“Diversity” and “Inclusion” have become buzzwords in the fashion industry and beyond as we continue to explore what parity and influence should really look like in one of the world’s most exclusive industries. Now under the leadership of Tom Ford, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has made a significant stride in tangibly diversifying its perspective, welcoming four new members of color to its board of directors.
Pyer Moss designer Kerby Jean-Raymond, Louis Vuitton and Off-White designer Virgil Abloh, and eponymous designer Carly Cushnie join Chilean designer Maria Cornejo and existing board members Tracy Reese (vice chairwoman), Vera Wang (secretary), Stan Herman (treasurer), Stacey Bendet, Dao-Yi Chow, Prabal Gurung, Tommy Hilfiger, Norma Kamali, Michael Kors, Reed Krakoff, Ralph Lauren, Ashley Olsen, Italo Zucchelli, and Diane von Furstenberg as decision-makers in America’s most esteemed and influential fashion organization. And that’s not all; as reported by the CFDA, an advisory board has also been created, including fashion activist, influencer and icon Bethann Hardison, among others.