Opening their homes to celebrate new members is a tradition for established CFDA designers with Kenneth Cole, Lisa Perry, and Reed Krakoff among past hosts.

On Wednesday night, Tory Burch welcomed the 40 designers in her beautiful digs on Central Park.

“Steven [Kolb, CFDA President and CEO] asked me to tell a story about the CFDA, and I said, ‘OK, should I tell them about how I didn’t get in the first time I applied?” the CFDA Board Member told the designers. “I was completely devastated, because I thought that I would surely get in.”

Burch succeeded the second time, and today, she feels “super-fortunate to be part of the CFDA, an organization that really helps designers, whether it’s through networking, introducing someone to new production in the U.S.A., or mentoring.”

For the new members, the day started early in the morning with an orientation at Cynthia Rowley’s studio followed by the bi-annual Members meeting.

“Diane von Furstenberg, our Chairwoman, often says about the CFDA that we are like a family, and that is true,” Kolb offered. “It’s a big fashion family and we are lucky that Tory Burch is part of that family.

“What we do is really for all members,” he added. “We know you appreciate and take advantage of what we do and reach out to us when you need something, whether it’s informally or part of a program.”

Stan Herman, Mary McFadden, Gilles Mendel, Monique LHuillier, Michelle Smith, Liz Lange, Deborah Lloyd, and Italo Zucchelli were among the longtime CFDA Members to toast the fashion family newcomers.

“I am happy to be a member now,” said Wes Gordon, who has been a designer for more than five years. “It’s better late than never.”

Coach creative director Stuart Vevers called the induction “a real honor. It means that I can get more involved with fashion in New York. I can hopefully give back, and meet some new people.”