Today, the CFDA is pleased to announce the launch of a new Interim Membership tier.

Interim Members are invited by the CFDA to join the organization for a limited time of up to three years.

This new tier was created to serve as a “pipeline” to full CFDA Membership. It is suited for designers who have been in business for at least one but no more than five years, and have achieved a noteworthy level of recognition and success based on their unique and exemplary talent.

Recognizing that these are young companies with limited financial means, Interim membership dues will be waived for the first year, and will be significantly reduced for years two and three.

The CFDA established this new membership tier to create opportunities for emerging designers across America.

In addition to receiving most of the benefits of CFDA membership, Interim Members will have the opportunity to take advantage of exclusive business development guidance and support, plus individual mentoring and industry introductions, as needed.

“There is a vast pool of young talent that is contributing to the creative conversation in American fashion,” said Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA. “Often, these designers are underrepresented  and underfunded, and they are challenged to fulfill their brands’ potential because they lack institutional support. By opening CFDA’s resources and network to the Interim members, we are embracing this creative class and advancing their opportunity for success.

Interim Members will be invited to Membership meetings, but have no voting rights. Additionally, they cannot serve on the CFDA Board.

The inaugural 22 Interim Members are:

Nicole Benefield, NICOLE BENEFIELD PORTFOLIO

Kim Bentz, BENTZ

Melissa Bentz. BENTZ

Aisling Camps, AISLING CAMPS

Patrick Cupid, PATRICK CUPID

Patrick Henry, known professionally as “Fresh,” RICHFRESH, INC.

Emma Gage, MELKE

Snow Xue Gao, SNOW XUE GAO

Lauren Harwell Godfrey, HARWELL GODFREY

Raul Lopez, LUAR

Bach Mai, BACH MAI

Keya Martin, KEEYAHRI

Sami Miro, SAMI MIRO VINTAGE

Nicole Muhammad, SEW ELEVATED

Christian Juul Nielsen, AKNVAS

Shawn Pean, JUNE79

Teddy von Ranson, TEDDY VON RANSON

T.A. Rudder, UNE FEMME NEW YORK

Michael Ward, THE SALTING

Marrisa Wilson, MARRISA WILSON NY

Long Xu, LORING

Henry Zankov, ZANKOV