On June 1, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) announced the appointment of Allison Sarofim as the new Chair of Friends of the CFDA.
A founding member of Friends of the CFDA, Sarofim is widely recognized for her work across the fields of art, film, fashion, beauty, and philanthropy. Her appointment marks a new chapter for the organization as it continues to support and strengthen the American fashion industry.
Summary
- Allison Sarofim has been appointed Chair of Friends of the CFDA
- Sarofim is a founding member of Friends of the CFDA and is known for her work across art, film, fashion, beauty, and philanthropy
- Friends of the CFDA is an invitation-only philanthropic organization established in 2023 by CFDA Chairman Thom Browne
- Annual membership fees support emerging designer programs, sustainable fashion initiatives, diversity and inclusion efforts, and industry education and advocacy
- Sarofim succeeds theater producer Jordan Roth, who served as the inaugural Chair of Friends of the CFDA
What Is Friends of the CFDA?
Friends of the CFDA is an invitation-only philanthropic organization established in 2023 by CFDA Chairman Thom Browne. The group brings together a select community of individuals who share a passion for both fashion and philanthropy, while offering unique access to the American fashion industry.
Members receive invitations to exclusive events and private gatherings with industry leaders. Membership fees help fund a range of CFDA initiatives, including:
- Emerging designer support programs
- Sustainable fashion initiatives
- Diversity and inclusion programs
- Educational and industry advocacy efforts
Commenting on her appointment, Sarofim said: “I am deeply honored to step into the role of Chair of Friends of the CFDA. I look forward to building upon its remarkable foundation while exploring new ways to grow our community across the country, cultivate enduring networks of support, and help shape a more dynamic and inclusive future for American fashion.”
Thom Browne also praised Sarofim’s appointment, stating: “Allison has been an integral part of Friends of the CFDA since its inception, bringing a remarkable depth of knowledge and passion for American fashion, the arts, and philanthropy to all that she does. She possesses a rare ability to foster meaningful connections across creative communities, and I am truly delighted that she has agreed to lead this important group.”
A Strong Presence Across the Arts
An art collector and patron, Sarofim has long been involved with some of New York’s most influential cultural institutions.
She serves as a member of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Chairman’s Council and Friends of the Costume Institute, while also participating in the acquisition committee of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the director’s council of the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Sarofim is also a founding board member of Ballroom Marfa, the Texas-based nonprofit arts organization, and received the organization’s Off The Grid Award in 2024.
Beyond the arts, she served as a producer of the acclaimed 2009 documentary Tell Them Anything You Want: A Portrait of Maurice Sendak. More recently, she launched Loulu Hawai‘i, a science-backed skincare brand built on advanced botanical research and developed in its Honolulu-based laboratory.
Succeeding Inaugural Chair Jordan Roth
Sarofim succeeds theater producer Jordan Roth, who served as the inaugural Chair of Friends of the CFDA.
In recent years, the CFDA has expanded its efforts to support emerging designers, advance sustainability initiatives, and promote greater diversity within the fashion industry. Given Sarofim’s extensive experience across the arts and philanthropy, her appointment is expected to further strengthen and broaden these initiatives in the years ahead.
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