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The 2026 CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund Finalists gathered last night at the Warren Street Hotel in New York City to show off their designs from the Material Innovation Challenge with Humane World for Animals. Alongside these budding designers, fashion industry icons gathered to toast the finalists. Guests included Anna Wintour, Chloe Malle, Michael Kors, and Kate Barton.
The challenge tasked the ten finalists with using alternative, bio-based textiles as an alternative to animal-based materials. Each designer used two materials and a $10,000 stipend. Cashmere was created from soybeans, silk from orange peels, and fur from corn. Each alternative expands the possibilities of sustainable and humane ways of producing fashion. For the cocktail party, each finalist was joined by a muse wearing their design.
“Rather than limiting their creativity, the alternative materials the finalists were charged with using seemed to open them up to new possibilities,” said Nicole Phelps. “Designing and producing more responsibly isn’t a burden—it’s an opportunity.”
Bach Mai, Kate Barton
Naomi Elizee, Dynasty Ogun
PJ Smith, Kitty Block
“The future of fashion is being shaped by innovators who are proving that compassion and creativity belong together,” said Kitty Block, President and CEO of Humane World for Animals. “These animal-free, bio-based materials show what is possible when designers embrace innovation. Humane World for Animals is proud to partner with the CFDA and Vogue on this year’s Fashion Fund to help highlight and elevate solutions that are better for animals and pave the way for a more humane fashion landscape. We are excited to support the designers leading this transformation, today and in the future.”
Lance LePere, Nicole Phelps, Michael Kors
Following the challenge, the winners and two runner-ups will be announced on October 20. Supporters of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund include Bloomingdale’s, Humane World for Animals, Instagram, Nordstrom, and Vogue.
Aisling Camps
Zane Li
Jamie Haller
George Inaki
Amir Taghi
Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen
Julia Ferentinos
Claire Sullivan
Terence Zhou
Emily Dawn Long
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