The trade council’s “CFDA Connects” will support regional fashion weeks and organisations through providing resources in the areas of professional business development, supply chain, and social impact and sustainability. The network’s goal is to bolster American fashion in the global market and will launch in partnership with ten regional organisations, which include the Columbus Fashion Council, Hawaii Fashion Week, Saint Louis Fashion Fund, Rag Trade Atlanta and Texas Fashion Industry Initiative. Regional market members will gain access to CFDA’s digital home of American collections as well as RUNWAY360, the CFDA’s digital presentation platform fitted for livestreams with e-commerce and social media integration capabilities.

In the past, the CFDA has been accused of not providing adequate, hands-on support to its members — especially those who are mid-career. The launch of CFDA Connects comes as American fashion trends toward becoming more and more regionalised and independent fashion businesses continues to struggle in the ongoing pandemic. The CFDA announced earlier this week that it is planning for an in-person New York Fashion Week in September 2021.