The CFDA and Vogue launch Covid-19 relief fund for American fashion community

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Mar 24, 2020

As of March 24, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund has been repurposed into a new Covid-19 relief fund. Named 'A Common Thread,' it will support members of the American fashion community who have been impacted by the outbreak.

With the support of Anna Wintour and chairman of the CFDA, Tom Ford, the two fashion powerhouses have repurposed the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund into a new Covid-19 relief fund, named 'A Common Thread,' as of March 24. 

Applications will be available through the CFDA website starting April 8, and the fund is not limited to former Fashion Fund participants or members of the CFDA. 

Those who are interested in donating to the fund can do so by texting 'thread' to 44-321, or by making a contribution online. 

"One of the worst feelings a crisis like this one can inspire is helplessness," Wintour said in a message posted to Vogue.com. 

"And there is so much help that is needed, especially as small businesses and workers across this country suffer devastating economic consequences.

"Among those already affected are those in the fashion community, from designers to their employees and retail workers up and down the economic scale. There are inspiring stories of designers making masks and medical supplies, but I have also been hearing from those who fear they won’t make payroll, or who have seen orders returned, their stores closed, who fear their businesses and their livelihoods may not survive what we’re going through. And all of us at Vogue—together with the Council of Fashion Designers of America—are determined to help."

To boost the initiative, the CFDA and Vogue will launch a video series on March 25, featuring the stories of those in the fashion industry whose businesses and livelihoods have been affected by the pandemic and its economic impact. 

"The videos will highlight not only designers, but those who work tirelessly behind the scenes in the country’s incredibly strong and vibrant fashion industry, and they will live on both Vogue and CFDA digital platforms," the CFDA said.  

Throughout their longterm partnership, Vogue and the CFDA have come together multiple times to provide assistance during times of crisis. In the 90s, the two held the 7th on Sale fundraiser to help raise money to fight HIV/AIDS, while the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund was first launched after 9/11 to support new and emerging American fashion designers.