The CFDA Awards Are Still On
The CFDA Awards Are Still On
The COVID-19 global pandemic took a massive hit to the fashion industry, with shows and events being cancelled, and brands forcing to permanently close stores and file for bankruptcy. But as things start to reopen, some events are back on. This week, the CFDA awards announced that they would hold a virtual ceremony on Monday, September 14. They also announced that they would be adding two new categories to the ceremony, both celebrating international achievements. They are, Global Women's Designer of The Year, and Global Men's Designer of The Year. This is replacing the International Designer Award. There is one other change to this year's ceremony. Since this is a virtual event, and there is no red carpet, no honorees will be names. Past honorees have been massive stars in the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Janelle Monae.
“In this time of unprecedented challenge and change for our industry, we feel very strongly that it is important to recognize the nominees representing the best of fashion creativity,” Tom Ford, chairman of the CFDA, said in a press release. “We look forward to returning to an in-person celebration honoring the American fashion industry in 2021.”
Report: Anna Bechtel
The Kelly Initiative
The CFDA has attempted to rectify the rampant racism in the fashion industry through a new series of mandates.
The eruption of protests against racist police brutality across the world has incited changes within various industries to become more inclusive of black talent. One such institution, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, has attempted to rectify the rampant racism in the fashion industry through a new series of mandates. These efforts include mentorships and internships, as well as another in-house program dedicated to employing exceptional black creatives to esteemed brands. Black designers, however, feel that these changes are too little, too late.
Thus, 250 black creatives signed the Kelly Initiative, a petition that would effect greater change than the proposals of the CFDA. Named after black fashion legend Patrick Kelly, the initiative demands that CFDA affiliates report the racial makeup of their staff, managers enroll in racial sensitivity training, and CFDA members sign a pledge that assures career opportunities for black creatives. The Kelly Initiative was the creation of editor Jason Campbell, creative director Henrietta Gallina, and writer Kibwe Chase-Marshall, and it has since been signed by such industrial authorities as designer Martine Rose and fashion publicist Kevin McIntosh, Jr. Now it is the CFDA’s responsibility to heed the words of an underrepresented section of fashion professionals and implement the proper changes to build a more inclusive industry. As stated by the Kelly Initiative itself, "There is no time to waste much work to be done. We assert that engaging dedicated Black fashion professionals in its architecting will ensure its enduring impact for Black talent pursuing newly equitable access to bright professional futures.”
Report: Nia Hunt
In These Uncertain Times, Victor Glemaud is Still Hoping to Inspire People.
While the development of his spring 2021 collection has been a little more tricky—Glemaud notes he has still been managing to find inspiration in less likely corners.
Safe to say, 2020 has been an interesting year. From COVID-19, to the unjust murders of George Floyd and other black people, most people aren't feeling that great.
Fashion designer, Victor Glemaud, has been working from his home for the past three months. Glemaud looks back amazed that his business has been able to adapt so quickly. “At the beginning, it was challenging because it was all so uncertain,” he says of the early days of lockdown. “I’ve done fittings virtually before, I’ve done sketch handoffs and line reviews virtually before, so it wasn’t about it being difficult to adapt. It was more getting used to the idea of not knowing when we would work together again, and when we would see each other again.”
Glemaud's biggest challenges have been more on the personal end, than on the business end. With his business celebrating 15 years soon, Glemaud started his career working with Patrick Robinson in New York. Glemaud later went on to work in PR for the likes of Versace, Marc Jacobs, and Helmut Lang, before returning to consult with Robinson during his time at Paco Rabanne, then launching his own label in 2006. After rebranding with a more stripped-back approach in 2015, Glemaud began focusing primarily on the bold, brightly-colored knits that have been a resounding hit with his long-time customers. They’ve also earned him a place as a finalist for the 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and resulted in his first runway show back in February of this year.
While the development of his spring 2021 collection has been a little more tricky—Glemaud notes the technical intricacies of producing knitwear are more difficult to test without seeing the garments in the flesh—he has still been managing to find inspiration in less likely corners.
“Normally what I do is go to galleries or museums and get inspired or see so “Normally what I do is go to galleries or museums and get inspired or see something that sparks something that way. Since I can’t do that, I’ve been reading a lot more. It’s been more of a fluid process.”
When asked how the fashion industry can support black lead brands and businesses, Glemaud said, “I think it’s about having our industry truly support Black-owned businesses by paying us, by promoting us within their channels,” he continues. “Not just today or tomorrow, not just a tag here or there, but showcasing work in a meaningful way, really being true partners. Whether it’s a retailer, an editor, a stylist, a production partner. Things that are needed to actually grow a business. Things that a lot of young creatives that I’ve spoken to recently in the last two weeks have felt and have all told me they don't have access to.”
Report: Anna Bechtel
Vogue And The CFDA Team Up to Make History.
Vogue and the CFDA, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, have teamed up to raise awareness and protect the future names in the retail business.
As the world feels like it may be crumbling, the fashion industry has been taking a stand to fight against the global pandemic, COVID-19. Vogue and the CFDA, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, have teamed up to raise awareness and protect the future names in the retail business. A Common Thread, the fashion fund originally created for relief efforts in regards to 9/11, is doing their part to keep the industry on its feet as the world fights COVID-19 together.
This relief effort is not only a way to expand the possible income of donations for those who cannot maintain their businesses, but an inside look on designers who want to be able to fulfill their dream. A Common Thread is giving these designers a chance to speak on a national platform and discuss their struggles throughout the craziness that is the world today. Designers are able to apply for this fund if they find that they are eligible and give a brief statement on how this charitable organization can impact their business.
Giving small designers the opportunity to represent themselves in collaboration with an iconic organization such as Vogue, adds a little positivity to the struggles we are all facing. Saks Fifth Avenue, Coach Foundation, Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation, and Michael Kors are just some of the well established businesses that have come in to support this cause. Even though we all may be sporting our best pair of sweats as we wait this pandemic out at home, we all know how confident and radiant we feel when we throw on our favorite pair of jeans. In a time where fashion may not be our top priority, Vogue and the CFDA are asking for our help in support of those who really need it.
Look out for the June/July issue of Vogue featuring a Common Thread on its cover, you won’t want to miss it. If you’re looking to support a Common Thread or send in an application, you can reach the donation page at: https://cfda.com/programs/designers/cfdavogue-fashion-fund
Photo Credit: Vogue.com
Report: Kaitlin Gallagher
CFDA Cancelled NYFW Resort 2021 In Midst of COVID-19 Pandemic.
Based on the current developments on the pandemic, the CFDA made the decision to cancel the New York Fashion Week Resort 2021 collection.
Based on the current developments on the pandemic, the CFDA made the decision to cancel the New York Fashion Week Resort 2021 collection. Currently, New York is heavily hit with COVID- 19 cases, leading the country positive- tested cases. The Resort 2021 collection was originally scheduled for the week of June 6th. The CFDA “strongly recommend and urge designers not to show their Resort Spring 2021 Collection.” Along with the cancellation of the NYFW Resort 2021 cancellation, the CFDA decided postpone the June Men’s show and are working with tradeshows to align future dates. “The CFDA remains respectful of everyone’s priorities during this time. First and foremost protecting the health and wellbeing of our teams and ourselves, and stabilizing business operations.” Lastly, the CFDA and Fashion calendar will not be publishing a resort schedule.
Report: Katie Mok
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.