The Council of Fashion Designers of America announced today that Tom Ford will be the next Chairman of the CFDA, effective June, 2019. Ford was ratified by the CFDA Board during a meeting at the CFDA offices earlier today.
Tom Ford is an award-winning fashion designer, film director, screenwriter, and film producer. In April 2005, the American born designer announced the creation of his eponymous luxury brand, beginning with menswear. Today, the TOM FORD brand offers a complete collection of Menswear, as well as Womenswear, Accessories, Eyewear, Beauty and most recently underwear and timepieces. Ford previously served as the Creative Director of Gucci Group, where he designed for luxury houses Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent until 2004.
Ford, who began his career as a design assistant for CFDA Member Cathy Hardwick, has been a member of the CFDA since 2000. He has won a total of seven CFDA Fashion Awards: Menswear Designer of the Year (2015, 2008), Womenswear Designer of the Year (2001), Accessory Designer of the Year (2002), Board of Director’s Tribute (2004), International Designer of the Year (1995), and the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award (2014). Ford has shown his collections in London, Los Angeles, and New York.
“I have had the privilege of being a member of the American Fashion community for many years and have experienced what the CFDA does for its members and the industry as a whole,” Tom Ford said. “Having lived and worked in each of the global fashion capitals of the world, I look forward to working with the Board of Directors to further the voice of American Fashion and its designers. As the Chairman, I look forward to continuing the incredible work Diane has done over the last 13 years. Diane is a true force and her contribution to the CFDA and to American fashion is immeasurable. We all owe her a great deal.”
“I am so excited that Tom Ford has agreed to come and lead the CFDA,” Diane von Furstenberg said. “American Fashion could not wish for a better visionary to further grow its impact in the global landscape. Tom is a role model for all of us, and we are very lucky to have him as the next Chairman of the CFDA.”
“Diane has been an incredible partner who helped build CFDA into a world class organization,” CFDA President and CEO Steven Kolb said. “I’m excited to now work with Tom to further strengthen the organization and support American designers with new creative and business opportunities.”
Von Furstenberg was named President of the CFDA in 2006 and became Chairwoman in 2015. Past CFDA Presidents were Stan Herman, Carolyne Roehm, Perry Ellis, Mary McFadden, Bill Blass, Herbert Kasper, Oscar de la Renta, Norman Norell, and Sydney Wragge.
