The annual CFDA New Members party, which formally welcomes its roster of new designers into the fold, was held last evening at Reed and Delphine Krakoff’s fabulous east side townhouse. 40 newbies were honored and all were present except for two – one was ill and the other was out of town. They are always ‘pinned’ with delicate floral corsages to not only separate them from the crowd, but to mark their right of passage (making it look like a fashionable fraternity).

Diane von Fursternberg with Ted Kim

The word ‘new’ always makes me think of Geoffrey Beene, who always hated when members of the press asked him what was new. “Don’t ask me what’s new. Ask me what’s good!”, was his thought. And while I can’t say I know all 40 of the aforementioned designers that well, I can attest to the fact that they are not only good, but some have the trophies to prove it. For example, Rosie Assoulin won CFDA’s 2015 Swarovski Award for Womenswear; Shayne Oliver (of Hood by Air), picked up the 2015 Swarovski Award for Menswear; and Florana Gavriel and Rachel Mansur, the duo behind the handbag line Mansur Gavriel, nagged the 2015 Swarovski Award for Accessory Design.

Nanette Lepore with Steven Kolb

By the way, they are not the only things that are ‘new’ at the CFDA. Steven Kolb, the CFDA’s CEO since 2011, recently took on the new dual title of CEO and president, and after nearly 10 years as the organization’s president, Diane von Furstenberg, had her title changed to chairman. Diane made her welcoming remarks, congratulating the new members, emphasizing the importance of being “be true to yourself”. The host of the evening, Reed Krakoff spoke next and he admitted, “I got rejected the first time I applied”. He echoed Diane’s assertion of being true to yourself and said that the most important thing about her tenure at the helm of the organization, is that “she created community”. One cannot underestimate the importance of being part of a group, he noted, and then he observed, “there is strength in numbers”.

Reed Krakoff

There was a bit of a bottleneck in the large living room, but then guests, including Steven Kolb, Nanette Lepore, Stan Herman, Roland Nivelais, Ruth Finley, Fern Mallis, Deborah Lloyd, Paul Andrew, Steven Alan, began spilling out into the other rooms. And let me tell you, there were plenty of rooms to spill out into! I always like to point out, that this event is a wonderful way to scope out prime Manhattan real estate and take in fabulous art because the setting is more often than not, a jaw dropping, art filled, multimillion dollar apartment, loft, or town house, owned by one of its fabulously wealthy, highly established members (which of course, is a great way to show the new members what rewards they might expect should their career paths mimic those of their fellow celebrated mentors).

Misha Nonoo and Ana Khouri

Past venues have included Elie Tahari’s grand downtown loft, Vera Wang’s luxurious Park Avenue duplex, Lisa Perry’s spectacular art filled penthouse, and Kenneth Cole’s fabulous coop (located at 1 Sutton Place South, the same building as Lisa’s) and this year was the Krakoff’s 5 story art and book filled mansion on East 64th street. It had previously been a Kips Bay Decorator Show House and home to The New York Observer and the Krakoffs have completely transformed it with custom built ins (Delphine is a Parisian born interior designer).

Guests navigating up the museum worthy spiral  staircase

I was not the only guest walking up the museum worthy spiral staircase and taking a house tour with camera in tow and when I was done, I asked Reed if he knows how many books he has, and if he actually reads them all. He told me he doesn’t know how many he has, but he does read them and they are divided by subject. I then told him that at this point, I often find myself more excited by seeing great homes than by fashion. He laughed and agreed, but noted, “yes, but you’ve got to do the fashion to get the house”.

