Natalie “Alabama” Chanin is owner and designer of the American couture line ALABAMA CHANIN and author of Alabama Stitch Book and Alabama Studio Style. Her designs for hand-sewn garments constructed using quilting and stitching techniques from the rural south have been lauded for both their beauty and sustainability. Made from 100% Certified Organic Cotton combined with up-cycled and re-purposed materials by artisans located near Natalie’s home in Florence, Alabama, her designs have earned accolades from peers as a finalist from the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Fashion in 2005. In 2005 and 2009, Natalie was chosen as one of the Finalists for the CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund and her work is now on showcase in the 2010 Cooper Hewitt Global Triennial.

The fourth exhibition in the Cooper-Hewitt Museum’s National Design Triennial series in “Why Design Now?” is currently on view (through Jan. 9, 2011), and explores the work of designers addressing human and environmental problems across many fields of design from architecture and product design to fashion, graphics, new media and landscape design. The exhibition title asks the question “Why Design Now?” to examine why design thinking is an essential tool for solving some of today’s most urgent problems; what draws creative thinkers, makers and problem solvers to this crucial field of discovery; and why business leaders, policy makers, consumers and citizens should embrace design values. Key developments across design disciplines are presented through eight themes: energy, mobility, community, materials, prosperity, health, communication and simplicity.

Natalie’s designs are on display under the prosperity section; progressive designers and entrepreneurs are building engines of prosperity that enable local communities to use their own resources to create their own wealth, as well as to participate in the global economy. Natalie’s handmade designs are used as examples of slow design.

Natalie’s work in the fashion industry began in the year 1988 in the New York City fashion district working in the Junior Sportswear industry. From New York, Natalie moved to Europe in 1990 where she worked for ten years as a stylist and costume designer for film and photography.

However, Natalie’s life work began in the year 2000 with the invention of Project Alabama. Natalie returned to her home in Florence, Alabama to produce a collection of 200 one-of-a-kind, up-cycled t-shirts, along with the 22 minute documentary film “Stitch” – about old-time quilting circles in her community. Project Alabama grew quickly and became a full collection fashion company, added business partners, lost business partners, all the while earning respect from editors and stores around the world.

In the year 2006, Project Alabama ceased operations in the state of Alabama.  Rather than choosing to outsource, Natalie made the decision to adhere to the original mission of Project Alabama and launched Alabama Chanin where she continues to create limited-edition, rendered-by-hand, jewelry, clothing, home furnishing and textiles using a mixture of organic and recycled materials with local talent.

To view Natalie Chanin’s full CFDA Member Profile please click here.

Norma Kamali has always been known as an innovative and inventive designer who follows her own path — as demonstrated in her designs for  her “sleeping bag” coat, a collection of styles created from actual parachutes, and the packable, multi-use clothing……some of which can be worn up to thirty different ways per design.  Her swimwear continues to influence an entire industry each season since her first collection in 1974.

Her passion for creating new ideas remains as strong today as it did when she began almost 40 years ago.

Combining new technology and fashion has been a fascination for Norma. The Norma Kamali iPhone application introduced at her presentation “The Democratization of Fashion” in the Apple store, plus the use of new Scan Life technology allowing customers to shop from her flagship store’s window or throughout the store by scanning 2d barcodes, are just two examples of how she sees technology supporting her business.

Continuing to leverage technology and making her designs more accessible, Norma was the first designer to create a virtual online store on eBay. Her collection on eBay is presented directly to the contemporary shopper.

More recently, in conjunction with the April 3rd introduction of the highly anticipated iPad from Apple, Norma took full advantage of the new medium to reach her customers through the first digital version of Interview Magazine. Once the Norma Kamali ad is clicked, the user will land on her swimwear website, then to the product page, from which they can use her “Try Before You Buy” service and only pay for the items they decide to keep. The ad also includes a mini look book video of the entire swimwear collection. Customers have 48 hours to try their purchases in the comfort of their homes.

Norma has received numerous awards for fashion design, architecture design, interior design, the creation of fashion video short stories, and community public service.  Norma has a plaque on the Fashion Walk of Fame and was the recipient of the CFDA Board of Directors Special Tribute Award in 2005.

