Barbie and CFDA partnered up during New York Fashion Week to inspire girls of all ages. CFDA’s own CEO, Steve Kolb stop by the Meatpacking District in New York City, where the lounge event was being held to take pictures and talk about the reason behind the collaboration between the toy company, Matel Barbie and CFDA, founded by Eleanor Lambert.

CEO Steve Kolb manages the CFDA’s membership, trade association activities, and longstanding philanthropic initiatives such as Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, which raises public awareness and funds for breast cancer research in the U.S and internationally. Kolb works directly with President Diane von Furstenberg and the Board of Directors, which composed of America’s foremost designers, such as Vera Wang, Ralph Lauren, and new additions Ashley Olsen, Prabal Gurung, and Deborah Lloyd.

One of Kolb’s largest contributions to American fashion has been his leadership role in cultivating the next wave of emerging American fashion talent through programs such as the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and the CFDA Fashion Incubator. In addition, under Kolb’s guidance, the annual CFDA Fashion Awards has become the preeminent spotlight on American fashion, even being called the Oscars of Fashion.

Kolb’s previous background was also in the non-profit sector, but focused on raising funds for HIV and AIDS and cancer. He began his career at the American Cancer Society in New Jersey. While working as the Deputy Director at the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS DIFFA he managed a network of chapter affiliates and raised millions of dollars through events like Dining by Design and caused related marketing programs like the Gift of Hope.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA) is a not-for-profit trade association whose membership consists of more than 400 of America’s foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry and accessory designers.

The CFDA foundation, Inc. is a separate not-for-profit organization, which was created to raise funds for charity and industry activities.
World Liberty TV fashion team had the pleasure of interviewing CEO Steve Kolb at the Barbie VIP Lounge Event.