CFDA names second round of A Common Thread grant recipients, additional support for U.S. fashion community

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Jun 19, 2020

After naming its first round of grant recipients last month, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue have announced the second round of grant recipients of A Common Thread, the fundraising initiative made to support members of the American fashion industry impacted by Covid-19. 

The second round will see a total of $2,015,000 distributed, of which $1,015,000 will go to 36 companies, including 18 fashion and accessories brands, 13 retailers, three factories, and two other businesses. Grant recipients include Adam Lippes LLC; Adiff; Naeem Khan LTD; Fe Noel Inc; Hero Shop; Indigenous Designs Corporation; Silver Lining Opticians; Bear Fiber, Inc.; Circular Systems SPC; and the Fashion For All Foundation, among others. 

The CFDA and Vogue have also announced that they will make a $1 million donation to Icon 360, the non-profit launched by Harlem's Fashion Row to support designers of color during the pandemic. 

In addition, the CFDA’s Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI) -- a program made in partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and supported by industry leaders like Andrew Rosen and Ralph Lauren -- will donate $500,000 dedicated to New York City-based fashion manufacturers and their workforce.

These funds will be used to help cover business disruption expenses that manufacturers incurred while being closed over the last several months, the CFDA said. The application for New York City-based manufacturers is now open.

“The global pandemic continues to impact the entire fashion industry, which needs our support now more than ever,” said Tom Ford, chairman of the CFDA.

“This second round of funding allows us to help additional brands, retailers, and factories through the severe challenges of this time. We are also incredibly pleased to be able to provide funding to the new Icon 360 grant program.”

To date, A Common Thread has now raised a total of $4.9 million.