The  fashion world has claimed that proposed US immigration changes will slow down innovation in fashion.  The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), represented by Chairwoman Diane Von Furstenberg and President Steven Kolb, has carried out research on the impact of immigration policy in the US.

Slowing innovation

In the statement, the group claimed: ‘Immigration challenges are increasingly slowing the innovation that fuels the fashion industry, particularly as fashion houses compete for designers, scientists, researchers and textile specialists to develop wearables and smart textiles.’ It added: ‘The fashion industry thrives on the talents of individuals from around the world, including designers, models, seamstresses, tailors and garment workers. Roughly 20 per cent of workers in clothing manufacturing are undocumented immigrants.’

Disruptive times

A number of US brands are attending the Luxury Law Summit on 16 May in London and will be discussing this amongst other challenges facing fashion and luxury companies in disruptive times. For further information, email benmartin@globalcitymedia.com