for starting this... it really does do something for the industry, unlike reality series. I must admit though, I do watch Project Runway, and though they don't make a huge impact in the actual fashion industry, I believe they could get some success with streetwear.

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  5. " ...annual fashion fund prize to help outstanding new designers. Now this is actually useful."

    I understand what you mean about a prize that helps new designers, but how is this more helpful or "actually useful" than PR? I'm just wondering if you could clairfy it a bit more...I didn't read the thing that Anna Wintour wrote, so I am not sure where she/you are coming from.
    Love the blog!!

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  6. It's actually Proenza Schouler,not Schouler Proenza!

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  7. ProudMaisie: I think that even though we've heard of these designers, they're still really new businesses and need more finance and help to really establish the brand. And I suspect part of the reason why they're 'known' (at least to the people who really notice fashion) is because they were promoted by style.com and Vogue.

    Anonymous 11:49pm: Yup, it's a lot of PR, but the winner does get finance and industry advice. Plus, these brands aren't exactly solidly established yet so exposure definately helps.

    Anonymous 12:05am: Oops, thanks. I'm sick, brain's completely clogged up so my thinking is wonkier than usual.

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  8. doo.ri actually came in second place last year. she's amazing! i'm so happy she won! =)

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  9. Have you seen iamfashion's honourable mention in the Australian news circuit?
    http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,23663,20787885-5007192,00.html
    Well done girls!

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  10. I loooooooove 3.1 Philip Lim dresses. I'm kind of disappointed that Alexander Wang didn't get recognized; I guess he's too casual.

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  11. oh i think doo.ri was alright. Its not like bomb-diggity (gosh i hate that word), but i would have probably liked to see a bit more, since it was runway after-all. ah well... they cant all be winners. but then this clearly proves that they can. OH THE INJUSTICE!!

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  12. why is mary kate always sloushed over, she's is not that tall to be sloushing, what is wrong with that girl?

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  13. I love the dress on the right...

    ENID P.

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  14. has anyone else noticed that marc jacobs seems to be looking much older lately? maybe it's because he got rid of the glasses?

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  15. It´s actually phillip lim, with 2 L:s.

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  16. I love Vogue, but somehow I prefer Elle. I have always think that Vogue mag has a really cold, distant relationship with her readers, like 'am better than you'.

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  17. your blog very best content about fashion....I love..
    Astaga.com lifestyle on the net

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  18. I understand what you mean about a prize that helps new designers. It is very nice post.
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