He’s already dressed the likes of Tracee Ellis Ross, Lizzo and Regina King. Now Christopher John Rogers, the 25 year-old Brooklyn-based designer from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has just won one of the most prestigious prizes in fashion - the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.
‘This is the physical manifestation of the prayers and sacrifices of my forefathers. God, the universe, my family, my TEAM, the judges. Thank you, endlessly,’ he posted on Instagram.
The prize is essentially a turbo-boost for his business - $400,000 and mentoring by a CFDA member - not that he wouldn’t have got there on his own. The brand was already making waves on Instagram, with a little help from his famous fan club.
Rihanna chose his Wiggle dress in clownfish orange for a Fenty Beauty event in Seoul - Rogers described her as ‘freshly cut sashimi’ on social media - while Michelle Obama wore a custom-made Rogers creation – an iridescent trouser suit no less – during her Becoming book tour.
Rogers debuted with his S/S 19 collection that he stitched together in his Brooklyn apartment and, in just three short seasons, has established himself as the designer for punchy takes on eveningwear that will prompt double-takes on the red carpet.
Elaborate taffeta creations, that shined like sweet wrappers on the Spring Studios catwalk, proved that he is the master of volume, while the final three looks of snow white tailoring showed that he could possibly carve out a niche for the cool-girl bride in days to come.
Keep your eyes peeled during awards season is all we'll say. The nominees would do well to wear Christopher John Rogers.
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