Council of Fashion Designers of America

Summary

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing the growth and influence of American fashion and supporting both established and emerging fashion designers. Founded in 1962, the CFDA plays a pivotal role in shaping the industry by providing resources, mentorship, and advocacy that enable designers to thrive locally and internationally. Its focus on sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity underscores the organization’s commitment to evolving fashion, reflecting modern values while maintaining economic competitiveness. By fostering a collaborative network and championing progressive policies, the CFDA strengthens the presence of American fashion on the global stage, ensuring it remains a key player in the fashion narrative.

History

Founded in 1962 by Eleanor Lambert who believed in the potential of American fashion and spent more than seventy years tirelessly creating the institutions, the legends and the spectacular fashion events that put American fashion on the world fashion map, CFDA is known for having transformed the way the world views and experiences fashion.

Hailing from the world of art in the Twenties and Thirties, Lambert was instrumental in the staging of major American fashion events worldwide, particularly the 1973 “Battle of Versailles”. One of the most prolific publicists in fashion, interior design and other areas of the arts and philanthropy in addition to being a pioneer in bringing American fashion to its current stature, she received the CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award in 1988 and the CFDA Industry Tribute Award in 1993 before passing away at the age of hundred.

Today, the not-for-profit trade association has a membership of over four hundred of America’s leading womenswear, menswear, jewellery and accessory designers. The CFDA also launched Fashion Manufacturing Initiative, an investment fund to help revitalise New York City’s garment industry. The program reportedly offers matching financial grants to New York City’s fashion manufacturing production facilities.

Mission

The CFDA’s mission to strengthen the impact of American fashion in the global economy is driven by a commitment to empowering fashion designers and fostering growth within the industry. This organization aims to position American fashion as a leader in global markets by supporting designers with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. Through strategic partnerships, grants, mentorship programs, and networking events, the CFDA helps designers expand their reach and develop business acumen, ensuring they are equipped to compete on an international scale. The organization’s focus is on bridging the gap between creativity and commerce, making sure that American talent stands out not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its economic prowess.

To fulfill its mission, the CFDA emphasizes innovation, adaptability, and collaboration. By advocating for policies that benefit the fashion industry, such as fair trade practices and supportive legislation, the CFDA works to create a favorable environment for designers to thrive in a competitive global marketplace. Moreover, it invests in the future of fashion by supporting educational initiatives and fostering partnerships that drive technological advancements and sustainable practices. The CFDA’s dedication to these areas ensures that American fashion continues to evolve, remaining influential and resilient in a rapidly changing world, while also contributing significantly to the global economy.

Vision

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) envisions American fashion as a vibrant and inclusive industry that champions creativity and innovation while reflecting the diverse fabric of the nation. At the core of its vision lies the commitment to nurturing and promoting the work of both established and emerging designers, ensuring that they have the resources, guidance, and platforms necessary to thrive in a global market. The CFDA believes that fashion is not just an industry but an essential part of cultural expression and identity, influencing and drawing inspiration from the diverse backgrounds, stories, and experiences found across the United States.

Sustainability and responsible practices are integral to CFDA’s vision for the future of American fashion. By supporting designers who prioritize environmentally friendly methods, the organization aims to lead the charge toward a more conscious fashion ecosystem. This includes advocating for reduced waste, ethical sourcing of materials, and innovative production techniques that align with global sustainability goals. CFDA’s dedication to sustainability reflects an understanding that the fashion industry must adapt to pressing environmental concerns while maintaining its position as a leader in creativity and commerce.

Beyond its environmental focus, CFDA’s vision includes fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the American fashion landscape. By connecting fashion designers with industry experts, retail partners, and educational opportunities, the CFDA aims to build a robust network that elevates all members. Additionally, the organization seeks to advance policies that promote equity and inclusion, ensuring that the industry is accessible and representative of all voices. Through initiatives that empower marginalized groups and provide a platform for diverse perspectives, the CFDA envisions an American fashion industry that is as dynamic and multifaceted as the people it serves.

Services

The CFDA Foundation, Inc. a separate not-for-profit organization, was created to raise funds for charitable causes. Through the Foundation, the CFDA created and manages Fashion Targets Breast Cancer; raises funds for HIV and AIDS organizations; addresses the issue of model health with The CFDA Health Initiative; and is a key participant in other programs such as the annual, supremely popular Fashion’s Night Out.

The. association is acclaimed for hosting the annual CFDA Fashion Awards which celebrates excellence in fashion design. Nominations are proposed by the Fashion Guild, a group of over 1,500 CFDA members, fashion editors, retailers, and stylists. And, award winners are decided on and declared at an annual black-tie event held in New York City.

In February 2021, the association developed IMPACT, a multi-faceted initiative to create opportunities for historically underrepresented and unsupported communities in fashion. IMPACT identifies, connects, supports, and nurtures Black and Brown creatives and professionals in fashion, furthering CFDA’s mission to advance American fashion by including diverse talent in every facet of the industry’s ecosystem.

Of equal importance is CDFA Fashion Incubator, a business development program to assist the next generation of fashion designers in New York. The program provides a creative professional environment with the mission of helping to grow and sustain the businesses of the 10 participating brands throughout the two-year program. By providing low-cost design studio space, business mentoring, educational seminars, and networking opportunities, the program provides a way for participants to reach their full potential and become an integral part of the New York Fashion community.

The CFDA Foundation, Inc. is a separate, not-for-profit organized to mobilize the membership to raise funds for charitable causes. Through the Foundation, the CFDA created and manages the worldwide Fashion Targets Breast Cancer initiative; raises funds for HIV/AIDS organizations with events such as Fashion’s Night Out and 7th on Sale and addresses the issue of model health with The CFDA Health Initiative. Yet another important development by the association is the CFDA Scholarship Fund which is designed to support exemplary fashion talent.

Currently helmed by Steven Kolb, the Council of fashion Designers Of America continues to invest in the fashion ecosystem with the goal to award scholarships estimated at $500,000 to under- represented student design talent, therefore building a more inclusive, just and equitable future of Fashion.

Key Team

The Council of Fashion Designers of America Chairman is Steven Kolb while board members include Tracy Reese, Vera Wang, Stan Herman, Stacey Bendet, Dao-Yi Chow, Prabal Gurung, Tommy Hilfiger, Norma Kamali, Michael Kors, Reed Krakoff, Ralph Lauren, Ashley Olsen, Italo Zucchelli, Diane von Furstenberg, Virgil Abloh, Maria Cornejo, Kerby Jean-Raymond and Carly Cushnie.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Fashion_Designers_of_America
https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/technology/the-cfda-launches-metaverse-education-programme/
https://www.gq.com/story/cfda-vogue-fashion-fund-coronavirus-relief
https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/news-analysis/tom-ford-steps-down-as-cfda-chair/
https://www.gq.com/about/cfda
https://wwd.com/fashion-news/designer-luxury/thom-browne-next-chairman-of-the-cfda-1235383420/
https://www.vogue.com/video/series/cfda-vogue-fashion-fund
https://www.vogue.com/article/cfda-vogue-fashion-fund-2021-designers
https://www.voguebusiness.com/fashion/diverse-and-daring-cfda-vogue-fashion-fund-names-2022-finalists
https://cfda.com/education