An Ode to the CFDA
For those in the fashion industry today, the CFDA might seem as though it has always been around, a dictator of taste and the czar of fashion. With awards, scholarships, and partnerships with large brands and magazines, the creation of the fashion schedule, and much more, it is hard to imagine what the American fashion industry was like before this powerhouse of an organization. But less than a century ago, we wouldn’t have to imagine.
Founded in 1962 by the renowned fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert and based out of Manhattan, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) is now made up of over five hundred American fashion and accessory designers. Founded to promote American designers, the organization holds the annual CFDA Fashion Awards to help promote up-and-coming creatives. Before this, it was up to young designers to find a sponsor, save up money and heavily promote their brand in the hopes of threading the needle to success. This is still somewhat true today, but now that the CFDA has many of the necessary tools under one umbrella.
Along with scholarships, the yearly CFDA Awards helps to recognize true talents in the fashion industry. Starting in 1981, these awards have become an ultimate fashion event. With a red carpet and awards under categories such as fashion icon, lifetime achievement, and American women’s wear, the event is like the Oscars of fashion. Part of the reason the CFDA Awards has grown to be this extraordinary feat is its partnership with Vogue.
In 2012 and 2013, the CFDA/Vogue fashion fund winners created a capsule collection with J. Crew. More recently, winners have been able to partner with Derek Lam, Target, Neiman Marcus, and Kohls.
It’s easy to glance back and compare our lives to people in the past and assume that we have it much easier. In many ways, this is the case with our world more accepting and access to needed resources far more open. So take a moment and be thankful for the world around you and if you are someone young starting in the fashion industry, take a moment to thank Eleanor Lambert and the CFDA.
