The CFDA Inducts 10 New Members

From Tremaine Emory to Danielle Frankel Hirsch, the organization’s newly tapped members are fashion industry favorites.

Today the Council of Fashion Designers of America, most commonly known for hosting the annual CFDA Fashion Awards, is announcing the addition of 10 new designers to its coveted membership roster.

A non-for-profit founded in 1962, the CFDA’s membership is made up of America’s best designers in womenswear, menswear, jewelry, eyewear, and accessories. With a focus on education, sustainability, supply chain, diversity, equity, and inclusion, the organization is a celebrated resource among emerging designers and students who receive support through the CFDA’s professional development programs, grants, and scholarships.

Among the set of new members are Raul Lopez of LUAR, Tremaine Emory of Denim Tears and Supreme, Danielle Hirsch of Danielle Frankel, and more groundbreaking creators. Of the newly minted group, Thom Browne, Chairman of the CFDA, has said: “It’s so important for the world to see talent at the highest levels coming from America. Our newest members represent everything America has to offer… diversity… creativity… and true individual talent.”

The CFDA’s 10 new members are as follows:

Brandon Blackwood, BRANDON BLACKWOOD

Hailing from Brooklyn, Brandon Blackwood—founder and CEO of his eponymous accessories label—made his name in fashion with a tote that reads “END SYSTEMIC RACISM.” The bag achieved significant clout in the fashion community, having sold out four times before Kim Kardashian posed with it on Instagram, catapulting the bag to viral status. Since then, Blackwood has become a generational leader in the accessories space.

Brandon Blackwood via Instagram @cfda

Colm Dillane, KIDSUPER

From making t-shirts in high school to co-creating the Louis Vuitton Autumn/Winter 2023 menswear collection, Colm Dillane has earned his spot as a force in the global fashion industry. Known for his whimsical designs at KidSuper, the native New Yorker has collaborated with brands like Puma and Suicoke, and his light is only growing brighter.

Colm Dillane via Instagram @cfda

Tremaine Emory, DENIM TEARS and SUPREME

Raised in Queens, Tremaine Emory is the founder of Denim Tears and the Creative Director of Supreme. That said, he comes with a stacked resume; he’s collaborated with the likes of Off-White, Converse, New Balance, Levi’s, Ugg, and several other global brands. Plus, he’s become a favorite among industry insiders; in 2017, he was tapped by Frank Ocean to help create the artist’s Boys Don’t Cry zine, and in 2021 Denim Tears’ “Tyson Beckford” knit sweater was featured in the Met Costume Institute’s “America: A Lexicon of Fashion” exhibition.

Tremaine Emory via Instagram @cfda

Danielle Hirsch, DANIELLE FRANKEL

Over the past several years, Danielle Frankel Hirsch has become the go-to bridal designer for women who want their wedding gown to be as cool as it is elegant. When Zoë Kravitz wore her design to her 2019 wedding rehearsal, it further solidified Hirsch’s “if you know, you know” cult-favourite status.

Danielle Frankel Hirsch via Instagram @cfda

Greg Lauren, GREG LAUREN

With a last name that says it all, Greg Lauren (nephew of Ralph Lauren) was raised on the Upper East Side and, as  consequence of his family line, grew up under the influence of fashion and beauty. But it was only after migrating to Los Angeles to pursue acting (and later art) that he launched his namesake label in 2011. Since then, Lauren has proved himself as a sustainable fashion front-runner.

Greg Lauren via Instagram @cfda

Raul Lopez, LUAR

Raised by his Dominican family in pre-gentrified Williamsburg, Raul Lopez has spent his life as a member of New York’s creative class. Among the overwhelming white, wealthy dominance within fashion, Lopez’s work stands out—his Autumn/Winter 2023 show had one of the most diverse casts of the season. In 2022 he told Fashionista, “Growing up as a proud gay boy of color, I’ve always kind of made it my job to bring awareness to my heritage and my upbringing in Brooklyn.”

Raul Lopez via Instagram @cfda

Jamie Okuma, J.OKUMA

Jamie Okuma is a Luiseno, Shoshone-Bannock, Wailaki, and Okinawan designer based in Southern California. Okuma specializes in hand-made one-of-a-kind pieces, but also designs ready-to-wear. Having worked as an artist since the age of 18, her work has been shown globally and is included in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.

Jamie Okuma via Instagram @cfda

Daniel Roseberry, MAISON SCHIAPARELLI

Texas-born Daniel Roseberry was named artistic director of Schiaparelli in 2019, following Bertrand Guyon’s departure in April. Previously, Roseberry cut his teeth at Thom Browne, where he spent 11 years after completing his studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.

Daniel Roseberry via Instagram @cfda

Rio Uribe, GYPSY SPORT

Though Rio Uribe’s Gypsy Sport was founded in 2012, in 2020 it became widely revered not just for its product, but for being a beacon of sorts at a time in which the fashion industry began to finally confront and grapple with its systemic racism. At Gypsy Sport, Uribe has championed equity from the beginning. As Vogue reported, he said: “If I wasn’t already representing Black or trans people, then I think it would be the perfect time to do so… But I’m glad that it’s always been part of our message—right now, we’re just speaking up a little louder.”

Rio Uribe via Instagram @cfda

Elena Velez, ELENA VELEZ

Originally from Milwaukee, Elena Velez has certainly made her name in NYC, having dressed the likes of Solange Knowles, Julia Fox, and Ethel Cain. With a deconstructed, brutalist aesthetic, her work stands out as resisting stereotypes of female designers.

Elena Velez via Instagram @cfda
Discover More