In 2008, Norma launched a “timeless style” collection for Walmart, to provide consumers with styles that are great investments at great value, which can last for years in their wardrobe. Included in the collection are swimsuits which are priced at $20 and under.

For the last 18 years, Norma has dedicated her time in the New York City public schools, working with students and sharing how to bring art together with commerce and establishing job opportunities for students who are artistic and creative. She is being recognized for her work this year through PENCIL, an organization known best for the “principal for a year program.

To view Norma Kamali’s full CFDA Member Profile please click here.

Tina Lutz and Marcia Patmos are two fashion designers living in New York. Nearly a decade ago, they became tired of “five minute trends” and longed for clothing with integrity and purity. Looking for the fusion of modernity and tradition, they decided to combine their design talents and to launch LUTZ & PATMOS in September 2000.

LUTZ & PATMOS is now a complete collection sold worldwide to high-end department stores and boutiques, with an emphasis on knitwear. The collection spans from coats to jackets, from dresses to pants, and from sweaters to t-shirts. Tina Lutz and Marcia Patmos strive to work, design and live within the brand philosophy they have established for Lutz & Patmos. An important aspect of their design philosophy is to embrace and collaborate with the design community and the art world. As a result of the brand’s success, large companies such as Coach, VW, and Uniglo have reached out to Lutz & Patmos for design collaborations. Lutz & Patmos has also collaborated with guest designers such as Julianne Moore, Sofia Coppola, Jane Birkin, Richard Meier and the Archbishop Desmond Tutu to support different charities.

More recently, Tina and Marcia have launched a “little sister” line named LEROY & PERRY. The collection uses ecological and sustainable fabrics and yarns, while offering expanded distribution and categories. LEROY & PERRY is also a complete collection including sweaters, knits, and wovens. LEROY & PERRY is challenging spinners, dyers, suppliers, and factories to change to more sustainable production methods.

German-born Tina Lutz graduated from Esmod University in Paris with a degree in fashion design and pattern making. She lived and worked in Paris for a few years until her design career brought her to Tokyo, San Francisco and eventually New York in 1992.

Marcia Patmos, a New York native, graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in apparel design. She has lived in and worked in New York since 1991, where she met Tina Lutz.

To view Tina Lutz full CFDA Member Profile please click here.

To view Marcia Patmos’s full CFDA Member Profile please click here.

Reed Krakoff is an American designer with a career that spans over 20 years. His most recent fashion venture is an eponymous line of women’s ready-to-wear, handbags and shoes in the tradition of great American sportswear design. The Reed Krakoff collection juxtaposes utility with femininity; it’s both functional and poetic – a new look of sophistication, but one with an unequivocal American ease and confidence. The collection’s debut marks a new era of luxury in modern American fashion.

After receiving his degree in Fashion Design from Parsons The New School of Design in New York, Krakoff, a Connecticut native, entered the world of classic American fashion brands. He began his career at Anne Klein and Ralph Lauren, and soon rose to top creative positions at other prominent design houses.

Krakoff became known throughout the industry for his eye, innovations and influence and was tapped by the iconic accessories brand, Coach, to be its President and Executive Creative Director. In his time at Coach, Krakoff has been recognized for revamping and revitalizing the brand’s image, as well as its heritage as an American fashion name. During his thirteen years at Coach, Krakoff has led design, store concept, marketing and worldwide positioning.

Krakoff’s contributions to the industry have been recognized with such distinctions as being elected vice president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and the CFDA award for Accessories Designer of the Year (given to him in both 2001 and 2004 for his Coach designs).

Reed Krakoff is also a photographer whose work has been exhibited in New York and Tokyo and has appeared in magazines like Elle Décor, Town & Country, and Interview. He has also published several books of his photography, including Claude & François-Xavier Lalanne, Fighter: The Ultimate Fighters of the UFC, and the forthcoming Mattia Bonetti.

Krakoff is a passionate patron and supporter of the arts and is closely involved with the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum and the Whitney Museum of American Art. He also serves on the board at his alma mater, Parsons The New School for Design, and is a mentor to young designers participating in the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. Krakoff lives in Manhattan with his family.

