French designer wins America's leading prize for emerging designers
Sophie Theallet was announced the winner of this year's CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund awards in New York November 16.
Bestowed by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and American Vogue, the prize is worth $200,000 to develop the designer's collection as well as one year of mentoring by industry professionals.
The New York-based designer was previously endorsed by US First Lady Michelle Obama, who wore Theallet's feminine dresses - belted as always - on three occasions during her Europe trip this summer.
Runners-up, sustainable fine jewelry designer Monique Pean and menswear designer Patrick Ervell, each received $50,000.
Former winners of the prestigious fashion fund, now in its sixth year, include 2008's Alexander Wang whose career has taken off since. Wang also won this year's Swiss Textiles Award.
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