CFDA on Systemic Change, George Floyd, Aurora James & #15PercentPledge

A Message from the Council of Fashion Designers of America:

If seeing brands use blackface and other racially unjust features plastered on websites was not enough to change your label or at least your mindset fashion closely follows historical events and the Black Lives Movement will not be overlooked. On June 2, 2020, the CFDA changed with the times and it is not limited it to a post or a mere donation but with an initiative to combat systemic racism with systemic change.

Along with an emphasis for the retail industry to follow suit, Tom Ford, Chairman and Steven Kolb, President and CEO, CFDA have set a four-part system to enhance and embrace black talent in the fashion industry. First, in- house programs to balance and identify black creatives which will not only be powerful in presence but also ensures an extra set of eyes are present to prevent racially sensitive material being produced. This program will also give rise to a generation of black creatives who need to be seen but may lack the resources. The CFDA is offering this program to pair creatives with hiring brands.

By creating a mentorship and internship program for recent graduates helps foster creativity and open doors using platforms that may have not been otherwise opened. Being a black fashion student can be challenging especially after graduation. Questions may arise of next steps and how to put your passion to use. Modifying the way the world sees black creatives and talent brings more creative intelligence and ultimately more trends from different perspectives in fashion.

Progress is a process and the CFDA will also be implementing a Diversity and Inclusion program. By educating the members on importance of compassionate movement within an industry that encompasses so many cultures especially the Black culture. In addition to the program contributions, fundraising activities will follow and work toward creating homeostasis within the communities to that blacks contribute billions of dollars to the fashion industry.

We can no longer sit back as inequalities ravage our world! To turn a blind eye and not want to see change evoked is going against the natural order. As these changes are occurring tag a black creative, promote a black-owned business or use your light to share your creative intelligence.