The Business of Fashion and the CFDA Celebrate the Forthcoming #BoF500

NEW YORK, United States — "No one symbolises disruption better than The Business of Fashion," declared Council of Fashion Designers of America chairman Diane von Furstenberg on Tuesday night at the New York Edition Hotel. The legendary designer and her crowd of admirers were there to herald the fresh batch of Americans joining the third-annual #BoF500, the definitive list of top professionals shaping the global fashion industry.

The New York Fashion Week event — co-hosted by BoF founder and editor-in-chief Imran Amed, Diane von Furstenberg and the CFDA — teased this year's full lineup, which launches online on September 22nd. The #BoF500 2015, supported by QIC Global Real Estate, coincides with the release of our latest print issue, which explores the theme of "'Reinvention."

Tim Blanks | Photo: BFA NYC

US-based newcomers to the #BoF500 on-hand to celebrate included shoe designer Paul Andrew, Paper editorial director Mickey Boardman, The Elder Statesman designer Greg Chait, Oscar de la Renta designer Peter Copping, Vanity Fair fashion and style director Jessica Diehl, investor Ron Frasch, and Ringly founder and chief executive Christina Mercando, as well as Kate Lanphear, Matthew Schneier, Aimee Song, Amber Venz Box, Gordon von Steiner, Julie Wainwright and Lucky Blue Smith.

On hand to support the new class were many of the industry's most important players from near and far, including IMG's Ivan Bart and BoF board member and advisor Tom Florio, as well as designer Thakoon Panichgul, US Elle editor-in-chief Robbie Myers, Glossier chief executive Emily Weiss and Bergdorf Goodman senior vice president Linda Fargo.

BoF's newly appointed editor at large Tim Blanks chatted with London-based jewellery designer Sabine Getty, while fashion advisors Julie Gilhart and Simon Collins held unofficial court at the other end of the filled room.

The mix was reflective of #BoF500's mission: to honour the people who make the industry tick, no matter where they live. "It's so not about borders anymore," said CFDA president and chief executive Steven Kolb. "What The Business of Fashion has is a very global perspective."

Amed seconded that notion. “Too often fashion is seen as this glossy, superficial industry,” he said. “Those of us who work in fashion know that’s not the case. Behind all of that gloss is a real, global industry. What we’re here to celebrate tonight is all of you who drive the business of fashion.”

Stay tuned for the unveiling of the third annual #BoF500 on September 22, 2015.