Ten years ago, the optical industry was introduced to the edCFDA (the eyewear designers of the Council of Fashion Designers of America). This sub-group of beloved and exceptional designers were chosen to promote, inspire and bring awareness to eyewear design in exciting and innovative ways. Over the past decade, this group has mentored and collaborated on fundraising initiatives, particularly their annual Pride Eyewear Initiative, which you have seen featured in the pages of 20/20. This enterprise has donated more than $100,000 to various LGBTQ+ causes since its inception, which is just the start to what this brilliant group plans to accomplish. “The edCFDA is proud to mark this important first decade of collaboration and impact,” says the group’s chairperson and designer Christian Roth. “When the eyewear designers of the CFDA united as the edCFDA in September 2014, we set forth with a shared vision to drive meaningful initiatives in the optical industry. While we have made significant strides toward our goals, we are focused on the future knowing there is much more we can achieve together.”
In honor of their 10th anniversary, edCFDA members Blake Kuwahara (Blake Kuwahara Eyewear), Selima Salaun (Selima Optique), Patty Perreira (Barton Perreira), Christian Roth and Eric Domege (Christian Roth Eyewear), Gai Gherardi and Barbara McReynolds (l.a.Eyeworks) and Jeff Press (PRESS Eyewear), have created a capsule collection of limited-edition eyewear designs. Proceeds from the sale of each designer’s frame will be donated to benefit the mission of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer (ALSF). The collection includes five sunglasses and one optical frame that all include lavender tones in each design, which is used to recognize cancer awareness. Each style also brings to life the aesthetic and uniqueness of each member, showcasing their skills and devotion to design. “We are so pleased to come together on this capsule as a collective while exhibiting each designer’s individual creations to support this impactful cause,” says Jeff Press, founder and designer of PRESS Eyewear.
ALSF is the largest independent childhood cancer charity in the U.S. and is a leader in funding pediatric research projects across the globe, while also providing programs to families affected by childhood cancer. This organization started from the front yard lemonade stand of 4-year-old Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who at the time was fighting cancer and wanted to raise money to find cures for all children dealing with cancer. When Alex passed away at the age of 8, she had raised $1 million to help find a cure for childhood cancer, and her inspiring legacy has lived on through ALSF.
With a decade of giving back to the community and empowering eyewear designers everywhere, the edCFDA has already left a significant impact on the eyewear industry and beyond. As admirers and supporters of every member of this unstoppable group, it has been an honor to watch as they continue to create magnificent eyewear and fund charities, communities and organizations that truly make a difference in the world.
–Victoria Garcia
