The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has recently announced the exciting addition of 12 new members, bringing the total membership count to 452. This year, the CFDA board of directors took charge of the admissions process and carefully selected designers who have actively participated in CFDA programs and possess a creative vision that resonates with the Board. Among the notable new members are Autumn Adeigbo, Abrima Erwiah of Studio One Eighty Nine, Claudia Li, Christopher John Rogers, Hillary Taymour of Collina Strada, Jonathan Cohen, Kenneth Nicholson, LaQuan Smith, Marina Moscone, Mike Eckhaus and Zoe Latta of Eckhaus Latta, and Willy Chavarria.
This decision to welcome new members comes after a year in 2020 when the CFDA made the choice not to add any new designers to its membership. CFDA CEO Steven Kolb expressed great pride in extending a warm welcome to this group of talented designers, emphasizing their diverse skills and contributions to the fashion industry. According to Kolb, these designers exemplify the future of American fashion and play a significant role in shaping its trajectory.
In addition to the new members, the CFDA also introduced a fresh two-tier membership program. The first tier, known as the associate member tier, is designed for existing CFDA Members who have not released a fashion collection for three or more years but are still in good standing. The second tier, the interim member tier, is set to be introduced in October and will serve as a pathway for early emerging designer brands to eventually become CFDA members. To qualify for this tier, designers must have been in business for at least one year and have annual sales that do not exceed $2 million.
The implementation of these new membership tiers underscores the CFDA’s commitment to address and support the various needs of designers throughout their careers. By providing opportunities for designers at different stages of their journey, the CFDA aims to ensure they receive the necessary support and resources to thrive in the fashion industry.
With the inclusion of these 12 exceptional new members and the introduction of the new membership tiers, the CFDA continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the fashion industry. Its dedication to fostering creativity, diversity, and innovation in American fashion remains unwavering. However, the CFDA’s efforts are not solely focused on promoting individual designers; they also encompass strengthening the industry as a whole. By nurturing and uplifting talented designers, the CFDA contributes to the overall growth and success of the fashion community.
Useful Links:
1. CFDA Official Website
2. CFDA Resources
