IFDA Founder To Be Honored At Circle Of Excellence Event

Home Textiles Today Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 4/30/2012 2:00:00 AM

Clair ColemanNEW YORK - Clair Coleman - who founded the organization today called IFDA after she was barred from attending a men-only industry event in 1947 - will be honored when the International Furnishings and Design Association presents its Circle of Excellence awards here May 8.
     IFDA will also honor Charlotte Moss for interior design; Kravet Inc. for industry resource and product design; Bard Graduate Center for education; and the Hearst Design Group of Elle Decor, House Beautiful and Veranda for media.
Fashion impresario Simon Doonan and designer Jonathan Adler will be the masters of ceremonies.
     In 1947, Coleman was just out of college and working for Fairchlild's Retailing Home Furnishings when she was prohibited from attending the all-male Drapery & Curtain Club Market Dinner. She and a group of friends founded the National Home Fashions League, which became IFDA in 1988. The organization now has 15 regional chapters in the U.S. and one in Japan.
     The awards event will take place at the Union League Club at 38 East 37th St. Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 7 p.m.
     A portion of the evening's profits will benefit the IFDA Educational Foundation, which distributes grants and scholarships for students and professionals in the furnishings and design field.
     For more information about the event, visit http://bit.ly/Ij2fEj, contact the IFDA office at (212) 686.6020 or email ifdanyny@verizon.net.