Watch The Fashion Fund

The Fashion Fund is a reality television series that aired on Ovation in 2014. It revolves around the annual fashion design competition of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), where up-and-coming fashion designers from across the United States compete for a $300,000 prize and a mentorship under a fashion industry veteran.

Throughout the show's ten-episode run, viewers are introduced to ten designers who embark on a multi-month journey that covers four stages of the competition: application, interview, the design challenge, and the runway show. Viewers are also exposed to the behind-the-scenes workings of the CFDA and the judging process, while getting an insider's look at how top industry leaders like Anna Wintour, Diane von Furstenberg, Jenna Lyons, and Steven Kolb mentor young designers and guide them towards becoming the next big thing in fashion.

At the center of the series are the three industry veterans who act as mentors for the ten competing designers: Matt Baldwin, founder of men's and women's clothing line Baldwin; Scott Studenberg, co-founder of women's fashion label Baja East; and John Targon, co-founder of the fashion brand Baja East. The three mentors are tasked with helping their assigned designers create looks that embody their personal aesthetic while also pushing the fashion envelope. They critique fits, textiles, and colors, and give advice on styling and accessories, all while keeping in mind what buyers and consumers will really be drawn to.

The competition is fierce, and the designers are pushed to their limits as they are tasked with creating looks based on various challenges. These challenges range from sustainable fashion and classic European couture to cultural landmarks and New York City street style. The designers must not only meet the demands of each challenge but also have a cohesive collection ready for the final runway show. As the designers progress through the competition, they also face criticism from the judges, who are fashion industry insiders such as fashion editors, industry executives, and fashion icons.

In addition to the high-pressure challenges, viewers are able to see the personal and emotional sides of the designers as they weave in and out of the competition. The series shows their struggles with insecurities, anxiety, and the pressure to stand out in an incredibly competitive industry. The Fashion Fund is not just a competition, but a story of growth, self-discovery, and transformation.

Overall, The Fashion Fund is an exciting and inspiring series that provides a glimpse into the glamorous and notoriously challenging world of fashion design. With a diverse array of contestants and judges, this show will appeal to anyone interested in fashion, entrepreneurship, or the creative process.