Simon Spurr, the British-born co-Founder and Creative Director of SPURR and SIMON SPURR, was inducted to the CFDA in 2009.  Launched in the Fall of 2006 with three styles of denim jeans, SPURR has evolved into a complete menswear line featuring a full range of denim, sportswear, suits and accessories including bags and ties. Simon’s unique design aesthetic is reflected in both of his line’s offerings, which are instantly recognizable for their detailed, clean and modern looks.

2009 was an important year for Simon Spurr.  In addition to being admitted to the CFDA in June, Simon was selected as a finalist for the CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund. In October, Tommy Fazio, former Men’s Fashion Director for Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, joined SPURR as President.

This month, Simon will debut his new collection, SIMON SPURR, during Milan’s Fashion Week. On February 14, he will present both SIMON SPURR and SPURR together on the runway during New York Fashion Week. The new SIMON SPURR line will be a complete menswear collection with a higher level of make, including hand-finished leather, shirting and sweaters. The collection will impress the existing SPURR customer and will remain consistent with the timeless, sophisticated and elegant image that the brand has developed over the past four years.

Simon Spurr graduated from Middlesex University in London in 1996 with a B.A. (with honors) in Men’s Fashion Design.  Prior to launching SPURR, Simon served under the watchful eye of Hedi Slimane in London as the Men’s Designer for Saint Laurent before relocating in 2001 to New York as the Head Men’s Wear Designer for cK Calvin Klein.  In March 2003, he was recruited to be the Design Director for Ralph Lauren Purple Label and Ralph Lauren Black Label.

To view Simon Spurr’s full CFDA Member Profile please click here.

Yeohlee Teng was born in Malaysia and has worked primarily in New York City, where she established her house, YEOHLEE Inc, in 1981.

Yeohlee designs for the urban environment, dressing the “Urban Nomad,” a term she coined in 1997. Her collection is – and has always been – designed, developed and produced in New York City. She has shown in quintessential New York spaces, most notably, the 42nd St-Bryant Park Station of the NYC Subway for her Spring 2005 collection.

For the last 3 years, Yeohlee has been at the forefront of addressing the Garment District rezoning plan. She has been pivotal in calling attention to the potential consequences to the fashion industry should the City lift the zoning for manufacturing in Midtown Manhattan. Yeohlee has been a catalyst in mobilizing people and resources to focus on this issue. This year, she spearheaded the Made in Midtown project for the CFDA in partnership with the Design Trust for Public Space. Made in Midtown is an initiative to envision a future for the Garment District that allows the light manufacturing fashion industry to flourish while also accommodating development and growth. The fashion industry provides diversity in jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities that allow New York City to call itself the fashion capital of the world. In addition to the economic aspect, the Made in Midtown study is critically important to how New York thinks of itself as a city. At the heart of it, for Yeohlee, “is the city’s cultural identity.”

Yeohlee’s commitment to working with local craftspeople is a testament to a new, nuanced concept of sustainability which includes maintaining a viable community. Proximity to production facilities allows for innovation based on a continuous connection between Yeohlee and the work during every stage– from concept to finished product. Manufacturing in Midtown has the advantage of a quick “just in time” response that is critical in today’s economy. This accessibility promotes efficiency, conserves time, energy and resources, and ties in with Yeohlee’s “Zero Waste” philosophy.

Yeohlee believes that design comes from serving a function and is refined through time and process. Her designs are driven by material, maximizing the use of each fabric by thoughtful consideration of weight, texture, color, cut and finishing. She designs mathematically, animating geometric forms into dynamic, wearable clothing that can “lend a wearer power.”

Every collection is designed in the context of a specific environment, exploring the relationship between clothing and space. Her inspiration is drawn primarily from architecture, but also includes sonic environments and natural habitats.

Yeohlee’s work has been featured in numerous exhibitions internationally, where she has created site-specific installations at the Aedes East Gallery, Berlin; the Netherlands Architecture Institute, Rotterdam, and the Victoria & Albert Museum, London. Her work is currently featured in the exhibitions “American Beauty: Aesthetics and Innovation in Fashion” at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology; “YEOHLEE: Design for Now” at the Crow Collection of Asian Art in Dallas; and “Design USA: Contemporary Innovation” at the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. Yeohlee received the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award in 2004 for Fashion Design.

