We are pleased to announce the addition of 14 new designers to our membership.

The new members are: Zaid Affas, Jason and Julie Alkire of Haus Alkire, Mike Amiri of Amiri, Pamela Bell of Prinkshop, Christopher Bevans of Dyne, Sander Lak of Sies Marjan, Lindy McDonough of Lotuff, Ji Oh, Alexander Olch, Marysia Dobrzanska Reeves of Marysia, Venus Williams of Eleven by Venus Williams, Ahlem Manai-Platt of Ahlem Eyewear, and Alejandra Alonso Rojas.

The new Members were confirmed at the Bi-Annual Membership Meeting at Hotel 50 Bowery on December 4. With their addition, the total number of members is 493.

“On behalf of the Admissions Committee, the Board of Directors and our Members, the CFDA is very proud to welcome this group of exceptionally talented designers to the organization,” said Lisa Smilor, Executive Vice President of the CFDA. “We look forward to their input and active participation within the Council.”

The CFDA admissions process occurs once a year. Interested candidates must contact the CFDA in the spring to request admissions materials. To be eligible, designers must be American citizens designing in the United States or abroad, or foreign nationals with businesses headquartered in the United States. The application for membership includes a resume, a digital portfolio, and other materials that represent the candidate’s work to date, as well as letters of recommendation from active CFDA Members and industry associates who are familiar with the designer’s work. The Admissions Committee thoroughly reviews all candidates and makes their recommendations for membership to the Board of Directors; the Board reviews each selected candidate and ratifies the Committee’s decision. Final election of candidates is by the CFDA membership at the Bi-Annual Meeting.

Not Pictured: Venus Williams and Mike Amiri.