Have Style, Will Travel! American Designers Take Over Paris With the CFDA

At the stylish Vesper restaurant in Paris, adorned with floral wallpapers and showcasing midcentury-modern art, a distinguished group of America’s most talented fashion figures gathered. The occasion was CFDA’s Americans in Paris cocktail event, celebrating the collection of designers that the organization presented in the City of Light. Hosts Chloe Malle, Eva Chen, Aurora James, Amelia Gray, Christopher John Rogers, and Rachel Scott navigated the room, warmly greeting designers and longtime acquaintances.

“Visiting Paris for Americans in Paris is always a delight,” said CFDA CEO Steven Kolb to Vogue. “We come from a highly creative background in the States, and being able to showcase that here is truly special. The designers we’ve brought represent a mix of current CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists and alumni. Enjoying some champagne while showcasing exquisite designs is a lot of fun.”

The event also marked the debut of the Americans in Paris showroom, open by appointment this weekend. Designers such as Kate Barton, Jane Wade, Taylor Thompson, 5000, Meruert Tolegen, and Lauren Harwell Godfrey were in attendance. “Paris is Paris, and I’m thrilled about that,” jewelry designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey remarked to Vogue, laughing. “Plus, it’s wonderful to reconnect with CFDA and Vogue. I participated in the Fashion Fund in 2023 during the thick of COVID—we didn’t get the chance to do this then. It’s fantastic to be back.”

As champagne glasses clinked, the bustling room filled with more American designers mingling with brand friends, editors, and buyers—a precious opportunity to reconnect amidst a frenzied show schedule.

New York–based street-style photographer Martin Romero documented the scenes. “Paris seems to be the final city where everyone is just enjoying themselves, and it feels like a mini-reunion,” he shared. “You see friends from all over the globe, including old pals from the Philippines, where I’m from, many of whom have traveled here.” With Paris Fashion Week still in full swing, the toasting and celebration of American talent continued unabated.