The 2018 CFDA Fashion Awards will take place in June of this year and the nominations for the inaugural event have begun. With a global focus on diversity at present (and hopefully always moving forward), the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has emailed those responsible for nominating designers to consider a more inclusive approach.
Sent overnight, the email was penned by CFDA President and Chief Executive Officer Steven Kolb who wrote, “We truly want the event to celebrate the full creative spectrum and richness of American fashion. Just think of how much fashion is changing, and the diversity of our industry. Designers with broad cultural backgrounds and political ideas are expressing their experiences and beliefs in their collections. Their work deserves greater acknowledgement, acceptance and visibility.”
Speaking with WWD, Kolb said that “a lot of people have always said that they felt like the same people, over and over, are getting the same awards,” which is part of the reason he sent the email. He said that the “awards are really based on talent” and encouraged those nominating to “really think deep and consider who those people [who are more deserving] are.”
The nominations are in process at present with a new approach as to who can be nominated with the nominating bodies asked the look at a brand’s work from the past year instead of the past two seasons. This allows for the inclusion of streetwear brands, for example, who don’t follow the traditional show format but “have incredible impact on the industry and the creativity in the way the customer shops,” according to Kolb.
The nominees for this year’s ceremony are expected to be announced in the coming months. Stay tuned to Buro 24/7 Middle East for details. In the meantime, see who is nominated for an Oscar ahead of next week’s ceremony.
