Queer Designer Telfar Wins CFDA/ Vogue Fashion Fund

Last night, Telfar was announced as the winner of the prestigious CFDA/ Vogue Fashion Fund, meaning the queer designer is taking home the grand prize of $400,000. The two runners-up, queer label Chromat and eyewear brand Ahlem, each walked away with $150,000.

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The designer, Telfar Clemens, has been creating collections for his unisex label since 2005. His clothes are simple yet purposeful, respresenting a sort of "new normal" for the modern, savvy consumer. This year, he redesigned the uniforms of fast food chain White Castle, supplying new garb for 10,000 employees.

Chromat, meanwhile, represents a futuristic, uber-clean, architectural approach to swim and athletic-wear. Ahlem, who is French and based in Venice Beach, California, offers eyewear that's chic and highly approachable to the mass market consumer.

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As well as their new funds, each brand will have the opportunity to pick the industry figure of their choice as a mentor for the future of their brand. Other finalists for the prize included Vaquera, Dyne, Victor Glemaud, Jordan Askill, Mateo New York, RTA, and Sandy Liang.