CFDA 2024: How Chengge Tan Captured American Fashion’s Finest Moments

If actors have the Golden Globes and musicians have the Grammys, fashion designers and filmmakers have the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Awards. For fashion filmmaker and model Chengge Tan, who played a pivotal role in the 2024 event, it was a career-defining moment that showcased his unique blend of artistic vision and technical expertise. 

As a creative director assistant at N + N FILMS, Tan worked under Nian Fish, contributing significantly to the production of films for the CFDA Awards. This experience not only highlighted Tan’s ability to merge commercial and artistic elements but also underscored his innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) in film restoration and production.

Behind the Artist: Knowing Chengge Tan

Tan’s journey into fashion filmmaking started with his educational background in marketing from Fordham University and luxury branding and management from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). His professional experience includes roles at Kaleidoscope PR and working with Douglas Keeve, which laid the foundation for his involvement in high-profile projects like the CFDA Awards.

Tan’s growing reputation as a filmmaker comes from his ability to display old-world elegance using modern tools. He prefers a more thoughtful approach rather than fast-paced edits and flashy effects. His films break away from the flashy, fast-paced style that dominates modern fashion media. Instead, his work carries a softer, more thoughtful tone. 

This approach is seen in his fashion films, like “The Peeper, The Invisible Lover,” “Maison Margiela” Campaign, and “Self-Portrait” Campaign, where he focuses on capturing human expression. 

Eventually, his interest in romanticism and history led him to experiment with AI-generated imagery and restore historical fashion films. This skill set brings a unique perspective to his filmmaking. His best-known AI-driven project involved restoring archival footage of fashion editor Polly Mellen. Using advanced AI techniques, Tan and his team digitally reconstructed the old film, bringing to life a version of Mellen as she might have appeared in the 1960s.

The CFDA Fashion Awards: Crafting a Cinematic Homage

At the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards, Tan worked with creative director Nian Fish and three other assistants to produce 12 films—four dedicated to nominees, seven celebrating industry honorees, and one American Fashion Film. His abilities and affinities with old aesthetics enhanced by new tech have made him a key figure in fashion filmmaking.

As an assistant creative director for N+N FILMS, he collected and organized archival footage from sources like YouTube, fashion magazines, and social media. He worked closely with PR teams from top designers such as Thom Browne, Marc Jacobs, Mike Amiri, and Ralph Lauren to secure key visuals and historical material.

Tan also spent hours analyzing archival references, conducting designer interviews, and balancing historical accuracy with a modern perspective. He assisted in creating storyboards for films and building the flow of content for key segments such as the “2024 CFDA Year in Review” and films honoring nominees and honorees.

Additionally, Tan was involved in the production aspects of the CFDA Award Night, including set design mock-ups, seating arrangements, and live camera routes. This hands-on involvement not only showcased his technical skills but also his ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team of creatives.

Learning and Outlooks: AI and the Future of Fashion Filmmaking

The CFDA Awards experience has shaped Tan’s outlook on fashion filmmaking. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the industry’s artistic and commercial aspects, noting that fashion films must appeal to both the creative sensibilities of the audience and the marketing objectives of brands. Tan’s luxury branding and management background allows him to balance effectively, ensuring that his films are visually pleasing and commercially viable.

AI is often questioned in the creative world, but Tan views it as a tool that can enhance, not replace human artistry. He believes that by using AI to create imaginative narratives and restore historical footage, filmmakers can promote sustainable fashion practices while preserving cultural heritage. 

“Some see AI as a threat to creativity, but I believe it amplifies what we can do,” Tan explains. “It helps refine details that were once impossible to restore. The real challenge is knowing how to use it wisely—to enhance human craftsmanship, not overshadow it.”

Tan’s Role in the Future of Fashion Filmmaking

Tan’s contribution to the CFDA Awards 2024 marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his artistic vision, technical expertise, and collaboration. As the fashion industry continues to grow, Tan’s work and skills offer a fresh take on fashion filmmaking, leading the next generation of fashion filmmakers to create memorable and impactful films.

Fashion films are becoming a favorite tool for branding and storytelling, with digital and AI-driven content playing a bigger role in the industry. Chengge Tan is on the roll, taking on projects that challenge traditional methods of fashion storytelling. With every film he creates, Tan is helping reshape how fashion’s most important stories are told.