In 2024, the CFDA celebrated remarkable achievements in support of American fashion. I am proud to share some highlights:
CFDA Fashion Awards
The CFDA continued its partnership with Amazon Fashion to celebrate creativity with a new generation sweeping the awards, including Rachel Scott of Diotima winning for American Womenswear, Willy Chavarria for American Menswear, Raul Lopez of Luar for American Accessory Design, and Henry Zankov of Zankov as American Emerging Designer of the Year.
CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Turned 20
We marked two decades of fostering talent with initiatives like Americans in Paris in collaboration with Instagram and a Design Challenge with Tommy Hilfiger.
New York Fashion Week (NYFW)
The CFDA expanded efforts with a shuttle service in partnership with Google Shopping; livestreaming runway shows at Rockefeller Center, and accessibility support with Google. International guest designers showed in New York, and the week earned praise from editors and buyers for its innovation and creativity.
The Tiffany & Co. x CFDA Jewelry Designer Award
Together, we recognized and mentored emerging talent in jewelry design, including Angie Marei and Jameel Mohammed.
Empowered Vision Award
In partnership with with the Frazier Family Foundation to provide $100,000 grants and mentorship for independent Black designers. Rachel Scott of Diotima won the inaugural award.
eBay Circular Fashion Fund
In partnership with the CFDA, the Circular Fashion Fund launched in the U.S. for the first time in 2024, offering prizes and workshops to advance sustainability in fashion.
CFDA | Genesis House AAPI Design + Innovation Grant
We supported Asian American and Pacific Islander designers blending heritage and modernity with mentorship and funding.
Fashion For Our Future
The CFDA led a voter registration march with Vogue, encouraging civic engagement across the fashion community.
Friends of the CFDA
We introduced a new initiative offering exclusive access to events and industry insights for CFDA donors.
Defining American Style
We hosted a successful auction at Sotheby’s featuring iconic American designs, raising funds to support CFDA initiatives.
Scholarships
The CFDA expanded financial aid for aspiring designers, with more than 70% of recipients representing underrepresented communities.
Professional Development
We organized numerous panels on topics such as AI, the State of Luxury, a three-part sustainability series with Theory, and a video series with LVMH on sustainability.
Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI)
The CFDA strengthened grants to bolster local production in NYC’s garment industry.
New Headquarters
The team returned to in-person work at the WSA Building, creating a hybrid-friendly workspace to foster collaboration.
Exceeding Fundraising Goals
We added new donors and sponsors surpassing revenue targets to support the expansion of CFDA programs.
Thom Browne Chairmanship Extended
Browne will remain CFDA Chairman through 2026, focusing on elevating American fashion globally. Aurora James, Prabal Gurung, Stacey Bendet Eisner, and Maria Cornejo will continue as officers of CFDA.
Looking ahead to 2025, the CFDA has many new ideas and collaborations. From nurturing talent to advancing creativity, the organization continues to lead American fashion forward thanks to the support of the industry, CFDA members, and donors.
Stay tuned—the future is bright, and more is still to come.
Keep up to date on all work by subscribing to our weekly newsletter at CFDA.COM and following us on Instagram (@cfda), TikTok (@cfda), and our other social media.
Wishing you a happy new year!
Steven Kolb
CFDA CEO
