From left to right: the winner Billy Reid, Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld, Prabal Gurung, Diane von Furstenberg and Eddie Borgo. (c) Gary Gershoff for WireImage |
Christened "Americans in Paris", the showroom located in the gallery of the Palais Royal aims to generate media coverage as well as provide marketing support and a sales team dedicated to the ten designers present. These were: Billy Reid (2010 winner, women’s ready-to-wear), Prabal Gurung (2011 winner, second place women’s ready-to-wear) and Eddie Borgo (2011winner, jewelery - Tiffany & co award), George Esquivel (2009 nominee), Gregory Parkinson (2010 nominee), Monique Péan (2011 winner, jewelery - Tiffany & co award), Ohne Titel (2011 nominee), Pamela Love (2011 nominee), Simon Spurr (2009 nominee, men’s ready-to-wear), Sophie Théallet (2009 winner, women’s ready-to-wear).
Founded in 2003, the CFDA/ Vogue Fashion Fund aims to support emerging designers working in the U.S.. Each year, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Awards give out cash prizes and management support by industry professionals (such as Mark Lee, Domenico de Sole, etc.). Since 2010, the first prize has been a $300,000 dollars (with a possible additional $100,000) while the two "tie" places receive $100,000 dollars each. Since its inception, the program has awarded a total of $2.3 million. In addition to the aforementioned winners, it has produced winners such as Alexander Wang, Doo-Ri, Proenza Schouler, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Derek Lam, Philip Crangi, Rodarte, Thakoon, Thom Browne and Vena Cava.