“My ambition,” said Adrian Cheng, “is to build communities that make a transformative impact through art, culture, architecture, design, heritage, craftsmanship and sustainability.”

CFDA is thrilled to name Cheng, the K11 Group and C Ventures Founder, its Global Ambassador – the first in the organization’s 57-year history.

“It is an honor to become the CFDA’s first ever global ambassador and to work with them to support, nurture and accelerate the next generations of American fashion talent through a global perspective,” Cheng added.

The entrepreneur  comes with extensive international business acumen and expertise, as well as a deep and unrivalled understanding of the new consumer. In the past decade, Cheng has focused on transforming the retail experience and nurtured emerging talents throughout Asia.

“The CFDA and Adrian Cheng both understand the importance of creativity, culture and innovation,” said CFDA Chairwoman Diane von Furstenberg. “Adrian is a global fashion citizen and bold thinker whose help will support new American talent.”

As Global Ambassador, Cheng and the CFDA will develop international programs with a transformative, educational, and lasting impact on the designer’s life cycle in mind. We will foster cross-cultural exchanges that lead to innovative business models and approaches.

Cheng also will support CFDA’s educational programs, and help designers – both emerging and established – with international strategy. Additionally, he will play an instrumental role in driving CFDA’s growth across Asia while encouraging cross cultural exchanges and more.

“Together, we will drive the next generation of creative talent while helping the CFDA work with international markets,” Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the CFDA, added. “We are delighted to have Adrian and his team on board and look forward to working with him as CFDA’s first Global Ambassador.”