Get to Know the 2009 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Nominees

This year's ten CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists have just been announced — they range from the eco-conscious (Monique Pean, Alabama Chanin) to cobblers (Esquivel Shoes) to straight-up womenswear designers (Sophie Theallet, Wayne, Ohne Titel, Gary Graham). Anna Wintour noted, “We had very strong applicant pool this year, particularly among the jewelers". The winner and runners-up, who are bestowed with cash prizes and industry mentorship, will be announced Nov. 16 at the annual gala. Take a closer look at four of the finalists…….


Sophie Theallet
Azzedine Alaia's right-hand woman for ten years, Sophie Theallet's two season-old line is free-flowing, free-spirited, and has earned a fan in Michelle Obama, who has worn the label multiple times. Sophietheallet.com

Monique Pean
2009 Ecco Domini winner Monique Pean started out as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs, but now focuses on her stone-based high-end jewelry line, exclusively using recycled gold, conflict-free diamonds, fair trade natural stones, and sustainable ivory. Moniquepean.com

Gary Graham

Gary Graham opened his first boutique, inspired by a Victorian lab, late last year in New York; it houses mannequins with bear heads and claw hands sporting his romantic, historically silhouetted pieces. Garygrahamnyc.com

Wayne

Designer Wayne Lee is a former buyer at Barneys New York and a 2008 Ecco Domini Fashion Foundation winner — her contemporary line is "inspired by punk music and science fiction" and experiments with technology like coated feathers, industrial metals, and synthetic leathers. Waynenyc.com