CFDA LINKS WITH UBM FASHION TO HELP EMERGING DESIGNERS

Project NY
by Stephen Garner

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has teamed up with UBM Fashion, which owns men’s trade shows MRket and Project on an exclusive partnership designed to support American fashion designers and brands, and promote the growth of emerging talent.

As part of the partnership, CFDA and UBM Fashion will create programs that help talented emerging designers bridge the gap between compelling design and commercial success.  Key programs will include enhanced retailer matchmaking services, special events, and cost assistance at UBM Fashion tradeshows for new CFDA members.

What’s more, the partners will work together on educational and mentorship programs designed to help CFDA members in areas such as marketing, sales, distribution, manufacturing, and finance.  UBM Fashion and the CFDA will also collaboratively coordinate the timing of New York Fashion Weeks and related market weeks for men’s and women’s fashion.

And, Project will present four participating designers for the first time during NYFW: Men’s on February 5 at Skylight Modern.

The partnership will launch this month and will be centered on UBM Fashion’s dual-gender show, Project, and its advanced contemporary event, Coterie, as well as the recently launched MAGIC Japan.

“The CFDA is always looking for partnerships that help designers reach new retailers and consumers,” said Steven Kolb, president and CEO of the CFDA. “UBM Fashion’s portfolio of programs and extensive contacts with retailers both large and small will help fuel the industry’s growth.”

“We’re especially excited by the opportunity to help hand-select great independent retailers from around the USA and the world who attend our events, and help them become business partners with great new American designers and brands from the CFDA,” added Mike Alic, managing director of UBM Fashion. “In the changing world of fashion, success is based on partnerships and networks – UBM Fashion is extremely happy to join forces with the CFDA to help the American fashion industry thrive.”


Editor’s Note: MR magazine and UBM Fashion are owned by UBM plc – the world’s largest pure-play business-to-business events company.