Weekly Spotlight: CFDA Supports Black Designers, Mugler Creators Program, and More

October 25, 2024

1. CFDA and Frazier Foundation Partner to Fund and Support Black Designers

The CFDA and the Frazier Family Foundation have teamed up to launch the Empowered Vision Award, aimed at tackling systemic barriers for Black designers in fashion. Backed by $200,000, the award splits into two halves—a $100,000 grant to fuel an independent Black designer’s business, and $100,000 for a year-long mentorship with industry leaders. James Frazier, representing the Foundation, and CFDA CEO Steven Kolb say this initiative is about impact—creating real opportunities for Black-owned businesses to thrive globally, with essential support that includes production, marketing, and scaling advice. The partnership reflects a bold move towards equity in fashion, with a diverse selection committee including style heavyweights like Alastair McKimm, Shiona Turini, and Diane von Furstenberg. The program is part of CFDA Impact, aiming for genuine change by providing both creative and strategic resources to help designers overcome the hurdles that have historically limited Black talent. Whether the Empowered Vision Award will become an annual event depends on its success, but for now, it stands as a vital investment in a more inclusive future for American fashion. The Frazier Family Foundation, led by former Merck CEO Kenneth Frazier and interior designer Andréa Frazier, focuses on advancing equity, health, and opportunity, making this collaboration with CFDA a natural extension of their mission.

2. Mugler Launches Creators Program to Support Music and Dance Students

Mugler has launched its first social program, the Mugler Creators Program, offering scholarships to 16 rising music and dance talents in financial need across the U.S. and U.K. With a donation of 175,000 euros starting this scholastic year, the brand has partnered with institutions like Trinity Laban in the U.K. and Purchase College in the U.S. to provide funding for young artists to pursue their creative dreams. The initiative connects with Mugler’s deep roots in the performing arts, a legacy that began with its founder Thierry Mugler and has continued through collaborations with icons from Diana Ross to Beyoncé. The program aims to nurture young artists and help them break down barriers to access in the arts, providing both financial support and the recognition that comes with Mugler’s endorsement. British-Tunisian director Félicity Ben Rejeb Price directed a film capturing the spirit of the program, featuring volunteer students from both Purchase College and Trinity Laban, with movement design by Cain Coleman and Stephanie Schober. Global brand president Danièle Lahana-Aidenbaum expressed pride in supporting the next generation of performers, underscoring Mugler’s commitment to fostering creative talent and inspiring future stars.

3. Chanel Announces Partnership as Title Sponsor of Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race

Chanel has partnered with The Boat Race Company as Title Sponsor and official Timekeeping Partner for the iconic Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race. Starting in 2025, the event will be rebranded as The Chanel J12 Boat Race. This marks the French luxury house’s first venture into sports, aligning with one of the UK’s most prestigious events. Since 1829, the Oxford-Cambridge race has been a beloved tradition, drawing 250,000 spectators and millions of viewers each spring. The partnership emphasizes shared values—excellence, teamwork, and precision. Frédéric Grangié, president of Chanel Watches & Fine Jewellery, highlighted the connection between rowing synchronicity and watchmaking craftsmanship. The J12 Boat Race will also showcase Chanel’s watch offerings while reinforcing its ties with the UK, where the brand moved its headquarters in 2018 and continues to make significant investments, including a new headquarters opening in 2025.

4. Lacoste and Rolex Paris Masters Unite in Long-Term Tennis Partnership

Lacoste has inked a partnership with the Rolex Paris Masters tennis tournament, becoming a premium partner until 2030. Starting at the next edition of the tournament at Paris’ Accor Arena from Saturday to November 3, Lacoste will provide uniforms for ball kids, line judges, and children involved in the “Dream Entrance” operation. The deal also includes two dedicated corners selling Lacoste pieces, along with a capsule collection featuring both Lacoste and Rolex Paris Masters logos, set to release this year, with a full co-branded collection slated for 2025. Lacoste CEO Thierry Guibert highlighted the natural alignment with the brand’s tennis heritage, rooted in the legacy of founder and tennis legend René Lacoste. The Rolex Paris Masters, part of the ATP Masters 1000 series since 1969, continues to build on its history, with star players like Novak Djokovic, who won his seventh title in 2023. Lacoste’s commitment to tennis includes partnerships with tournaments in Miami and Madrid, as well as a renewed collaboration with Roland-Garros and its ongoing role as an official partner of the French Tennis Federation, reflecting a broader trend of luxury brands deepening ties with sports.

5. Christian Louboutin and Coco Brandolini D’Adda Launch Capsule Collection

Christian Louboutin and Coco Brandolini D’Adda, longtime friends and kindred spirits in fashion, have teamed up on a limited-edition capsule collection, which will be introduced at a cocktail gathering on Thursday at Louboutin’s Madison Avenue flagship boutique in New York and Coco’s atelier in Milan. The collection is now available at Louboutin’s Madison Avenue store. The collaboration draws on their shared love of color and texture, featuring pieces like butterfly-embellished heels, black floral flats, and the new ‘Adadda’ boot, which was co-created by the duo. Their creative journey began decades ago when Louboutin crafted a pair of gilded boots for Coco, a gift from her uncle that sparked a friendship and ongoing admiration. This collection brings that story full circle, merging Louboutin’s iconic craftsmanship with Coco’s curated vintage fabrics and global flair. The limited run of 162 pairs includes a mix of flats, slingbacks, sandals, and boots, priced from $1,295 to $1,595, celebrating their enduring friendship and the freedom they see in fashion.

6. US Court Blocks Tapestry’s $8.5 Billion Acquisition of Competitor Capri

A US judge has blocked Tapestry‘s $8.5 billion acquisition of Capri, siding with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in a rare merger challenge within the fashion industry. The FTC argued that merging Tapestry, the parent company of Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman, with Capri, which owns Versace, Jimmy Choo, and Michael Kors, would reduce head-to-head competition between the two top US handbag makers and potentially lead to higher prices for consumers. Tapestry countered by claiming that the deal was necessary to compete with European luxury giants like Gucci, but the court ultimately ruled against the merger. This decision is considered a win for the Biden administration, coming just ahead of the November 5 presidential election where consumer prices are a key issue. While Japan and the European Union had already approved the deal earlier this year, the ruling by US District Judge Jennifer Rochon effectively puts a permanent block on the merger.

7. Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries Arrested for Sex Trafficking

Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, along with his alleged associates James Jacobson and Matthew Smith, has been arrested on charges of sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. Jeffries was released on a $10 million bond, while Jacobson, accused of acting as a middleman, was released on a $500,000 bond. Smith, considered a flight risk, remains detained. The indictment, first brought to light through a BBC investigation, alleges that Jeffries orchestrated a global sex trafficking operation from 2008 to 2015, recruiting dozens of men and transporting them internationally for commercial sex. The charges include allegations of using force, fraud, and coercion. Jeffries and Jacobson are due to be arraigned in federal court, and if convicted, they face significant prison time. The U.S. attorney’s office detailed the accusations, stating that Jeffries used his wealth and influence to exploit men, many of whom were led to believe the encounters could lead to modeling opportunities. The arrests are the result of an ongoing investigation, with authorities urging further victims to come forward. During his tenure at Abercrombie & Fitch, Jeffries transformed the brand, known for its provocative marketing and exclusionary hiring practices, but faced numerous controversies. He resigned in 2014 after struggling to regain the company’s financial stability post-2008.