The Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue have now successfully raised over $4 million in relief funding through A Common Thread, the initiative put together by the partners to support members of the American fashion community impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Over 800 applicants have submitted to receive aid from A Common Thread since applications opened on April 8, according to multiple reports. No individual grant will exceed $100,000.
First announced on March 24, contributors to the fund have included PVH, which donated $50,000; Ralph Lauren, who donated $1 million; and Gucci parent company, Kering.
In addition, the Elaine Gold Launch Pad program, a program created in partnership with the Accessories Council and the CFDA to support companies between zero and three years of age, made a $250,000 donation to A Common Thread, and pledged an additional match of up to $250,000 in donations, the CFDA said.
According to reports, the committee hopes to have the first payments made by May.
Globally, The CFDA and Vogue’s effort to support its native fashion community have been shared by similar initiatives like the British Fashion Council’s BFC Foundation Fashion Fund for the Covid Crisis and the Camera della Moda fund in Milan.
Elsewhere in the fashion world, brands and companies including AG Jeans, American Eagle, Capri Holdings, Estée Lauder, Tapestry Inc. and more have made significant contributions to help provide assistance during the Covid-19 crisis; from monetary donations, to launching the production of hand sanitizer and Personal Protective Equipment.