The 2025 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund has officially crowned Ashlynn Park of Ashlyn as the winner after a competitive journey that began in June. Last week, Park also took home the prestigious Emerging Designer of the Year award at the CFDA Fashion Awards. The announcement of her win was made by model Alex Consani at an exclusive dinner hosted by Isha Ambani, Zac Posen, Anna Wintour, and Chloe Malle. As the winner, Park will receive $300,000 along with mentorship from an industry expert to help grow her label, which she established in 2020. Despite this being her second time applying for the Fund, Park’s victory came at the perfect moment. In an interview with Vogue earlier this year, she expressed her initial doubts about her brand’s early stages, highlighting her concerns about her age, experience, and background in pattern-making.
The runners-up for the Fund are Stephanie Suberville of Heirlome, a New York-based designer who kickstarted her career at Rag & Bone before graduating from Parsons in 2008, and Julian Louie of Aubero, a California native turned Brooklynite who delved into fashion with his eponymous womenswear brand in 2009. Both Suberville and Louie will receive $100,000 grants to support their respective projects.
Anna Wintour emphasized the exceptional talent present in American fashion, referencing previous winners Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez’s success with their Loewe debut in Paris. Steven Kolb, the CEO of the CFDA, highlighted the Fund’s mission of providing emerging designers with the necessary support to establish enduring businesses and contribute to the growth and creativity of American fashion.
The diversity of talent in American fashion was notably showcased by this year’s winners. Park, originally from South Korea, Suberville, a Mexican descent, and Louie, a third-generation Chinese American, each bring a unique perspective to their work. Park is recognized for her impeccable cutting and effortless style in her designs, while Suberville aims to uplift Latin American artisans through her label, Heirlome. Louie’s focus on craftsmanship stems from his family’s background in clothing care, instilling a deep appreciation for materiality in his work.
Despite all being relatively new labels, these designers collectively possess over a decade of industry experience. Park honed her skills as a pattern maker for Yohji Yamamoto and Alexander Wang before launching her own brand. Suberville continued her journey at Elizabeth & James after Rag & Bone, balancing her role at Heirlome with creative director responsibilities elsewhere. Louie’s consultancy and design work for brands like Amiri laid the foundation for Aubero’s inception.
The success of these designers reflects the Fund’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in American fashion. Their unique backgrounds, experiences, and dedication to their craft set them apart in the competitive landscape of the industry, promising a bright future ahead for each of their burgeoning labels.
