The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has recently published its annual report for 2020, providing insight into its efforts to provide assistance to the U.S. fashion industry during the unprecedented circumstances brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. A significant initiative showcased in the report is the transformation of the 2020 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund into a fundraising campaign named A Common Thread, which was launched in March of last year. The primary objective of this campaign was to generate awareness and raise funds to aid individuals within the American fashion community who were heavily impacted by the health crisis. As part of this initiative, the CFDA released a series of videos sharing the stories of those who were adversely affected by the pandemic.
A Common Thread received substantial support from various donors, including a generous contribution of $1 million from Ralph Lauren. The Accessories Council and the CFDA’s joint effort, The Elaine Gold Launch Pad program, provided $250,000 and pledged to match additional donations up to the same value, resulting in a total contribution of $500,000. Additionally, the CFDA’s Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI) partnered with the New York City Economic Development Corporation to donate $500,000 exclusively towards fashion manufacturers and their workforce based in New York City. Amazon Fashion also played a pivotal role by contributing $500,000 and collaborating with Vogue and the CFDA to create a dedicated digital storefront known as Common Threads: Vogue x Amazon Fashion, showcasing the latest collections from American designers.
Noteworthy contributors to A Common Thread included Michael Kors, Kering, the Coach Foundation, Nordstrom, Instagram, Jony Ive, Tom Ford, Tory Burch, Pierre-Yves Roussel, LVMH, Thom Browne New York, and the Natasha and Adar Poonawalla Foundation. In total, the campaign successfully raised $5.1 million, which was then distributed among more than 160 designers, brands, retailers, manufacturers, and organizations. Notably, Icon360, the non-profit organization established by Brandice Daniel of Harlem’s Fashion Row, received $1 million to provide forgivable relief to designers of color affected by the pandemic.
Dedicated to making a positive social impact and fostering diversity, the CFDA took significant steps in this regard in 2020. In response to the racial inequities brought to light by the tragic death of George Floyd and subsequent events, the organization implemented various new initiatives aimed at promoting diversity within the national fashion industry. CFDA Chairman Tom Ford and CEO Steven Kolb outlined these initiatives, which encompassed an employment program designed to facilitate the inclusion of Black talent in all areas of the fashion sector, mentorship and internship programs for Black students and recent graduates, diversity and inclusion training for CFDA members, and donations to NAACP and Campaign Zero. These efforts culminated in the launch of the CFDA Impact initiative, which seeks to provide support and nurture Black and Brown creatives and professionals within the fashion industry.
Furthermore, The Designers Hub, a non-profit organization founded by model and activist Bethann Hardison with the support of the CFDA, received funding from A Common Thread and Tom Ford International to offer grants to 10 Black designers and Black-owned fashion brands.
New York Fashion Week, managed by the CFDA, faced unprecedented challenges due to Covid-19 restrictions. In response, the CFDA collaborated with the creative agency De-Yan to develop the digital platform known as Runway360. This platform was launched in September 2020 and featured the participation of 82 brands during its inaugural season, with the number increasing to 133 designers during market week. Runway360 serves as a comprehensive environment for brands and designers to showcase their collections digitally, while also facilitating networking and engagement within the fashion industry.
In his opening letter for the annual report, CFDA Chairman Tom Ford acknowledged the unpredictability surrounding the global pandemic and expressed pride in the organization’s support provided to American fashion at all levels. He emphasized the opportunity to rebuild and establish the American fashion industry as a leader in the future, signaling the commencement of a new chapter.
In conclusion, the CFDA’s 2020 annual report exemplifies the organization’s unwavering commitment to bolstering the U.S. fashion industry throughout an extraordinarily challenging year. Through initiatives such as A Common Thread, endeavors to promote diversity and social impact, and the creation of Runway360, the CFDA demonstrates its resolute dedication to the revitalization and fortification of American fashion.
Useful links:
– CFDA Official Website
– Vogue Magazine
