Thom Browne’s Tenure as Chairman of CFDA Has Been Extended Through 2026
The Council of Fashion Designers of America voted Tuesday to extend Thom Browne’s term as chairman of the board by two years, through the end of 2026.
In addition, board vice chairwoman Aurora James, vice chairman Prabal Gurung, treasurer Stacey Bendet and general secretary Maria Cornejo were confirmed to continue in their roles through the end of 2026.
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The news was presented to members at the CFDA membership meeting Wednesday afternoon.
Browne was first unanimously elected as chairman of the board on the CFDA in October 2022 for a two-year term. His appointment became effective Jan. 1, 2023. He succeeded Tom Ford, who completed a three-year term at the end of May 2022. Steven Kolb, chief executive officer of the CFDA, served as interim chair through Dec. 31, 2022.
“I am honored to continue serving as chairman of the CFDA board,” said Browne. “Over the past two years, we have focused on fostering creativity and championing the unique voices that define American fashion. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and look forward to building on that work, ensuring the CFDA remains a home for the best in American talent.”
Kolb added, “We are pleased that Thom Browne will continue as chairman of the CFDA board for another two years. His leadership and dedication to our organization and American fashion have been invaluable, and we look forward to his continued impact.”
Browne launched his namesake business in 2003 with five gray suits in a made-to-measure shop in the West Village in New York, creating a sharply tailored uniform comprising a jacket and trouser paired with a gray cardigan, a white Oxford shirt, a gray tie and silver tie bar, and classic black brogues. Known for his shrunken tailoring, he has since expanded to include complete ready-to-wear and accessories collections for men and women, with the latter being introduced in 2011. The designer also has become well-known for his highly conceptual runway presentations. His company has since 2018 been owned by the Zegna Group, which started trading on the New York Stock Exchange in late 2021.
In 2005, Browne became a member of the CFDA. He has been a recipient of CFDA’s Menswear Designer of the Year award three times: in 2006, 2013 and 2016. This year, he was nominated for both Menswear Designer of the Year and American Womenswear Designer of the Year.
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