Dear USFIA Members, Affiliates, & Friends:
As we embark on the new year, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest welcome.
For the fashion industry, 2024 marked a year of resilience, innovation, and strategy. We navigated supply chain disruption, we adapted to shifting global trade policies, and we engaged in (and prepared for) election politics. As we enter 2025, I am a firm believer that fashion continues to be a leading industry for perseverance and optimism.
For those that do not know me, I am Chris Lucas, Vice President and Head of Commercial & Compliance Law at American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (“AEO”). I was elected in 2023 to serve as the Chair of the US Fashion Industry Association (“USFIA”) Board of Directors. As I enter my second term as Chair in 2025, it is both a privilege and an honor to continue serving you in this capacity and on behalf of USFIA.
USFIA’S goal for 2025 is to do what we can to make the world a better place for our customers, our colleagues, and our suppliers.
With a new Presidential Administration, it is crucial that we remain deeply engaged in Washington, on the Hill, with each other and within our industry. USFIA will continue to provide zealous advocacy to ensure that the fashion industry’s views are heard and that its impacts to the economy and employment in the U.S. are recognized.
Under the new Administration, we anticipate meaningful shifts in U.S. policy, including impacting U.S. relations with trading partners and potential increased tariffs and trade remedies for U.S. imports. While these developments may bring uncertainty, they are not unfamiliar to us. As an industry, it is important to remember that we have faced these complex challenges before, and we emerged stronger.
Practically, USFIA will continue to: (a) monitor developments in Washington (including trade, transportation, sustainability, and supply chain developments); and (b) provide members with intelligence, resources, and solutions needed to navigate the developments. USFIA will continue to support members through pragmatic guidance and education on a variety of global supply chains, transportation, trade, sourcing, innovation, and manufacturing topics.
As we approach the year ahead, I look forward to our membership’s creativity, ingenuity, and solutions regarding our supply chains, products, sustainability initiatives, innovations, and selling channels.
Best regards,
Chris Lucas
Chair of the United States Fashion Industry Association
Vice President - Head of Commercial & Compliance Law, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.