After 12 years in the fashion industry, luxury ready-to-wear womenswear brand Cushnie, founded and led by designer Carly Cushnie, has sadly announced its closure. The brand, known for its sleek and modern designs, faced insurmountable financial challenges due to the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the fashion business.
In a heartfelt statement to Vogue, Carly Cushnie expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support her brand received during such a challenging time. However, she also shed light on the lack of support for female designers and women of color in the industry prior to the recent spotlight on Black-owned brands. While the newfound interest in her label was certainly appreciated, Carly acknowledged that earlier recognition could have potentially prevented the closure of her beloved brand.
Despite tireless efforts to secure new funding and navigate the turbulent waters of the pandemic, Cushnie ultimately had to make the difficult decision to cease operations. Unlike some fashion brands that successfully pivoted to producing pandemic-friendly loungewear, Cushnie’s signature line of vibrant, statement-making pieces proved to be less adaptable to the shifting consumer needs brought on by the pandemic.
Over the years, Cushnie has dressed influential women such as Michelle Obama and Beyoncé, solidifying its presence in the industry and making significant strides. Carly Cushnie expressed her deep appreciation for the opportunity to empower women through her collections and remains hopeful for new beginnings on the horizon.
While the closure of Cushnie marks the end of a remarkable era, Carly Cushnie’s unwavering optimism shines through as she looks ahead to the future. While the fashion industry will undoubtedly feel the absence of Cushnie’s sophisticated and empowering designs, Carly’s resilience and undeniable talent are bound to pave the way for new opportunities and successes in the coming chapters of her career.
For more information on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the fashion industry, you can visit Business of Fashion.
To learn more about how female designers are navigating the challenges of the industry, check out Vogue Fashion.
