As up and coming professional in any field can attest, there is much to be benefitted from mentorship and having an environment that fosters growth and that’s exactly one of the mission of CFDA for the young talented American designers; to support the overall growth of American Fashion as a global industry.
Last week while live blogging the Gold Coast Fashion Awards, Wes Gordon who won the fashion show last year and was being honored this year could not accept his award in person because he was enroute to Paris to be a part of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund “Americans in Paris.”
This is the fifth season of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund “Americans in Paris” initiative, with the generous support of Tommy Hilfiger.
“Americans in Paris” was created as a global showcase for emerging American designers. As Paris Fashion Week attracts a wide array of international retailers, the showroom will provide invaluable global exposure for the designers; as well as the sales, marketing and media support necessary to expand their respective businesses.
Ten past CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund designers selected to participate in the shared showroom space were:
A.L.C. – Andrea Lieberman
Esquivel Shoes – George Esquivel
Giulietta – Sofia Sizzi
Illesteva – Daniel Silberman & Justin Salguero
Jennifer Fisher – Jennifer Fisher
Jennifer Meyer – Jennifer Meyer
JC Obando – Juan Carlos Obando
Patrik Ervell – Patrik Ervell
The Elder Statesman – Greg Chait
Wes Gordon – Wes Gordon
Their collections, range from women’s and menswear to eyewear and fine jewelry. International press, buyers and VIPs attending Paris fashion week are invited to visit the showroom. Jennifer Meyer most may know as Tobey McGuire’s wife but her jewelry line is a favorite amongst mag editors and in the know fashionistas and mom. She’s been to Chicago once or twice for trunk shows. Wes Gordon is no stranger to Chicago and they love him at neopolitan. Illestva is a favorite among the fashion crowd, Jena of ChiCityFashion has a few and space519 carries their line.
With large companies like LVMH and Kering snatching up young designers like Nicholas Kirkwood, J.W Anderson, these crop of American designers are sure to catch the eye of not only consumers but investors.
“My own experiences at the beginning of my career inspired my commitment to mentoring, and my strong belief that supporting emerging designers in building sustainable global businesses contributes to the continued success and excitement of our industry.”-Tommy Hilfiger
The weekend also included a dinner hosted by Tommy and wife Dee in honor of the designers at Monsieur Bleu where guests included Vogue’s CYnthia Smith
Now YOU can get in on the action for a chance to win tickets to the Tommy Hilfiger 2014 show. Here’s How:
CFDA is running an Instagram contest inviting followers to post photos sharing their interpretations of the themes “Americans in Paris” and “red, white and blue” using #AmericanInParis.
The winner of the contest will receive tickets to the Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2014 runway show during New York Fashion Week in February, 2014.
*images via Tommy Hilfiger
