The Designers Bring Distinct Perspectives on Craft, Sustainability and American Luxury to the Council’s Leadership
Gabriela Hearst and Joseph Altuzarra have been named to the Board of Directors of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, expanding the leadership body of one of the industry’s most influential fashion organizations.
Hearst, a CFDA member since 2012, launched her namesake label in 2015 after years working in New York fashion. Raised on her family’s ranch in Uruguay, she built her brand around craftsmanship, longevity and sustainability, developing a luxury approach rooted in responsible production and refined tailoring. She also previously served as Creative Director of Chloé.
Altuzarra joined the CFDA in 2013. Born in Paris to a Chinese-American mother and French father, he founded his New York-based label in 2008 following experience at fashion houses across Europe and the United States. His collections have become known for their sharp tailoring, draping and polished interpretation of modern femininity.
“It is an honor to welcome Gabriela and Joseph, who each cultivated a language of luxury that is at once personal and attuned to the world around them, to the CFDA board,” said Steven Kolb, President and Chief Executive Officer of the CFDA. “Their voices bring a thoughtful perspective on craft, responsibility and the future of design.”
Hearst credited the organization with supporting the launch of her business through an early CFDA initiative pairing emerging designers with MBA students.
“I thank Steven Kolb, Thom Browne and the CFDA board for this honor, and I take this duty with a sense of service to all members but especially to the young, as the future is theirs,” Hearst said.
Altuzarra described the appointment as “a tremendous honor,” adding that the CFDA has played “a vital role in championing American fashion and supporting designers at every stage of their journey.”
They join a board led by Chairman Thom Browne alongside Vice Chairs Prabal Gurung and Aurora James, Treasurer Stacey Bendet and General Secretary Maria Cornejo, as well as members including Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch and Vera Wang.
The CFDA represents more than 325 American womenswear, menswear, jewelry and accessory designers and continues to play a central role in supporting fashion talent, advocacy and industry development in the United States.