CFDA Announces Initiatives to Fight Systemic Racism in Fashion Industry

The CFDA has outlined several initiatives targeted on making systemic change in light of the “deplorable acts of racism and violence that we have seen play out in our country over this past week,” as announced in a joint statement today by chairman Tom Ford and president and CEO Steven Kolb. It follows behind a string of similar announcements as brands, companies and people worldwide respond to the deaths of George Floyd — the African-American man who was killed while in police custody in Minneapolis last week — and others that have been killed by the police.

“Black people in this country are reeling from years of injustice stemming from institutional constructs such as slavery, segregation, mass incarceration, police brutality and economic and voter suppression,” the CFDA said. “The Black community is experiencing anger and frustration on top of the effects of the global pandemic that has hit communities of color the hardest.”

According to the statement, the CFDA held a board meeting on Tuesday to formulate various actions that the organization plans to take in order to “stand in solidarity with those who are discriminated against.” Among the initiatives, the organization plans to create an in-house employment program to aid Black talent, a mentorship program focused on Black students, and to begin immediately donating to organizations that benefit the Black community.

“Having a clear voice and speaking out against racial injustice, bigotry and hatred is the first step, but this is not enough,” the CFDA stated. “This is a deeply disturbing moment that speaks to us all…We must do something.”

Source: Hypebeast

FASHIONADO

Anne Klein's Granddaughter Unites with Iconic Fashion Brand to Launch COVID-19 Relief Effort and Deliver 100,000 Masks to Essential Workers Throughout the U.S.

Anne Klein's granddaughter - Jesse Gre Rubinstein - unites with iconic fashion brand to provide relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 WHP Global ("WHP" or the "Company"), owner of the iconic women's fashion brand Anne Klein has united with the namesake designer's granddaughter Jesse Gre Rubinstein to provide relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. To meet the immediate need for Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), the Company today announced the procurement of 100,000 face masks through its supply chain, which will be distributed with Jesse to essential workers and community organizations providing relief across the United States.

"Uniting the brand Anne Klein with the founder's family at this critical time and making a commitment to distribute 100,000 masks to those on the frontlines helping our communities, is a win/win. This is just the beginning of our planned collaboration with Anne's granddaughter, Jesse. We're thrilled to partner with her," said WHP Chairman and CEO Yehuda Shmidman. 

"I am honored to have the opportunity to play a role in supporting my grandmother's legacy by highlighting inspiring individuals who even during this time of great uncertainty, embody the vision and strength to empower their community and uplift those around them," added Jesse Gre Rubinstein, founder & CEO of social media agency, Hello There Collective. "My hope is that this initiative serves as the launch of a powerful network that can both support and inspire others to help not only in the present, but as we begin to rebuild."

Additionally, WHP has tapped Jesse and her agency to spearhead the upcoming launch of Anne Klein's new social series, featuring notable individuals making a difference and connecting communities during this global pandemic.  Following in the footsteps of Anne Klein who inspired so many, Jesse will host a Facebook Live series featuring the heroes of today, inspiring the next generation of trailblazers, with guests from a variety of industries who are championing aid during the pandemic.

FASHIONADO

Ralph Lauren Will Contribute $10 Million to Coronavirus Relief Efforts

The fashion industry has felt the impact of the coronavirus pandemic at every level of its business, with charitable and legislative plans to support brands, retailers, designers, and employees that have been affected by the crisis emerging slowly but surely over the past two weeks.

Thursday, Ralph Lauren announced a major donation that provides serious support to his employees as well as global relief efforts. His Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation set out a plan to give $10 million to four charitable organizations. Conglomerates like Kering and LVMH have donated millions of euros in cash in addition to producing masks and other equipment for European health authorities. Lauren’s, meanwhile, is the largest amount given in a single donation of any fashion company so far, and the kind of meaningful, major statement that many in the American fashion community have been waiting for.

“At the heart of our company, there has always been a spirit of togetherness that inspires our creativity, our confidence, and most importantly our support for one another,” Lauren, who serves as executive chairman and chief creative officer, said in a press release. “In the past weeks and months, that spirit has never wavered.”

In the release, Lauren outlined a plan to split the money between four major organizations, with the goal of providing relief to his own employees, support for global efforts to fight the spread of coronavirus, and financial assistance to American designers. The first organization is the Emergency Assistance Foundation, an American nonprofit that creates employee relief funds, and which will provide grants to help employees of Lauren’s corporation to assist with medical care or the care of family members. Sums will also go to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, and Ralph Lauren’s Pink Pony Fun for cancer research.

Lastly, $1 million dollars of the donation will go to A Common Thread, the initiative launched earlier this week by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue to support designers and those behind-the-scenes who have been impacted by the coronavirus.

The company’s release added that it is also exploring the production of medical-grade masks, gowns, and other personal protective equipment. As GQ reported yesterday, fashion designers’ production of much-needed masks has been riddled with roadblocks and red tape. Leadership from an organization of Lauren’s size could make the manufacturing of those supplies far more effective.

Source: GQ

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