Zane Li, founder of New York‑based label Lii, was announced as the 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner, securing a $300,000 grant and industry mentorship.
Key Takeaways
- Zane Li of Lii won the 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, receiving $300,000 and mentorship.
- The prize marks Li’s third major award in 2026, following wins at the Fashion Trust U.S. and LVMH Karl Lagerfeld Prize.
- Runners‑up Emily Dawn Long and Aisling Camps each earned $100,000, highlighting diverse talent in graphic tees and knitwear.
- The Material Innovation Challenge pushed finalists toward bio‑based, cruelty‑free fabrics, reflecting the industry’s sustainability push.
The announcement took place Tuesday night at The Crane Club in Manhattan, hosted by Tory Burch, CFDA chair Thom Browne, Vogue’s Chloe Malle and Anna Wintour.
Li’s win brings a $300,000 cash award and a structured mentorship with senior industry executives, designed to help him scale production, marketing and retail.
This victory caps a year in which Li already earned the Fashion Trust U.S. Ready‑to‑Wear Award in April and the Karl Lagerfeld Prize at the LVMH ceremony in September.
Runners‑up Emily Dawn Long and Aisling Camps each received $100,000; Long’s “Spoiled Boys” tees have graced male celebrities, while Camps, a Trinidadian‑born engineer, debuted knitwear at NYFW.
The 2026 Fund also featured a Material Innovation Challenge with Humane World for Animals, urging finalists to develop bio‑based, cruelty‑free fabrics, reflecting the industry’s sustainability push.
Since its 2001 launch, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund has supported around 200 designers with over $8.2 million in aid, including alumni like Proenza Schouler and Christopher John Rogers.
Li plans to use the funding to expand production capacity, enhance his e‑commerce platform and pursue further material innovation, while the mentorship will guide him from runway acclaim to steady sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund provide to its winner?
The winner receives a $300,000 cash award and a mentorship program with established fashion executives to help grow the business.
Who were the runners‑up in the 2026 competition?
Emily Dawn Long and Aisling Camps were named runners‑up, each receiving $100,000 to support their respective labels.
What was the focus of the Material Innovation Challenge?
The challenge encouraged designers to create sustainable, bio‑based textiles in partnership with Humane World for Animals.
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