On Monday, June 5, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) hosted their 2017 CFDA Fashion Awards – a celebration of fashion, by fashion. The CFDA is a not-for-profit trade association, founded in 1962, whose membership consists of more than 500 of America’s foremost womenswear, menswear, jewelry and accessory designers. Samsung partnered with CFDA for the second year in a row and together the two brands are pushing the fashion industry into uncharted territories. By leveraging technology to enhance the design storytelling process, Samsung and CFDA are inspiring and empowering creators in fashion and beyond.

Guests enjoy Samsung 837’s 360 Photo Booth during the CFDA Fashion Awards After Party.

Guests enjoy Samsung 837’s 360 Photo Booth during the CFDA Fashion Awards After Party. (Photo credit: Julia Chesky, Matte Projects)

In their first year of partnership together, Samsung and the CFDA revolutionized the concept of Fashion Week by creating a seamless integration of fashion and technology, taking people beyond the velvet ropes and giving them an unprecedented, immersive experience within a world that has historically only been accessible to a select few. From VR content to “see now, buy now” stations, Samsung was able to elevate the concept of the Fashion Week experience, delivering a traditionally exclusive experience to the masses at Samsung 837 and beyond.

“Fashion is an interest that resonates deeply with our product enthusiasts, and offers us an opportunity to drive innovation in the fashion industry…”

– Zach Overton, VP of Customer Experience & GM of Samsung 837

For 2017, the second year of the partnership officially kicked off during the CFDA Fashion Awards, of which Samsung Electronics America served as the official technology partner. Following the awards show, Samsung 837 hosted the official after party where guests such as Diane von Furstenberg, Seth Meyers and Kate Bosworth engaged within the interactive space powered by Samsung technology and enjoyed a special performance by musician Jidenna.

“As a brand, Samsung aims to connect people with their passions, empower their creativity and ultimately, make life better,” said Zach Overton, Vice President of Customer Experience and General Manager of Samsung 837, Samsung Electronics America. “Fashion is an interest that resonates deeply with our product enthusiasts, and offers us an opportunity to drive innovation in the fashion industry whether through the creative design process, smart fashion or at retail.”

Year two of the partnership with CFDA will no doubt continue to push the limits of innovation as Samsung aspires to leverage its technology that empowers creators within the fashion industry and beyond to break barriers.