The CFDA has been committed to raising funds and awareness for breast cancer patient care throughout October. CFDA sat down with Deirdre Quinn, the CEO and Co-Founder of Lafayette 148 New York to hear about the inspiration behind Lafayette’s eight styles benefiting FTBC, and more.
Why is supporting Fashion Targets Breast Cancer important?
Giving back is an extremely important part of our company culture here at Lafayette 148 New York. When we discovered Fashion Targets Breast Cancer and the extraordinary work being done through the initiative, we were eager to get involved and show our support. We are committed to giving back to the communities in which we live and work, which is another reason we were drawn to join the CFDA and other great fashion houses for FTBC.
Breast cancer awareness and support are also very important to me personally. I just came back from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with 14 other women including my sister to raise money for Breast Cancer Now, the U.K.’s largest breast cancer research organization. It was an incredible experience and very humbling to help other women who have been struck by breast cancer in such a unique way.
How do you see fashion and philanthropy intersecting?
The intersection of fashion and philanthropy has always been a natural one for us. Every year, we support a wide variety of charitable events and initiatives, and it is inspiring to see so many other designers using their influence and creativity likewise, but in so many different ways.
At Lafayette 148 New York, we believe that when women look good, they feel good and ultimately do good in the world. We feel fortunate to have been dressing influential women who have been making a difference all these years, and that we have been able to positively affect others directly.
Tell us about the inspiration behind the eight key styles that are benefiting FTBC?
The number “8” is very important to us. In Chinese culture, 8 means luck and prosperity, and it is our intent with these eight styles to bring luck and prosperity to the FTBC. In addition, all eight styles are available in hues of blue, a reflection of FTBC’s brand identity.
How will Lafayette 148 New York continue to raise awareness for causes that are important to the brand?
Education is a pillar to the company and we support a variety of initiatives to support this all year long. By supporting both the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and the School of Dreams in Shantou, China, we are fortunate to make a difference in two key communities that are near and dear to our hearts. Each year we expose our own employees to the school in China.
What’s next for Lafayette 148 New York?.
Our ongoing commitment to education is about the future of our company, our employees, and the communities we operate in. This year marks a new chapter for us with the expansion of U.S. retail locations. We just opened our first store on Broome Street in SoHo, and we will be opening a store at Brickell City Center in Miami next month. As we expand into these key locations (and others), we will undoubtedly find ways to give back in those communities as well. We’re always looking forward to what’s next.
