Selena Gomez was ElleMexico’s August 2011 cover girl.  She looked all grown up in a purple Altuzarra top and pants, and a bronze belt with exotic tassles from Gucci.  The hat was the exclamation point on her look.  This was a style evolution of the actress, from teen star to young starlet.  I am pleased she was dressed more maturely, without revealing skin.  Her fashion choices are clearly evolving as she gets older.

Eva Mendes in Christian Cota

Nicole Richie in Missoni and Frederic Fekkai

Rachel Zoe and Finalist, Prabal Gurung

CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund held its runway show yesterday in Los Angeles at The Chateau Marmont.  Among the finalists showing were Joseph Altuzarra, Pamela Love, Prabal Gurung, Christian Cota, Moss Lipow, Gregory Parkinson and Eddie Borgo.  The audience included Eva Mendes, Nicole Richie, Frederic Fekkai and Rachel Zoe; they came out to show their support to the newer talent on the fashion block.  Mendes wore Christian Cota to the event; any guesses where she’s lending her support?  Fekkai was responsible for the hair backstage, someone has to style the hair to go with the gorgeous designs.  This fulfilled the runway portion of the competition, a final decision will be made on November 15th.  The winner gets bragging rights and a $200,000 cash prize.  That’s quite an incentive.

Related: CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalists

The names of the finalists for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund have been announced.  These designers are in contention for a $200,000 cash prize for the winner, and two $50,000 awards to the two runner-ups.  In addition to the monetary awards, mentoring from a veteran within the industry is also at stake.  We will have to wait until November 15th to find out who the winners will be, but feel free to check out the list and choose your favorite. 

CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalists:

ALTUZARRA – Joseph Altuzarra

BILLY REID – Billy Reid

CHRISTIAN COTA – Christian Cota

EDDIE BORGO – Eddie Borgo

GREGORY PARKINSON – Gregory Parkinson

LODEN DAGER – Oliver Helden and Paul Marlow

MOSS LIPOW – Moss Lipow

PAMELA LOVE JEWELRY – Pamela Love

PRABAL GURUNG – Prabal Gurung

ROBERT GELLER – Robert Geller

Prabal Gurung Fall 2010

Jason Wu Fall 2010

Altuzarra Fall 2010

Prabal Gurung - Prabal is a new designer who debuted his first collection in New York  for Fall 2009.  His Fall 2010 collection was extremely strong, and if it’s any indication of his future work, we are excited to see what else he has in store.  If you’re in the market for desireable sportswear, then take a look at this label.  His collection can be found at Bloomingdale’s.

Jason Wu – Jason is the veteran in this group.  He dresses many big name clients, and most notable would be First Lady Michelle Obama.  Wu’s style is the more elegant of the nominees, and you can see that in his beautiful dresses.  His collection is sold in Bergdorfs and Saks Fifth Avenue.   

Joseph Altuzarra – Meet the other newcomer of the group, and another big talent.  Altuzarra’s Fall 2010 collection was rocker chic and sexy; his style is more avant garde.  There’s still so much to learn about this young designer, and we can’t wait to find out in his designs.  His ready-to-wear collection can be found at Barneys New York.