“The CFDA is like a family,” said Josie Natori. “It’s refreshing and important to meet the new Members. We can share stories and give advice.”
Natori spoke at her elegant Upper East Side apartment – replete with two grand pianos – where she hosted the newest additions to our membership. “The most important thing you have to have a vision and love what you do,” she advised. “Be prepared, it’s hard work!”
Vera Wang had her own advice for young designers, especially those who are thinking of starting their own labels. “When you start, you should get paid to learn,” she said. “Get a job. When you work for someone you admire, even better!”
For Becca McCharen-Tran, becoming a member this year was a “long time coming” mainly because of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, of which she is a past and current finalist. “I am now part of the organization that has supported me for all those years, and now I can support others.”
New member Temple St. Clair recalled how, in the 1990s, she moved into a building. Neighbor Colette Malouf told her to apply to the CFDA then. It may have taken her a few years, but that made Tuesday’s toast all the sweeter.
The sense of family was ever-present and many longtime CFDA designers came out to toast the new arrivals, including Michelle Smith, Christian Roth, John Bartlett, Kerry O’Brien, Reed Krakoff, Christopher Peters and Shane Gabier, Paul Andrew, Rafe Totengco, Peter Som, Shelly Steffee, Irene Neuwirth, and Italo Zucchelli.
Natori congratulated the new arrivals. “Someone asked, ‘how long have you been with the CFDA,’ and I said ‘twice your age,’” she quipped.
“If you’re successful, you will also have two grand pianos in your apartment one day,” CFDA President and CEO Steven Kolb told the new Members, and without losing a beat, asked Natori to hit the notes. She took her seat and started to play Barbra Streisand’s “People” with Jeffrey Banks providing the vocals.
People, People who need people, Are the luckiest people in the world.
As the growing fashion family joined in, the song perfectly captured this CFDA moment.
