Cynthia Rowley: A Fashion Legacy Spanning Decades
For four remarkable decades, Cynthia Rowley has been packaging and delivering the joie de vivre of fashion. In recognition of her enduring impact, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has chosen to honor her with the prestigious Eleanor Lambert Founders Award in 2025.
Rowley's journey into the fashion world began in the early 1980s, almost by chance. Imagine this: a young designer's self-made outfit catches the eye of a buyer from Marshall Field's during a casual subway ride. That serendipitous moment sparked her first collection. As Rowley herself later admitted, "I didn’t even know what a [fashion] line was, back then." It's a testament to how even the most successful careers can begin unexpectedly.
Her brand's evolution has been meticulously documented over the years, including in the pages of WWD (Women's Wear Daily), particularly in their coverage of the Chicago fashion scene. Rowley's early career saw her joining forces with the Chicago 21, a collective of 21 emerging designers who united in 1982 to showcase their talent on a national stage. A year later, she made the move to New York City, where her affordable yet contemporary designs quickly found a devoted audience on Seventh Avenue.
By the 2000s, Rowley's brand expanded into lifestyle licensing, venturing into various fashion categories, including baby gear. She also revolutionized the pop-up shop experience, delighting fans both old and new across the globe. But here's where it gets controversial: Rowley's unique signature element of 'fun' sets her apart. Few designers have the flair to roller skate or ride a bicycle down a runway and receive applause!
To celebrate Rowley's CFDA honor, WWD and the Fairchild Archive have curated a retrospective look at her iconic runway moments and signature fashion collections:
Spring 1996 Ready to Wear Runway Show:
- Cynthia Rowley on the runway with models for the Cynthia Rowley spring 1996 runway show in New York.
Spring 1985 Ready to Wear:
- Cynthia Rowley Spring 1985.
1984 Holiday Collection Advance:
- Cynthia Rowley 1984 holiday collection advance.
Fall 1991 Ready to Wear Advance:
- Cynthia Rowley Fall 1991 ready to wear advance.
Best of New York Spring 1993 Ready To Wear Advances:
- Cynthia Rowley’s spring 1993 ready to wear advance.
Spring 1994 Ready to Wear Runway Show:
- Cynthia Rowley Spring 1994 ready to wear show.
Spring 1999 Ready to Wear Runway Show:
- Actor, model Alan Cummings on the runway at the Cynthia Rowley spring 1999 ready to wear show.
Fall 1998 Menswear Runway Show:
- Cynthia Rowley Fall 1998 menswear show.
Spring 2000 Ready to Wear Fashion Show:
- Cynthia Rowley spring 2000 ready to wear fashion show.
Fall 2004 RTW:
- Cynthia Rowley fall 2004 runway show in New York.
Fall 1995 Ready to Wear Runway Show:
- Designer Cynthia Rowley walks the finale of the Cynthia Rowley fall 1995 runway show.
Spring 2005 RTW:
- Cynthia Rowley spring 2005 runway show in New York.
Spring 2011 Ready To Wear:
- Cynthia Rowley spring 2011 runway show, New York.
Spring 2008, New York:
- Model Ruslana Korshunova on the runway at Cynthia Rowley’s spring 2008 show at Gotham Hall in New York City.
Spring 2012 RTW:
- Models walk the finale of the Cynthia Rowley spring 2012 show at Lincoln Center.
Spring 2013:
- Cynthia Rowley spring 2013 ready to wear advance.
Spring 2019 RTW:
- Models on the runway at the Cynthia Rowley spring 2019 ready to wear show.
Fall Winter 2019:
- Models in the pool at the Cynthia Rowley fall 2019 ready to wear show.
Fall 2019 RTW:
- Cynthia Rowley fall 2019 ready to wear runway show.
Spring 2020 RTW:
- Model on the runway at the Cynthia Rowley spring 2010 runway show.
Spring 2020 RTW:
- Cynthia Rowley spring 2020 ready to wear runway show.
Spring 2020 RTW:
- Models in the finale of the Cynthia Rowley spring 2020 ready to wear show.
2024 CFDA Fashion Awards Arrivals:
- Janet Montgomery, Cynthia Rowley at the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards at the American Museum of Natural History on October 28, 2024 in New York.
And this is the part most people miss... the longevity of Rowley's career. It's not just about creating clothes; it's about building a brand that resonates with people, adapts to the times, and consistently brings joy.
What do you think has been the key to Cynthia Rowley's lasting success? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