The New Members

Ana Khouri, ANA KHOURI

Matt Baldwin, BALDWIN

Louise Camuto, CAMUTO GROUP

Leigh Batnick Plessner, CATBIRD

Rony Vardi, CATBIRD

Guido Campello, COSABELLA

David Hart, DAVID HART

Sara Beltran, DEZSO BY SARA BELTRAN

Brett Heyman, EDIE PARKER

Gigi Burris, GIGI BURRIS MILLINERY

Shayne Oliver, HOOD BY AIR

John Brevard, JOHN BREVARD

Kendra Scott, KENDRA SCOTT

Lisa Marie Fernandez, LISA MARIE FERNANDEZ

Elizabeth Fortunato, LIZZIE FORTUNATO

Floriana Gavriel, MANSUR GAVRIEL

Rachel Mansur, MANSUR GAVRIEL

Michael Saiger, MIANSAI

Misha Nonoo, MISHA NONOO

Jeff Press, MORGENTHAL FREDERICS

Nellie Partow, NELLIE PARTOW

Paul Andrew, PAUL ANDREW

Raquel Allegra, RAQUEL ALLEGRA

Kristine Johannes, RAUWOLF

Rosie Assoulin, ROSIE ASSOULIN

Ted Kim, RVN

Sally LaPointe, SALLY LAPOINTE

Scosha Woolridge, SCOSHA

Brooke Garber Neidich, SIDNEY GARBER

Siki Im, SIKI IM

Daniel Corrigan, SIMON MILLER

Jake Sargent, SIMON MILLER

Paige Dellavalle, STELLA VALLE

Ashley Jung, STELLA VALLE

Britt Cosgrove, SVILUMarina Polo, SVILU

Tanya Taylor, TANYA TAYLOR

Francesca Amfitheatrof, TIFFANY & CO.

Ryan Lobo, TOME

Ramon Martin, TOME

–  Marilyn Kirschner

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“We are Family”

Vera Wang and Kenneth Cole

The CFDA New Members party, an annual rite of fall, is a celebration which formally welcomes its roster of new names into the fold. It can also be a wonderful way to check out prime Manhattan real estate, not to mention Architectural Digest/gush worthy abodes. And if you’re like me, and love that as much as fashion, you’re in luck. Because, in addition to The Four Seasons Restaurant, the CFDA headquarters, and CFDA President Diane Von Furstenberg’s Meatpacking district atelier, quite often, the setting is a multimillion dollar apartment, loft, or town house, owned by one of its fabulously wealthy, highly established members. Which also makes it a great way to show the newbies (some of whom will undoubtedly become the next Donna, Diane, Oscar, Ralph, Calvin, Vera, Tory) what ‘rewards’ they might expect should their career paths mimic those of their fellow celebrated mentors.

Past venues have included Elie Tahari’s grand downtown loft, Vera Wang’s luxurious Park Avenue duplex, and Lisa Perry’s spectacular art filled penthouse (mod to the nth degree just like Lisa herself). And on Tuesday evening, the CFDA, whose membership is now up to 478, feted 30 new members at a cocktail party at Kenneth Cole’s fabulous coop (located at 1 Sutton Place South,  the same building as Lisa’s). The Rosario Candela designed Italian Renaissance building is widely considered to be one of the city’s grandest luxury apartment houses and unsurprisingly, it has another fashion connection; it was home to the late legendary Bill Blass, whose fabulously decorated and well-appointed apartment, had been photographed innumerable times.

Diane Von Furstenberg made her welcoming remarks to a packed house (that included Vera Wang, Stan Herman, Jeffrey Banks, Kay Unger, Adrienne Landau, Ruth Finley): “Kenneth Cole has the most beautiful view in New York. It’s a perfect setting for this celebration to welcome our 30 new members. We are quite strict, and not everyone makes the cut, so you should know that you are very special”. “We are all a family. We all compete but we love each other and we help each other.” “Being a member gives you many advantages.”

Then Kenneth Cole spoke, acknowledging that he has been a member of the CFDA for 18 years. “Congratulations: you are now members of an exclusive club.” He then introduced a group who would perform three different songs (it was the first time there had ever been entertainment at this event, and also, the first time there had been a morning orientation, during which time Stan Herman spoke). The talented trio was comprised of Grammy Award winner John Forte, British singer/songwriter Sophie Hiller, and Ben Taylor (son of the legendary James Taylor and Carly Simon). The family connection was especially fitting, given the whole “family” feeling that pervaded the event, and the evening.

I asked CFDA CEO Steven Kolb whose apartment might be on the future list, and he didn’t mention anyone specific (he asked me if I had any suggestions). I was also curious as to whether he considered this a more preferable setting, to any other. He observed, “We are family. And what could be more intimate than opening up your home?” When I offered that it was also a perfect way for young designers to get a taste of what life could be like if they really made it big, he agreed, adding, “When else can young designers actually see an original Joan Miro hanging on the wall of a designers’ apartment?”

