The CFDA is quite proud of the variety in its Fashion Fund finalists this year – with good reason. A green designer (John Patrick of Organic, natch), a milliner (Albertus Quartus – whose design for Proenza Schouler Fall 2007 is shown) and a jewelry designer (Irene Neuwirth) are all included on the short list for the prize.

While the CFDA also touts that two of its finalists are non-New Yorkers, we could only find a few designers who were born or started out in California, none who were based there now.

As a refresher, the rest of the finalists include Richard Chai, Jason Wu, Alexander Wang, Alejandro Ingelmo, Juan Carlos Obando, Swaim and Christina Hutson of Obedient Sons & Daughters and Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock of Vena Cava.

This month, the CFDA Fashion Fund selection committee – comprised of Diane von Furstenberg, Kolb and associate director Lisa Smilor, Vogue’s Anna Wintour and Sally Singer, Barneys New York’s Julie Gilhart, Coach’s Reed Krakoff, Jeffrey Kalinsky of Jeffrey New York and Nordstrom, Gap’s Patrick Robinson and Theory’s Andrew Rosen – will meet with each of the finalists to interview them and go through their collections.

All finalists receive guidance from the Business Advisory Committee. Advice from fashion high-rollers like Calvin Klein Inc.’s Tom Murry, Diane von Furstenberg’s Paula Sutter, Rockwood Management Group’s Josh Sparks, Cole Haan’s James Seuss, Liz Claiborne Inc.’s David McTague, Creative Design Studio’s Susan Davidson, Kellwood Co.’s George Sokolowski and Phillips Nizer’s Monte Engler is no small prize in itself.

In the coming weeks we’ll be profiling each of the designers nominated, so keep checking back!

Winners will be announced on Nov. 17.

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