YEOHLEE : WORK published in 2003 surveys the first 20 years of her practice with essays by prominent fashion, art and design curators and critics. Former Chief Curator of the Costume Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the late Richard Martin, writes of Yeohlee: “Her clothes conserve and impart energy for they are the synthesis of reason and magic.”

Photo Above: Yeohlee Teng at the YEOHLEE: Design for Now exhibition at the Crow Collection of Asian Art in Dallas. Photo Credit: Chris Korbey.

To view Yeohlee Teng’s full CFDA Member profile please click here.

Beginning early November, Rock & Redemption by Michael Spirito will premier exclusively at Sears’ top 200 urban locations. Rock & Redemption will adhere closely to Spirito’s core creative imagery of serpents, spikes, crowns, crosses and roses, but unlike the designer-priced Exhibitionist line, the Sears brand will retail from $40 to $200, and will be made in sterling silver, steel, and crystal. “My handmade work for the Exhibitionist collection has been featured heavily in the fashion press – by creating Rock & Redemption with Sears my jewelry will be able to reach a broader American audience — who are looking for authentic rock star style as well as great quality” says Spirito.

At the age of eight, Michael was already fascinated by metal-smithing and design. A decade later this pastime had grown into an income-producing business. Designing and selling jewelry at Grateful Dead concerts and on the streets of New York City, Michael was able to support himself while studying at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology. A few more years of training and experimentation later, he launched the jewelry brand that would make his name synonymous with tough chic rocker style. Michael was soon bestowed at Gen Art Design Vision award and in 2007 he was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

For Sears, Rock & Redemption by Michael Spirito will be their first foray into branded jewelry. “Michael has the right look for our younger, hip customers, and we’re very excited to provide them with unique and affordable brands, , in addition to our core fine jewelry assortment.” says Michelle Pearlman, SVP of Jewelry at Sears. For further questions regarding the Rock & Redemption jewelry, please contact Sloan Mandell at rockandredemption@gmail.com.

To see Michael Spirito’s full CFDA Member Profile please click here.

This year, Ralph Lauren was awarded with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) “Popular Vote” Award. For the first time, the CFDA asked the public to cast votes online for their favorite designer. Steven Kolb, Executive Director of the CFDA, presented the award to Mr. Lauren on June 15th at Alice Tully Hall during the annual CFDA Fashion Awards.

Mr. Lauren is no stranger to winning awards and accolades for his accomplishments. At the CFDA Fashion Awards in June 2008, the CFDA awarded Mr. Lauren with the American Fashion Legend Award –the only designer to ever receive this special tribute. Moreover, Mr. Lauren has received the CFDA’s three highest honors – Lifetime Achievement Award, Womenswear Designer of the Year Award and Menswear Designer of the Year Award – not to mention the Humanitarian Leadership Award.

Fall 2009 marks the 15th year of Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC), a charitable initiative inspired by Mr. Lauren in memory of his late friend Nina Hyde, The Washington Post columnist who died of breast cancer. Conceived in 1994, FTBC became an ongoing initiative of the CFDA Foundation – the philanthropic division of the CFDA. Since its launch, FTBC has become the worldwide fashion community’s singular and most successful response to breast cancer – an issue of vital importance to its primary consumers: women.

In September 2009, the CFDA published American Fashion: Menswear, with an introduction by Mr. Lauren. This is the third book in the American Fashion series published by Assouline in cooperation with the CFDA.

To see Ralph Lauren’s complete CFDA profile please click here.

This month, the Tommy Hilfiger brand will celebrate a homecoming when it opens its global flagship store on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue between 53rd and 54th street. The new 22,000 square foot location will cover four (4) floors of retail space, and will be the largest Tommy Hilfiger store worldwide, offering the runway collections, menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, tailored, footwear, accessories, home and its Hilfiger Denim collection.

Since its debut in 1985, the Tommy Hilfiger brand has extended its powerful design philosophy across a growing number of product categories. In 1996, the company launched its womenswear division, making Tommy Hilfiger one of the few menswear designers to find success in the women’s category. These uniquely designed product lines have allowed the brand to expand to reach new customers – all with a taste for classic American style with a twist.

