07/13/12 - 0 Comments
CFDA Extends Diane von Furstenberg’s Tenure for The Second Time
The Council of Fashion Designers of America‘s board has extended Diane von Furstenberg‘s tenure for the second time, making it her fourth term and continuing her presidency through 2014. She will be in charge of overseeing the 427 designers, which welcomed 26 new members—including Rachel Zoe, Vince Camuto, Joseph Altuzarra and Tabitha Simmons—who were inducted just this month. With this news, we agreed. We can’t think of anyone more worthy to sit at the throne than the woman behind the infamous printed wrap dress, Ms. von Furstenberg.
In 2005, the council awarded DVF with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and then named her president, a position she’s held since 2006. Following designer Stan Herman’s 16-year presidency, the CFDA implemented a bylaw to limit terms to two years. However, the council voted to repeal the policy and reelect DVF for two additional terms. The noted women’s designer is now the third individual to hold the position, behind her predecessor Stan Herman (1991-2006) and Norman Norell (1965-1973).
Barely on the brink of her fourth term, there are already conversations of another possible reelection when 2014 hits. Rightfully so, since she has certainly been taking care of the fashion industry by setting guidelines and code of ethics for designers and models alike.
“Diane has done an excellent job as CFDA president. The time and resources she gives and the vision she has created is a huge benefit for our organization and industry,” Steven Kolb, current CEO of the CFDA, told WWD.
The designer caused some controversy last year when 15-year-old Hailey Clauson walked in her Fall 2011 show, breaking the CFDA’s guideline for models being at least 16 years of age. We don’t expect that to happen again. DVF has been working hard to implement new guidelines to promote healthy working conditions in the industry, starting with her own luxury brand.
In a press release sent out this year, DVF pledged that any model walking in her runway must provide i.d. (to verify meeting age guidelines) beforehand. Obviously she’s setting an example in hopes that other designers will follow suit. The CFDA, under DVF’s leadership, is recommending that all models be i.d.’d before walking, and models under the age of 18 not allowed to work past midnight.
In addition to tackling appropriate age limits, the CFDA issued a list of signs that could indicate an eating disorder in an effort to raise awareness and prevent the manifestation of the disease within the fashion industry.
We love what DVF is bringing to the table and are so excited to see what she has in store for her next term as president. Here’s a toast to Diane von Furstenberg for all her amazing work!
Photo credit: Racked
