Overview

• Ten emerging labels spanning womenswear, menswear, jewelry and accessories have been selected as finalists: Ashlynn Park, Julian Louie, Bach Mai, Bernard James, Ashley Moubayed, Gabe Gordon and Timothy Gibbons, Stephanie Suberville, Jamie Okuma, Meruert Tolegen, and Peter Do.
• The top recipient will secure a $300,000 prize while two runners-up will each earn $100,000, with all finalists receiving one-on-one business coaching.
• A selection committee chaired by Vogue’s Anna Wintour features industry leaders including Eva Chen, Aurora James, Paloma Elsesser, Thom Browne, and Zac Posen.
• On June 12, all ten finalists will take part in Nordstrom’s Secure the Space Challenge for a chance to showcase their collections in select stores.
• Since its launch after 9/11, the fund has backed 189 designers, with women and minority founders representing 41 percent and 40 percent of past recipients respectively.