Council of Fashion Designers of America

The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA), founded in 1962 by publicist Eleanor Lambert, and headquartered in Manhattan, is a not-for-profit trade association comprising a membership of over 450 American fashion and accessory designers. The organization promotes American designers in the global economy. In addition to hosting the annual CFDA Fashion Awards, the organization develops future American design talent through scholarships and resources in high schools, colleges, and postgraduate schools. The CFDA also provides funding and business opportunities for working designers. Through the CFDA Foundation, the organization supports charitable causes. History The first president of the CFDA was Sydney Wragge (from 1962 until 1965). Steven Kolb is the CEO since 2006 and CaSandra Diggs is the President since 2020. As of January 2023, Thom Browne is the group's chairman; he follows Tom Ford who served as chairman for three years. Additionally, Diane von Furstenberg served as chairman for 13 years from 2006 until 2019. The following people were founding members of the CFDA, from 1962: