CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Crowns 3 Winners

Pictured, from left: Jonathan Simkhair, Aurora James (Brother Vellies) and Rio Uribe (Gypsy Sport) photographed by Jeff Henrikson for Vogue (via Vogue.com)

The most anticipated prize for emerging American fashion designers, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund has been awarded to not one, but three winners this year.

Rather than having a main a laureate and two runner-ups, the selection committee, led by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, designer Diane von Furstenberg, and CFDA president Steven Kolb, broke all the rules and decided to give the coveted $300,000 prize to three equally-deserving winners.

The lucky honorees are Aurora James, for her footwear line Brother Vellies, Rio Uribe, designer of the queer streetwear label Gypsy Sport, and womenswear designer Jonathan Simkhai. Each will receive a $300,000 check to invest in their respective labels, as well as a year-long mentorship with a fashion industry veteran to help them develop their business.

Over the past four months, the shortlisted designers have faced a number of challenges before the final showdown, which took place at the Chateau Marmont, in LA, on November 2.

This is the first time that the prize will be shared between three designers. Previous winners included the likes of Alexander Wang, Joseph Altuzarra, and Public School.