CFDA's IMPACT on the Fashion World
Last Friday, CFDA's IMPACT exhibit opened at the FIT Museum with 100 different designs

From left to right: Giorgio di Sant’Angelo, floral print dress dress with chamois skin bodice, 1971, USA, gift of Ms. Lena Horne. Michael Kors, cashmere sweatshirt, hemp crystal-beaded pajama pant, walnut leather belt and platform sandal, Spring 2011, USA, lent by Michael Kors. Narciso Rodriguez, embroidered silk dress worn by Michelle Obama on election night 2008, Spring 2009, USA, lent by Narciso Rodriguez.
photo courtesy of the Museum at FIT

CFDA’s 50th anniversary is currently being celebrated at the Museum at FIT with an exhibit dedicated to 100 talented designers. The exhibit opened last Friday, February 10th and represents what each designer feels has helped them make their imprint in the fashion industry. For those who are unfamiliar with the organization, CFDA is a group of 600+ fashion designers who promote and give recognition to the many talented American designers, their influence on the industry and their followers. President of CFDA, Diane von Furstenberg, named the exhibit IMPACT as she explained, “American designers have always had impact on how people dress,” The exhibit features designs from 1955 to the present year.

Oscar de la Renta, silk taffeta gown with black Guipure lace bodice, spring 2012, USA, lent by Oscar de la Renta.
photo courtesy of the Museum at FIT
The whole experience of visiting IMPACT was  surreal. As we walked into the quiet, large space, it felt like a vortex of peace where we were able to mute the rest of Manhattan's noise. The rooms were dark with dim lights solely shining over the designs being presented. The first room has iPads set up on each side, giving recognition to other designers apart of the organization. 

When walking into the second room of high-end couture, the feeling was like viewing Michelangelo’s David for the first time --jaw dropping with contentment. Every piece showcased is so intricately designed --right down to the stitching. The display is organized by category, starting on one end with sportswear, and ending on the other with eveningwear. Viewing every individual piece and analyzing it creates a restored appreciation for the hard work and creativity that went on behind the scenes.

The displays will be shown until April 17th, so if fashion hasn't had an impact on you yet, make this exhibit is a priority, and we promise it will!