Congratulations to the new members:

Linda Balti, AMOUR VERT
Raan Parton, APOLIS
Shea Parton, APOLIS
Arielle Shapiro, ARI DEIN
Ashley Pittman, ASHLEY PITTMAN
Ben Burkman, BURKMAN BROS
Doug Burkman, BURKMAN BROS
Carlos Campos, CARLOS CAMPOS
Clare Vivier, CLARE VIVIER
Danielle Sherman, EDUN
Ernest Sabine, ERNEST ALEXANDER
Eva Zuckerman, EVA FEHREN
Jonathan Simkhai, JONATHAN SIMKHAI
Jussara Lee, JUSSARA LEE
Barbara McReynolds, L.A. EYEWORKS
Gai Gherardi, L.A. EYEWORKS
Liya Kebede, LEMLEM
Kristy Caylor, MAIYET
Marc Alary, MARC ALARY
Paige Novick, PAIGE NOVICK
Ruthie Davis, RUTHIE DAVIS
Virginie Promeyrat, SELIMA DESIGN
Sharon Khazzam, SHARON KHAZZAM
Johnny Talbot, TALBOT RUNHOF
Tim Coppens, TIM COPPENS
Ulla Johnson, ULLA JOHNSON
Veronica Miele Beard, VERONICA BEARD
Veronica Swanson Beard, VERONICA BEARD
Cynthia Sakai, VITA FEDE
Whitney Pozgay, WHIT

FYI, while I am certainly familiar with of all the above names, I have never actually met many of the people behind the labels. And because I love impeccably tailored, classic blazers (and the idea of practicality mixed with luxury), I must admit to having a special affinity for the label Veronica Beard (www.veronicabeard.com), which focuses on “perfectly designed essentials”. Founded by two Veronicas (sisters in law actually) in 2010, it all started with their signature dickey jacket. The interchangeable dickies (there are now many, and they come in a range of fabrics and colors; new ones are added each season) quickly button in and out, and the jacket can just as easily be worn without one.

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Last evening was Fashion Group International’s annual Night of Stars Gala, which was held, for the second year in a row, at Cipriani Wall Street. As FGI President Margaret Hayes recounted, this event was a rather low keyed affair when it started out 26 years ago. It was a far more intimate gathering, attended by a correspondingly small, intimate group of fashion insiders, and for many years it was held in a small elegant room at the Pierre Hotel. Boy, how things have changed. Without doubt, each year, the super star quotient seems to be upped a bit more (‘stars’ not only from the world of fashion, beauty, etc., but from every area of the entertainment industry including Academy Award winners) and this time, it was positively ‘ablaze’ in the star power of such musical legends as Jon Bon Jovi, Michael Stipe, Mary J. Blige, and Gwen Stefani, who served as presenters. But while a hip, plugged in, rock musical theme was hard to ignore, the title this year, and the umbrella which linked the 11 “stellar honorees whose generous spirit and creativity have made a significant impact on design and culture” (in the words of Margaret Hayes), was “The Storytellers”.

And how fitting that once again, Simon Doonan, irreverent ‘host with the most’ outrageous, politically incorrect, ad libbed quips and comments, and story teller extraordinaire, should serve as host for the festivities. And boy oh boy, did Simon have a story to tell! During cocktail hour, I asked if he had a good story planned; he said, “Yes, and you’d better laugh”. And laugh I did, as did most in the 550 strong who filled the grand and stately venue. He started out by saying “I’m not quite sure what Margaret was smoking when she came up with the idea of “storytellers”, telling Margaret, “I have my own ‘story’ to tell. And it’s not very pretty”. But quite frankly, by the time he was through, he had me wondering what he was ‘smoking’! While it was impossible for me to write it all down, I will say that what followed was a very detailed and fantastical story linking each and every one of the evening’s honorees in an utterly absurd way, as only Simon could have possibly pulled off.

Some of the highlights of the evening:

Gwen Stefani taking the stage and admitting “I hate doing this….this hurts me” (prior to her introduction of Catherine Walsh)

Iman observing that Michael Kors stands for relaxed luxury; “when I think of glamorous people who jet set around the world, I think of Michael”. “This man is a story teller on the runway, and he uses cashmere, silk jersey, etc., to tell his story”.

Michael Kors: “You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with.”

