Greg Chait

Whether it's launching new programs like the sustainability committee, or adding 32 new designers as reported in today's WWD, lately it's all about growth for the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

The partnership that gave us Prabal Gurung and Joseph Altuzarra at accessible price points is back. For the third year in a row, J.Crew is partnering with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund to bring industry-recognized excellent design to the masses. Here's a sneak peek at what Greg Chait of The Elder Statesman, Tabitha Simmons and Jennifer Meyer have designed for J.Crew.

When Greg Chait of The Elder Statesman was named the winner of the ninth CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund we're not gonna lie--we were a little surprised. His line of luxurious hand-spun cashmere blankets and knits beat out bigger brands with more buzz like SUNO, Wes Gordon, and even Voguette Tabitha Simmons. So who is Greg Chait and how did he manage to snag one of the most prestigious awards in fashion? We caught Chait on the phone yesterday before he headed back out to Los Angeles, where his five-year-old line is based, to ask him. From interning with Whitney Houston to making blankets, Chait's journey into the fashion industry may not have been direct but it just won him $300,000 and some serious recognition.

The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund has named its latest round of winners.