CTDA Show 2025
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Custom Tailors & Designers Association (CTDA) show at Designer Forum New York (DFNY)—and wow, what an experience! Over the past decade, I’ve attended trade shows in New York, Boston, Dallas, and Chicago, but this one? Hands down, my favorite.
A quick history lesson: the CTDA is no ordinary organization. Established in 1880 in Columbus, Ohio, it’s the longest-running trade organization in the U.S. It was created as a hub for sharing and refining the art of design, pattern making, fitting, cutting, and tailoring. Over 140 years later, it’s still going strong—and it’s easy to see why.
Most trade shows can feel like a chaotic medieval bazaar. Picture this: brand after brand, each showcasing a dizzying array of new products, hoping you’ll bite. At a former job, I’d sift through lines upon lines of shirts, pants, and suits—meeting with vendors who’d showcase dozens of options, only to pick a small handful. Multiply that by a dozen brands, all while planning sizes and inventory. Twice a year. Exhausting, right?
The CTDA, however, is a completely different vibe. Here, it’s not about hawking product—it’s about exchanging ideas, sharing beliefs, and honing skills. Instead of sprawling convention halls, brands host attendees in cozy hotel suites. You sit, have an actual conversation, and truly connect. Fabric houses might present one new swatch line. Manufacturers might introduce a single innovation. It’s less about *what* they’re selling and more about *why* and *how*—building relationships that go beyond the transactional.
And let’s talk about the camaraderie! The CTDA embodies the spirit of *Community over Competition*. Whether it’s chatting with sellers from across the globe, meeting industry legends you’ve admired on Instagram, or just grabbing a drink with like-minded peers, the connections are incredible. Every conversation feels meaningful—like you’re part of something much bigger than yourself.
Having attended this show for several years now, I’ve been fortunate to build friendships with amazing people from all corners of the world. It’s not just a trade show; it’s a reminder of why I love what I do.
