The CFDA Has Created A Black Advisory Board

The CFDA has announced the introduction of a new Black advisory board, led by the recently appointed president of the organisation, CaSandra Diggs. Designer Tracy Reese will serve as executive board vice chairwoman and other board members include Fashion Tech Connects co-founder Stacie Henderson and Netflix chief marketing officer Bozoma Saint John. The board will be charged with creating opportunities for Black talent in the American fashion industry, as well as with developing programming to help foster equity and inclusion across the industry and internally at the CFDA.

Tom Ford, chairman of the CFDA board of directors, said in a statement: “In June, we outlined specific initiatives with the goal of bringing an end to racial injustice in the fashion industry.” He added that “the organisation has put in place a structure to execute this strategy and we are firmly committed to creating systemic change in our industry that will empower the critical voices that need to be heard.”

In addition to the new Black advisory board, the CFDA has also tapped consultant and longtime industry vet Bonnie Morrison to lead the strategy and execution of the CFDA equity programme initiatives. In a statement, Diggs said the new initiatives “are bringing together an impressive group of esteemed industry colleagues to collectively help us build a framework for increased diversity, equity, and inclusion in fashion.” CFDA CEO Steven Kolb added that “these fundamental changes to the organisation allow us to bring important perspectives to the fashion industry.”

He went on to say, “They will play an instrumental role in our efforts to transform the fashion system and make it more diverse, inclusive, and equitable.” The CFDA has not revealed any specific details about programming or initiatives, but with the start of fashion month just days away, hopefully we will begin to see some concrete changes take place. To be sure, the Black advisory board is a step in the right direction.