CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalists Announced
The CFDA continues into its 16th year for the annual Fashion Fund program that sets to provide financial and mentorship aid to rising American designers. In partnership with Vogue, this year’s nominees were announced this week and will meet regularly with a selection committee until the winner and two runners up are declared November 4th. What’s on the line? A $400,000 grand prize, with two runners up winning $150,000 and mentorship from established designers and industry experts. This year’s finalists are Abdul Abasi and Greg Rosborough of Abasi Rosborough, Alejandra Alonso Rojas, Victor Barragan of Barragán, Christopher John Rogers, Hillary Taymour for Collina Strada, Danielle Hirsch for Danielle Frankel, Raffaella Hanley for Lou Dallas, Siying Qu and Haoran Li for Private Policy, Reese Cooper, and Tre By Natalie Ratabesi.
Opening Ceremony to Spotlight Mexican Designers
Retail haven Opening Ceremony has always highlighted emerging talents from around the world and this year have elected Mexican designers to be featured across OC stores and online. America’s neighboor to the South will provide goods created by local Mexican artisans as well as pieces from established designers like Barragán, Equihua, Turbo, Roberto Sanchez, Zii Ropa, Le Jesus, Tuza Jewelry, Carla Fernandez, and Contorno México.
Ralph Lauren Receives Honorary Knighthood
Designer Ralph Lauren has won many an accolade but his latest might top the list. The American design icon received an honorary KBE knighthood or Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire from Prince Charles the week for his services to fashion. But don’t call him “Sir Ralph” – as Lauren is an American citizen, his knighthood is just honorary but nonetheless monumental in its recognition. The ceremony at Buckingham Palace honors the Ralph Lauren Corporation charity work raising funding for treating and curing cancer.
Farfetch, Facebook and Others to Launch Blockchain Platform
The platform, called Libra Association, will utilize blockchain technology for e-commerce, introducing a new cryptocurrency called Libra, as well. Facebook, Andreessen Horowitz, Uber, eBay, and Spotify are launching the platform with Farfetch come early 2020. [Vogue Business]
The Late Karl Lagerfeld was Remembered During “Karl for Ever” at the Grand Palais
Inside the Grand Palais where Karl Lagerfled often held his extravagant Chanel shows, “Karl for Ever” brought together many of the heads of the industry and celebrities to honor the late designer who passed away at the age of 85 earlier this year. The Lagerfeld-sized tribute was put on by opera director Robert Carsen. In addition to the images of Karl that adorned the walls of the space and video of the iconic designer, performances by Tilda Swinton, Cara Delevingne, Pharrell Williams and others served as moving commemorations from and amongst friends and peers. [WWD]
Menswear Hits Paris and Vetements Put a Show on in McDonald’s
Paris is alive with the sounds of Spring 2020 menswear shows. Murmurs from the FROW could be heard across town this week from runways by Jil Sander or Vetements’ (in a McDonald’s, no really) or the toast of the town, Virgil Abloh and his double-header shows for Off-White and Louis Vuitton. Rick Owens had a rebellious ode to his Mexican-American heritage and Kim Jones made time stop for Dior Men. Fashion week will continue until Sunday ending with Hedi Slimane’s Celine show. For the full schedule click here.
