Stylist Thom Browne replaces colleague Tom Ford at the helm of the Council of Fashion Designers of America
It’s Browne time
CFDA: Welcome Thom Browne. 2023 for American fashion will see a significant change of direction. The Council of Fashion Designers of America has in fact unanimously elected its new president and starting from January 1, 2023, Thom Browne will hold this responsibility, taking over from his colleague Tom Ford who headed the association for three years. The current interim presidency of Steven Kolb, CFDA chief executive officer, assumed after Ford’s departure in May of this year will last until December 31, 2022. Recall that Ford’s was a presidential parenthesis that began in June 2019 , preceded by that of Diane von Furstenberg, who had held the role for 13 years (2006-2019), and the tenure of Stan Herman which lasted 15 years (1991-2006). Ford announced its decision in May after a notable and challenging contribution made during the pandemic: “When I began my role as president in June 2019, my goal was to help the American fashion industry become more recognized. globally, for his talent and importance … I could never have imagined what incredible circumstances the world and the fashion industry would have to face, I could never have imagined that a pandemic would stop the world and change the course forever of our lives and our activities… The pandemic has challenged us to rethink our businesses in new ways, from the design and manufacturing process, to how we intercept and talk to our customers. We have been forced to find creative new ways to run our businesses. Some may think that fashion is all about creating beautiful clothes and accessories, or maybe producing fashion shows, dressing celebrities and throwing parties without considering the incredible amount of work that goes on behind the scenes, or that fashion is an industry to be 3 trillion dollars which employs millions of individuals. As President of the CFDA, I have had the privilege of experiencing firsthand the remarkable determination and optimism that drive our industry. I am honored to have been able to support the incredible talent of the American fashion industry over the past three years and look forward to continuing my role in CFDA.”. Browne started the company. own activity in 2001 in a small shop in the West Village of New York City. He received by appointment only and offered only five suits. His brand then grew exponentially over the years, thus arriving at the complete collections of prêt-à-porter, accessories for men and women, but also kidswear, eyewear and perfumes. Today the brand is owned by the Zegna group. According to Kolb “Thom understands the steps required to build a successful American fashion business that is highly respected by the global fashion community … He started as an independent menswear collection in New York and has developed his brand into a rapidly growing profitable business with a strong presence. global absence. Thom firmly believes that the art of fashion is the basis of success and his commitment to creativity runs through everything he touches. Thom’s significant contribution to design innovation has been recognized by museums around the world. Our members, at all levels of the CFDA, and the organization as a whole will benefit immensely from his thoughts, ideas and experiences, and I look forward to working together “. Here is how Browne commented on his new election in an official statement: “I am very excited to take over the presidency of the CFDA… I feel an enormous responsibility in working with Steven and the CFDA team to carry out the positive and important work of Tom, Diane. and Stan. Also, I feel it’s important to give back to an industry that has supported me so well over the past 20 years. I am so proud to be an American designer, there are so many things happening in American design today that the world needs to truly see, recognize and appreciate. My most important message is that everyone should have every opportunity to grow as a designer, but the core of this success must start with pure creativity. It is our responsibility as a designer to continue to carry forward the uncompromising creative message that reaches everyone in the most positive way. The CFDA’s mission is to support and encourage new voices and new designers to harness their creativity to achieve a unique and singular level of success. As a designer, it is our responsibility to provoke, educate, entertain, make people laugh and cry and, above all, make beautiful clothes and be able to cultivate the next generation of American design”. CFDA: Welcome Thom Browne. We at Michele Franzese Moda can only wish him a good job and we know he will not disappoint us.
