From diversifying American fashion to doubling scholarship funds, here are some highlights from Tom Ford’s time at the CFDA.
On Monday, Tom Ford announced that he will be stepping down from his role as Chairman of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The non-profit trade association, CFDA, was founded in 1962 to raise funds for charity and industry activities that will help expand American fashion globally. Ford became Chairman in 2019, signing a two-year contract with the non-profit. In the midst of COVID-19, Ford extended his role for an additional year to help see the industry through the pandemic. He will be stepping down on May 31. In the past, it has been commonplace for the CFDA chairperson to take 2-to-4-year terms.
Although the coronavirus pandemic led to unforeseen challenges for Ford, he was able to accomplish a great deal:
1.He diversified American fashion.
Throughout his tenure, Ford worked to diversify both the CFDA’s board of directors and membership, initiating new programs to increase diversity in the fashion industry. This included CFDA’s diversity, equity, and inclusion-focused IMPACT initiative, which identified, connected, and supported talent and partnered with brands to provide access to hundreds of jobs, opportunities, and mentorships.
2. In the face of the pandemic, he turned to technology.
Ford adapted to the new digital era accelerated by the pandemic with aplomb. He played a significant role in launching Runway360, an online platform where designers could showcase and sell collections when in-person shows were off the table.
3. He secured the NYFW schedule.
Ford created stability by securing the Official NYFW Schedule to five days and nights and began including all American designers showing their collections domestically and abroad in the American Collections Calendar to bring recognition to more designers.
4. He raised $5 Million in pandemic relief aid for designers.
Ford helped raise over $5 Million to support fashion businesses that were struggling throughout the first two years of the pandemic. This was achieved via the A Common Thread initiative, established in collaboration with Vogue, for which 79% of those receiving funds were women and minority-owned businesses.
5. He doubled the CFDA’s scholarship fund.
Ford successfully doubled CFDA’s scholarship fund to $500,000 and added new scholarships to provide more opportunities for young fashion students.
Although the fashion industry is primarily renowned for runway shows and beautiful clothes, it’s worth over $3 trillion and employs millions of people worldwide. Navigating this business through a pandemic requires innovation and communication with customers. Despite the unimaginable circumstances of his term Tom Ford states in a press release, “I have had the privilege to experience first-hand the remarkable determination and optimism that drives our industry. I am honored to have been able to support the truly incredible talent in the American fashion industry for these past three years, and I look forward to continuing in my role on the CFDA Board.”
Passing the torch, Ford will remain a board member alongside designers like Tory Burch, Thom Browne, and Aurora James, whom the board recently unanimously elected. The CFDA’s CEO, Steven Kolb, who worked closely with Ford over the years, will assume the duties of Interim Chair through December 31 until a new Chairperson is elected in the fall.
