CFDA to acquire and streamline Fashion Calendar

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has obtained the Fashion Calendar and is set to streamline the planning and scheduling of fashion events and shows in New York. Over the next coming months, the CFDA plans to incorporate the Fashion Calendar into its institution to

simplify the ordeal of Fashion Week for both presenting designers, labels and visitors alike.

The CFDA is set to complete the transfer of the industry tool on 1 October, to ensure that the upcoming Fashion Week in September, scheduled by founder Ruth Finley will not be interrupted.

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FDA takes over Fashion Calendar to help restructure fashion week

After the CFDA has completed its take over, Mary Hackley, who has been with Fashion Calendar for 12 years, is set to join CFDA to help oversee the industry tool. Finley will remain with the team as a consultant and adviser.

“The Fashion Calendar has been one of the foundations of our industry, ensuring that the press, retailers and designers are able to come together in an efficient manner,” commented Diane von Furstenburg, CFDA president to WWD. “Now that it is part of the CFDA, we are prepared and excited to take it into the new world.”

The CFDA and Fashion Calendar have worked together for a period of time, officially cementing their partnership last year, when the CFDA took on a more hands on approach to the planning of catwalk shows and events during February's fashion week. The CFDA launched the NYFWList, a mobile app that moved the calendar online for a better overview of fashion week.

New York Fashion Week schedule is often seen as the most oversubscribed week of all the four fashion capitals. Usually two or even three shows take place at the same time, and in the past designers have had to share time slots. CFDA plans on addressing time conflicting schedules and create a more coherent structure for all.

The acquisition was fully supported by IMG's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and Made, who have helped create the success surround fashion week. “With all the other shows happening around the city, there is more value in that being branded together as New York Fashion Week,” said CFDA Chief Executive Officer Steven Kolb.

“That’s part of the evolution of the calendar, taking the concept and really defining New York Fashion Week.” The Calendar is predicted to stay subscription based after the acquisition is complete and will work as an independent P&L within the CFDA.

Image: Diane von Furstenburg, Ruth Finley and Steven Kolb