Mary J. Blige: “It’s all about Frida’s giving…her generous heart’ (in reference to Gucci’s Frida Giannini)

Jon Bon Jovi crediting his pal Kenneth Cole with having “chutzpah” when he began selling shoes in 1982 (so much so that he wound up selling 40,000 pair in two days); “He always thought out of the box…the shoe box in his case”. “Kenneth always takes a position and makes a stand…he’s fearless and at the forefront “It’s great to be known for your shoes, but it’s better to be appreciated for your soul.” (This play on words was very much in keeping with Kenneth Cole’s love of puns)

Victoire de Castellane: “I want to thank the women who wear my jewelry and the men who buy it”. By the way, what was this celebrated jewelry designer wearing? No, it was not a big necklace, which might be the trend du jour, but two amazing rings, one very pronounced bracelet, and a black hair band that resembled something a Playboy Bunny might have worn serving cocktails decades ago.

Hamish Bowles: “Oscar is the most unruffled designer we have”

Grace Coddington: “Oscar, you’re totally awesome!” (Her comments took the prize as the shortest of the night)

Oscar de la Renta: “It’s amazing to be able to do for so many years, what I love to do most- this is an extraordinary industry” (The dapper and ageless designer was visibly moved by the award)

THE AWARDS:

SUPERSTAR AWARD: Oscar de la Renta Presenter: Grace Coddington, Hamish Bowles

FASHION:

Frida Giannini / Presenter: Mary J. Blige and James Franco

Stephen Jones / Presenter: Dita Von Teese

Michael Kors/ Presenter: Iman

Victoire de Castellane / Presenter: Dennis Friedman

BEAUTY: Catherine Walsh / Presenter: Gwen Stefani

THE 2009 LORD & TAYLOR FASHION ORACLE AWARD:

Bravo Accepted by Andy Cohen and Frances Berwick/ Presenter: Glenda Bailey

ARCHITECTURE: Clodagh / Presenter: Fern Mallis

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD: Paula Wallace for SCAD Presenter: Andre Leon Talley

CORPORATE LEADERSHIP AWARD: Renzo Ross/Diesel Presenter: Michael Stipe

HUMANITARIAN AWARD: Kenneth Cole Presenter: Jon Bon Jovi

-Marilyn Kirschner

“All in the Family”

It’s been widely observed that CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg has been “aggressive” in her desire to increase the number of new members being admitted to the organization. While in the past, it was 15 to 18 new members added annually, this year, that ‘magic’ number is 31:

Chris Benz, CHRIS BENZ
Kevin Carrigan, CK CALVIN KLEIN
Susie Cho, INHABIT
Lyn Devon, LYN DEVON
Erin Fetherston, ERIN FETHERSTON
Tim Hamilton, TIM HAMILTON
Christina and Swaim Hutson, HUTSON
Alejandro Ingelmo, ALEJANDRO INGELMO
Christopher and Nicholas Kunz, NICHOLAS K
Marcella and Johan Lindeberg, PARIS 68, J. LINDEBERG, WILLIAM RAST
Deborah Lloyd, KATE SPADE
Jenna Lyons, J.CREW
Deborah Marquit, DEBORAH MARQUIT
Stefan Miljanic, GILDED AGE
Irene Neuwirth, IRENE NEUWIRTH
Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, ELIZABETH & JAMES, THE ROW
John Patrick, ORGANIC
Maria Pinto, MARIA PINTO
Jill Platner, JILL PLATNER
Lorraine Schwartz, LORRAINE SCHWARTZ
Michael Smaldone, TALBOTS
Simon Spurr, SPURR
Koi Suwannagate, KOI SUWANNAGATE
Albertus Swanepoel, ALBERTUS SWANEPOEL
Daiki Suzuki, ENGIENEERED GARMENTS
Alexander Wang, ALEXANDER WANG
Jason Wu, JASON WU

Although these names were announced back in July, the formal celebration did not take place until this past Wednesday. Instead of honoring the inductees at the not so ‘humble’ abode of one of its celebrated members (Vera Wang’s fabulous Park Avenue apartment, Reed Krakoff’s amazing east side townhouse, or Elie Tahari’s sprawling Soho loft for example), this year, the festivities took place in the Grill Room of the storied Four Seasons Restaurant. Actually, it was a ‘two for one’, since the cocktail soiree also marked the CFDA’s 50th anniversary. By the way, it wasn’t lost on me that the just the name, Four Seasons, made it more than appropriate for a fete involving fashion designers, who seem to endlessly churn out 4 seasons worth of clothing (though on second thought, these days, it’s more like ‘endless’ seasons, than just 4 seasons).

