Defections by many top designers who chose to show their collections outside the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week hub at Lincoln Center — including Tommy Hilfiger, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan and Zac Posen — have set off speculation about the future of Fashion Week itself.
Gossip has swirled that the CFDA, the powerful trade association behind the fashion industry that boasts von Furstenberg as its president, was unhappy with the Lincoln Center setup, thought the spotlight given to sponsors was distasteful, and even encouraged designers to show elsewhere.
But last night, the CFDA — whose board includes Tory Burch, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Prabal Gurung, Marc Jacobs and Derek Lam — took the rare step of issuing a joint statement with IMG, which produces the event, in a show of unity.
Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA, and Catherine Bennett, SVP and managing director of IMG Fashion, told Page Six: “The CFDA and IMG Fashion have a long-standing, mutually respectful relationship and there is no conflict between both parties. Both organizations share a common objective of supporting designers . . . CFDA recognizes the importance of sponsors to Fashion Week and the contribution they make.”
The statement continued, “CFDA encourages designers to show at venues that make sense for their businesses and has never discouraged designers from showing at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.”
Some fashionistas are looking forward to when Fashion Week moves to its new home at Hudson Yards, at least five years away.
The statement concluded, “With regards to the future . . . there are currently no definite plans with Culture Shed at Hudson Yards. Both CFDA and IMG Fashion have provided feedback into the creation and plans . . . Lincoln Center has been a great home for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and CFDA will continue to support the event there.”