The Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue magazine have announced the 10 finalists for the eighth annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund initiative, which provides financial support and business mentorship to emerging designers. Fashion and entrepreneurs…right up my alley!

The 2011 finalists are:

Antonio Azzuolo of AA
Joseph Altuzarra of Altuzarra
Carlos Campos of Carlos Campos
Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters of Creatures of the Wind
Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs of Cushnie et Ochs
Soraya Silchenstedt of Finn Jewelry
Dana Lorenz of Fenton/Fallon
Alexa Adams and Flora Gill of Ohne Titel
Pamela Love of Pamela Love
Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty of Suno

At the end of this month, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Selection Committee will meet with each finalist to review their current collections and conduct interviews. Then, committee members will visit each finalist’s design studio.

Also, finalists will create one-of-a-kind looks for a fashion show at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angles in October. The winner and two runners-up will be announced at a splashy gala in New York City on Nov. 14.

Altuzarra, Pamela Love, and Ohne Titel have all made the shortlist before. I’m rooting for Altuzarra.

I’m especially fond of the label’s Spring 2011 collection, which was inspired by Julie Mehretu’s abstract paintings. The clothes have a futuristic vibe without being unwearable.

Check out the collection here.

~M.M.