Through his irreverent designs and bold marketing campaigns, Hilfiger has both influenced and developed lasting relationships with a wide-range of cultural influencers and trendsetters. In the 1990’s, Hilfiger became a pioneer in the industry by featuring emerging music talent in his advertising campaigns. These innovative initiatives bolstered Hilfger’s subsequent success.

In 1998, Parsons School of Design in New York City honored Hilfiger with their Designer of the Year award, and GQ magazine recognized him in their annual “Men of the Year” issue. In 1995, he was named Menswear Designer of the Year by the CFDA, in addition to receiving other awards – both domestic and international. Hilfiger launched the Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation to enrich the physical and intellectual well being of youth with a major emphasis on education and cultural programs that impact a diverse population. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the CFDA, the Race to Erase Multiple Sclerosis, and The Fresh Air Fund, a New York-based group that has been sending underprivileged inner-city children to summer camp since 1877.

To see Tommy Hilfiger’s complete CFDA profile please click here.

Elie Tahari has created stylish and desirable clothes for over thirty years, building one of the most successful fashion brands in the world. With his unique talent for dressing modern, sexy, and sophisticated women, Tahari runs a $500 million business with global presence in more than 40 countries including 600 U.S. stores and free-standing boutiques in New York City, East Hampton, Las Vegas, Boston, Atlanta, Boca Raton, and Bal Harbour.

Elie Tahari grew up in an Israeli orphanage and made his way to New York City with less than $100 in his pocket. While moonlighting at a boutique in Greenwich Village in the 70’s, he was introduced to the world of fashion. Inspired by that era’s dazzling discos, Elie began to create flirty dance dresses and his label was born. His creations were so well-received that he was one of the first designers to open a boutique on Madison Avenue in 1974. Parlaying his keen ability to predict what a woman wants from fashion before she even knows it, he turned his attention in the 80’s to the tailored suit – a design effort that redefined a decade.

Today, Elie Tahari continues to delight women with styles inspired by his belief that “clothing should be quieter than the woman so that her true beauty can shine through.” In 2006, the company launched a full menswear line and expanded into accessories with a luxury shoe and bag collection. In 2008, the expansion continued with new licensees for men’s shirts, ties, and leather accessories, as well as the introduction of women’s costume jewelry.

This month, Elie Tahari announced that his company will partner with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) this summer to help promote the sales of select CFDA jewelry designers. These designers’ creations will be featured in the Elie Tahari East Hampton flagship boutique starting the first week in July, and lasting through the first week in September. Two different and distinct accessories designers will be featured in two-week rotations in order to give the designers a chance to reach a wider, or in some cases new, clientele.

Participating designers include: Kara Ross, Robin Renzi of Me & Ro, Subversive Jewelry designer and recent CFDA award winner Justin Guinta, Mimi So, Stephen Dweck, Simon Alcantara, Gerard Yosca, Isaac Manevitz of Ben-Amun, Janis Savitt and Patricia Von Musulin. Pieces from these designers’ collections will be showcased on the main floor of the 5,000 square foot store, which was designed by renowned architect Piero Lissoni. The Elie Tahari store windows will feature signage promoting each designer during the time that their work is showcased. Designers Justin Guinta, Mimi So, Isaac Manevitz and Simon Alcantara will also make special appearances one day during their session for an in-store shopping event.

“Our East Hampton store is the perfect showcase for these amazing and talented designers, said Elie Tahari, Chairman and CEO of Elie Tahari Ltd. “I wanted to show my support for the fashion industry by giving these designers a platform from which to raise awareness of their brand and to be seen in a highly trafficked environment such as the Hamptons.”

Steven Kolb, CFDA’s Executive Director, adds: “I commend Elie Tahari for creating this unique opportunity for ten of his fellow CFDA Members – not only to increase their sales, but also to work closely with each other in the spirit of community and camaraderie, which is a priority on CFDA President, Diane von Furstenberg’s agenda”.

To view Elie Tahari’s complete CFDA Member Profile please click here.