For the second year in a row as part of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, Nordstrom invited the ten finalists to participate in a mini challenge to see if they have what it takes to “Secure the SPACE.” Launched in 2015, Nordstrom SPACE is an in-store and online boutique dedicated to advanced and emerging designers. Nordstrom SPACE features a cross-category offering of seasonal collections of apparel, shoes, handbags, and accessories, continuously providing newness and inspiring a sense of discovery. SPACE’s mission is to provide a platform for up-and-coming talent while providing an experiential shopping destination for customers, often through unique and custom store installations.

This year’s challenge had the 10 CVFF finalists pitch their collections to the Nordstrom team with the goal of Nordstrom picking up their collection for SPACE. The Nordstrom team that hosted the challenge included Sam Lobban (EVP/GMM, Designer & Apparel), Rickie De Sole (VP, Fashion Director), Jian DeLeon (Men’s Fashion Director) and Janice Jung (Buyer, SPACE).

Nordstrom has been a longstanding underwriter of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund (since 2006) and a continued champion of emerging designers. In recent years, CFDA and Vogue have partnered with Nordstrom to provide CVFF finalists a showcase to highlight their designs and gain retail exposure at the Nordstrom New York City Flagship.

Image credit: Matteo Prandoni/BFA