Ashley Olsen elected to CFDA board
The Olsen twins have long been lauded as America’s sweethearts and as one half of luxury fashion label The Row and contemporary label Elizabeth & James, Ashley has definitely proved she has the fashion credentials for such a role. The Row was launched in 2006 with an idea for the perfect T-shirt and rapidly became the go to brand for those must have wardrobe staples, flawless leather leggings or blazers. Their minimal aesthetics paired with a penchant for superluxe fabrications and a devotion to the highest quality earned them the 2012 CFDA win for Womenswear Designer of the Year. The CFDA have this month taken their admiration one step further, bestowing upon Ashley Olsen the prestigious accolade of being elected to join the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s board. Curiously, Ashleys twin and business partner Mary Kate has not been selected alongside her sister. The two hold equal creative control over their labels so the question remains as to why one was chosen over the other.
The CFDA currently has more than 400 leading womenswear, menswear, jewellery & accessory designers as members. Membership is invitation only and is open to American designers who design in the United States or abroad as well as international designers whose businesses are based in the United States.
Founded in 1962 by publicist Eleanor Lambert, the mission of the CFDA is to further the position of fashion design, to advance artistic and professional standards within the fashion industry and to support the overall growth of American fashion as a global industry. As well as its numerous collaborations to help further the careers of its members the organization is committed to developing future designers. With Diane Von Furstenberg as the current president and esteemed members of the board including Tory Burch and Ralph Lauren Ashley is in good company. Alongside Ashley Olsen, other new board members include Deborah Lloyd, president & chief creative officer of Kate Spade and designer Prabul Gurung.
