Zane Li Wins 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund: Lii Designer Takes $300,000 Prize

Zane Li, the designer behind the New York-based womenswear label Lii, has been named the 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner. The honor comes with a $300,000 award and industry mentorship, capping a successful year for the emerging designer.

The announcement was made Tuesday night at a celebratory dinner at The Crane Club in New York. The event was hosted by Tory Burch, CFDA Chairman Thom Browne, Vogue Head of Editorial Content Chloe Malle, and Anna Wintour.

The win marks Li’s third major cash prize of 2026. He was previously recognized at the Fashion Trust U.S. Ready-to-Wear Awards in April and received the Karl Lagerfeld Prize at the LVMH Prize ceremony in Paris.

Born in Chongqing and now based in New York, Li has quickly gained industry attention since launching Lii in 2024. The latest honor adds to that momentum while providing financial support at a crucial stage in the development of his business.

Zane Li Takes Home the $300,000 Grand Prize

As the 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner, Li will receive $300,000 alongside mentorship from established industry professionals. The award is designed to help emerging designers strengthen their businesses and navigate the commercial demands of building independent fashion labels.

Li’s recognition follows a rapid rise through the fashion industry. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, he has secured multiple distinctions within a relatively short period, positioning Lii among the emerging labels attracting attention from influential fashion institutions.

However, the designer has also been open about the challenges that come with running a young brand. During the finalist process, Li identified the business side of fashion as one of the most difficult aspects of his work.

“The business side [is the difficult part],” he said, explaining how considerations involving income, revenue, losses, and spending can transform a creative passion into a demanding job.

Li also emphasized the freedom that comes with running his own label, including the ability to make decisions about runway-show music, presentation spaces, and the styles he wants to sell. That balance between creative control and commercial responsibility remains central to the experience of building an independent fashion business.

Emily Dawn Long and Aisling Camps Named Runners-Up

The competition also recognized Emily Dawn Long and Aisling Camps as this year’s runners-up. Both designers will receive $100,000 to support the continued growth of their respective labels.

Long has attracted attention for her “Spoiled Boys” T-shirts, which have appeared on male celebrities throughout the summer. The designs have helped bring visibility to her label through a recognizable concept that connects fashion with celebrity culture.

Camps, a Trinidadian-born engineer-turned-knitwear designer, made her official runway debut at New York Fashion Week in September. Her technical background informs her approach to knitwear, offering her a distinctive perspective within the contemporary fashion landscape.

The remaining finalists were Amir Taghi, Terrence Zhou of Bad Binch TongTong, Jamie Haller, Julia Ferentinos of Juju Vera, George Inaki of Milamore, Claire Sullivan of Miss Claire Sullivan, and Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen.

In a statement, Browne underscored the importance of supporting designers with distinct creative identities.

“The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund is an important reminder of why we must continue to champion original voices and true creativity,” the CFDA chairman said.

He added that the finalists’ individuality makes American fashion compelling and that supporting their futures remains an industry responsibility.

This Year’s Finalists Explore Material Innovation

Beyond the awards, the 2026 competition included a Material Innovation Challenge in partnership with Humane World for Animals. The initiative invited finalists to explore innovative bio-based textiles that could help advance more sustainable and cruelty-free approaches to fashion.

The challenge reflects the growing interest in alternative materials and new production methods across the industry. It also gave participating designers an opportunity to consider how material innovation can contribute to the future of their businesses.

The 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund was supported by Bloomingdale’s, Humane World for Animals, Instagram, Nordstrom, and Vogue. Its selection committee included Browne, Malle, Nicole Phelps, Aurora James, Christopher John Rogers, Eva Chen, Paloma Elsesser, Denise Magid, and Yumi Shin.

A Key Platform for Emerging American Designers

Established following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund was created to support emerging designers and cultivate the next generation of American fashion talent.

Since its inception, the program has supported approximately 200 designers and provided more than $8.2 million in assistance. Its alumni include Proenza Schouler, Bode, Altuzarra, Billy Reid, Christopher John Rogers, and The Elder Statesman.

Last year, Ashlynn Park received the top prize, while Julian Louie of Aubero and Stephanie Suberville of Heirlome were named runners-up.

For Li, becoming the 2026 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner adds another milestone to an already eventful year. With $300,000 in funding and continued access to industry expertise, the designer now has additional resources to address the financial challenges of running Lii and build on the momentum surrounding his work.

The next stage will be turning that recognition into sustained business growth while maintaining the creative independence that first drew attention to his label.