The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund competition for 2025 has taken a groundbreaking turn this year, with a new focus on adaptive fashion. The challenge was unveiled during the annual competition, where the ten finalists were paired with muses from Tilting the Lens, an accessibility and inclusion consultancy founded by Sinéad Burke. Each designer was tasked with creating a look that embodies their brand but also incorporates adaptive capabilities, highlighting the importance of inclusive design in modern luxury fashion.
Sinéad Burke, who served as a guest judge for the challenge, emphasized the significance of understanding what adaptive fashion truly means. She explained that historically, adaptive fashion has been seen as catering specifically to disabled individuals, but in reality, everyone can benefit from more accessible and inclusive design. By partnering with muses who have different disabilities, identities, and careers, the designers are aiming to shift the perception of luxury fashion towards creating better fashion for all.
Tommy Hilfiger, a sponsor and guest judge for the competition, played a key role in launching this initiative. As a pioneer in adaptive design, Hilfiger’s brand has been at the forefront of investing in this space since 2016. He expressed his excitement for the inclusive and barrier-breaking nature of the challenge, noting that many designers have yet to fully engage with adaptive fashion.
Over the next few weeks, the designers will work closely with their muses in New York City to complete fittings and ultimately present their final look in a Vogue photo shoot. Tilting the Lens will be on hand to provide guidance and support, helping the designers navigate the complexities of adaptive design while celebrating the uniqueness of their muses.
The process kicked off with a meet-and-greet event at Nine Orchard’s rooftop greenhouse, where the designer-muse pairs had the opportunity to connect, share personal stories, and begin brainstorming their approach to inclusive design. The finalists include Ashlynn Park of Ashlyn, Julian Louie of Aubero, Bach Mai, Bernard James, Ashley Moubayed of Don’t Let Disco, Gabe Gordon and Timothy Gibbons of Gabe Gordon, Stephanie Suberville of Heirlome, Jamie Okuma, Meruert Tolegen, and Peter Do.
As the competition unfolds, it is clear that adaptive fashion is taking center stage, challenging the industry to embrace inclusivity and diversity in a new and impactful way.