In addition to Diane’s obvious zest for adding new names to the fold, there’s the familial aspect to it all; she’s been known to lovingly refer to the CFDA as her “extended family”. And as if to echo the sentiment, when I asked Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, who were among the new inductees in attendance, what being a member of the CFDA means to them, they said, “As Diane has stated, it’s all about being part of an extended family”. Coincidentally, it’s obvious that family is very important to the talented and precocious 23 year old twins; they named one of their labels, Elizabeth & James, after two of their siblings.

Speaking of families (many or most of which are somewhat dysfunctional); there is that feeling that we in fashion, are part of one big ‘happy’, (or sometimes, ‘unhappy’ family, as the case may be). But regardless, one of the fun aspects of attending these periodic get togethers, (‘family reunions’), is not only meeting and greeting the ‘new’, but seeing ‘old’ faces from the past; and when I do, it’s as though time has not passed.. On Wednesday, that included names like Sal Cesarini (who also spoke of how great it was to celebrate the young and the ‘new’); Mary Ann Restivo, and Cathy Hardwick, among others.

-Marilyn Kirschner

Tenth Annual National Design Awards

New York is arguably the most eclectic and exciting place in the world. In this city, we expect to see a variety of interesting and unique people and celebrities. However, it’s not every day that one witnesses a gathering of such a diverse group encompassing the likes of an actor, an artist, a newscaster, a CNN anchor, a chef, a world renowned physicist, a broadcast journalist, a hotelier and fashion designer all under one roof. Last night, Cipriani on 42nd Street provided the venue for these and other fascinating attendees of the Tenth Annual National Design Awards. Champagne and Bellini’s circulated throughout the crowd as did hors devours which all seemed to be set atop a small piece of toast – goat cheese and asparagus, tuna tartar, etc. David Stark Design & Production created the giant number “10” which was graphically patterned with the names of all the winners and hung just inside the entrance.

Launched at the White House in 2000 as an official project of the White House Millennium Council, The Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum celebrates outstanding achievement in design in various disciplines. First Lady Michelle Obama serves as the honorary patron of the 2009 Awards. This year, Francisco Costa (for Calvin Klein Collection) was selected as the winner in the Fashion Design category. Finalists in this category included menswear designer Thom Browne and sisters Karen and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte. Francisco has twice been named Womenswear Designer of the Year (in 2006 and 2008) by the CFDA and when I asked him how this award compared, he replied, “It’s an amazing honor to be recognized by the Smithsonian for design… it’s different than being judged by my peers in fashion, it’s quite a humbling experience.” He added, “You don’t do the work to get awards, you do it because you love it. If awards come, of course, it’s nice.” While two CFDA awards are certainly nothing to sneeze at, when it comes to the National Design Awards, the process, requirements and judging are intense.

The 2009 nominations were solicited from a committee of more than 2,500 designers, educators, journalists, cultural figures and corporate leaders from every state in the nation. Nominees must have at least seven years of experience to be eligible and winners are selected based on the level of excellence, innovation and public impact of their body of work. Mr. Costa’s award was presented by actress and face of Calvin Klein’s latest ad campaigns, Eva Mendes who did not show up on the red carpet with Costa. I was standing next to a reporter from US Weekly who was hoping to get a quote from Mendes. “She NEVER talks,” the girl said. Who cares? Costa was more than gracious and quite obliged to chat and after all isn’t that who we’re interested in? He is the talent being recognized, not Ms. Mendes. Costa said, “The demographic of America has changed and we are able to reach a more diverse customer through Eva.” He talked about a sense of Americanism returning to fashion and that Calvin Klein was the master of Americanism. “That’s the essence of Calvin Klein,” he said “it’s a tremendous lifestyle brand. I’ve been looking through the archives and he (Klein) was such a visionary.”

