The fashion industry was left in shock and anticipation with the announcement of Tom Ford’s resignation as the chairman of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Ford, who had been at the helm of the American fashion organization for the past three years, is credited with elevating the presence of American fashion on the global stage and bringing a fresh perspective to the table.
Originally slated to serve as CFDA chairman for a two-year term from June 2019 to May 2021, Ford’s tenure was extended for an additional year. Despite this extension, his decision to step down still caught many by surprise as previous chairpersons and presidents had typically served for longer periods. For instance, Stan Herman held the post for an impressive 15 years, from 1991 to 2006, while Diane Von Furstenberg served as chairman for 13 years, from 2006 to 2019.
One of Ford’s notable contributions to the CFDA was his commitment to diversifying the board. He brought in four new directors, including Virgil Abloh, Carly Cushnie, Maria Cornejo, and Kerby Jean-Raymond, with the aim of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the fashion industry. Among his other initiatives, Ford launched programs such as CFDA Impact, which provided support to talented individuals through diversity efforts, and collaborated with brands to offer rewarding job opportunities and mentorships.
During his tenure as chairman, Ford also spearheaded the A Common Thread initiative alongside Vogue. This initiative provided over $5 million in relief aid to fashion businesses during the challenging years of the pandemic. Moreover, Ford played a pivotal role in strengthening New York Fashion Week by streamlining the schedule to five days and five nights, addressing criticisms of the event’s excessive duration and packed show lineup.
Amidst the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ford’s departure comes at a crucial juncture for the fashion industry. Even Ford’s eponymous brand faced its own set of hurdles, with the cancellation of the Fall 2022 runway show due to production issues arising from the omicron variant. The pandemic has prompted the industry to rethink traditional fashion week formats, opening doors for greater flexibility and innovative ways of showcasing collections.
Now, the fashion industry is left speculating about Ford’s successor as CFDA chairman. The current board comprises influential figures such as Vera Wang, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, and Diane Von Furstenberg. The role of CFDA chairman is purely voluntary, and the next individual to assume the position will have significant responsibilities in upholding Ford’s legacy of promoting American fashion and championing diversity within the industry.
As Tom Ford bids farewell to his role as CFDA chairman, the fashion world eagerly awaits to witness what lies ahead for the American fashion organization and who will step up to lead it into the next chapter. Ford’s indelible impact on the CFDA and his valuable contributions to American fashion will be remembered, undoubtedly marking the end of an era in the industry.
Useful links:
1. CFDA Official Website
2. Vogue Official Website