In addition to Fashion, several other design categories were recognized. The winners and presenters are as follows: Corporate and Institutional Achievement Award to Walker Art Center, presented by artist Chuck Close; Product Design Award to Boym Partners presented by actor/writer/director/producer John Waters; Interaction Design Award (new this year — celebrating exceptional work using digital technology) to Perceptive Pixel Inc. presented by CNN’s John King; Design Mind Award to Amory B. Lovins presented by broadcast journalist Charlie Rose; Lifetime Achievement Award to Bill Moggridge presented by industrial designer Niels Diffrient; Communication Design Award to The New York Times Graphics Department presented by New York Times executive editor Bill Keller; Design Patron Award to Lincoln Center President Reynold Levy presented by Katherine Farley of TishmanSpeyer; Interior Design Award to TsAO & McKOWN Architects presented by architects Machado/Silvetti; Architecture Design Award to SHoP Architects presented by architectural expert Reed Kroloff; Landscape Design Award to Hood Design presented by Professor and Architecture Program Director Achva Benzinberg Stein; People’s Design Award presented by chef Tyler Florence. People’s Design Award to Hans Eckholm, senior industrial designer for Trek Bicycles presented by chef Tyler Florence. The People’s Design Award allowed the public to vote for their choice of design between September 21 and October 20. The winner (Trek for the Lime – a coasting bike for the casual rider) was announced live at the National Design Awards Gala. Paula Zahn was the evenings emcee and other notable attendees included; Gala Chair Richard Meier, Gala Vice Chair Lauren Zalaznick, Ralph Rucci (last year’s winner in the fashion design category and 2009 jury member), designer Eileen Fisher, hotelier Ándre Balazs and John Maeda, Chair, President of Rhode Island School of Design (and also a 2009 jury member).

The Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum is the only museum in the nation devoted exclusively to historic and contemporary design. The museum is hosting National Design Week which takes place October 18-24. During this time, they will offer free admission to all visitors and provide a range of online resources celebrating design. National Design Week aims to promote a better understanding of the role that design plays in all aspects of daily life. Target is the sponsor for The National Design Awards and National Design Week. To find out more you can visit www.cooperhewitt.org

-Stacy Lomman

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Last evening, the CFDA welcomed 28 new members with a cozy cocktail party hosted by Elie Tahari and his wife Rory. The Tahari’s SoHo space is grand and palatial – a far cry from the park benches Mr. Tahari has admitted to sleeping on some 35 years ago when he first arrived from Israel. The mild weather provided a perfect evening for a rooftop party, and a DJ spinned tunes while guests sipped their drinks and took in the spectacular view. Inside, waiters whisked around the floor offering a cornucopia of hors d’oeuvres and Veuve Clicquot Rose. Many invitees filled up on the mini chicken samoasas, bite sized tuna, tiny Peking duck rolls, caviar, etc., then quickly ran home to watch the debate.

Nonetheless, the soiree drew in an “A-list” crowd including: Diane von Furstenberg (CFDA President), Yeohlee Teng, Arnold Scaasi, John Bartlett, Nicole Miller, Robert Lee Morris, Patrick McMullen, Fern Mallis, Martha Stewart, Carlos Falchi, Joan Vass, Richard Mauro, Teri Agins, Joe Boxer, Koos van den Akker, Charles Nolan, Eric Javits, Janis Savitt, Lisa Marsh, Jesse Randall and Stan Herman (former CFDA President).

Founded in 1962, The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. is a non-profit association consisting of 319 of America’s preeminent fashion and accessory designers. 2008 embraces the following new members: Ron Anderson & David Rees (TENTHOUSANDTHINGS), Michael Bastian, Andrew Buckler, Sophie Buhai & Lisa Mayock (VENA CAVA), Rachel Comey, Philip Crangi, Erica Davies (DEVELOPMENT), Holly Dunlap (HOLLYWOULD), Cheryl Finnegan (VIRGINS, SAINTS, & ANGELS), Dana Foley & Anna Corinna Sellinger (FOLEY + CORINNA), Jenni Kayne, Naeem Khan, Eunice Lee (UNIS), Fiona Kotur Marin (KOTUR), Malia Mills, Sandra Muller (LILA GEMS), Thakoon Panichgul, Robin Renzi (ME&RO), Brian Reyes, Loree Rodkin, Kara Ross, Amy Smilovic (TIBI), Sue Stemp, Scott Sternberg (BAND OF OUTSIDERS), Araks Yeramyan.

What makes this organization so special is the commitment and support given to future and established American designers. Diane von Furstenberg writes in her letter (in the 2007 report), “During my first year as President I have tried to protect the best interest of designers and the American fashion industry. Every decision I have made, and will make in the future, is to support the Membership.” Not only does the CFDA recognize and foster design talent, the council has pioneered ‘The Design Piracy Prohibition Act’ protecting original designs for a period of three years from their registration (with the U.S. Copyright Office). Hopefully, this law will help safeguard designers as well as preserve the apparel industry in the United States. That is certainly a cause worth fighting for.

-Stacy Lomman

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