In celebration of 2020 Manufacturing Day, the CFDA announces three key developments that align with the organization’s continued support of the domestic fashion manufacturing sector.
The CFDA’s longstanding commitment to preserve manufacturing businesses and their workforce has developed and grown since 2013 through the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI), created in collaboration with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and alongside industry leaders and founding partners including Andrew Rosen and Ralph Lauren, among others generous supporters.
Explore the developments below to learn more on how the CFDA and our partners are helping to support the fashion manufacturing sector.
A Common Thread Third Round Recipients
Today, we are pleased to announce the 47 manufacturer recipients for the third round of A Common Thread, an initiative spearheaded by the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund to raise awareness and needed funds for those in the American fashion community impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This round of funding was created to cover business disruption expenses that fashion manufacturers incurred earlier this year during New York State business closures.
Microgrants totaling $500,000 will be distributed to the following 47 NYC-based fashion manufacturers through this funding round, with the funds being contributed by the CFDA and NYCEDC via the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative.
The recipients are: Applus Pattern Inc., Artist Gallery LLC, Atelier Amelia Corp., Bantam Leather Atelier Inc., Blue Ribbon Couture Inc., Boss Studio, Button Down Factory, Carmesi LLC, Caroda Inc., CMCP Earwings, City Garment Inc., Create-A-Marker Inc., Dream Fashion Inc., Dye-Namix Inc., F & G Cutting, Inc., Fortress Hill EPS, Geri Gerard Ltd., Hertling LLC, HS Pattern Inc., In Style USA Inc., Jenny Fashion Inc., Jjnelproduction Inc., Joanna Design Source, JPW Services, Knit Illustrated Inc., Knit Resort LLC, Laura Weber Co., LYNY NYC Inc., M&S Schmalberg Inc., M.A.N.E. Enterprises, Martin Greenfield Clothiers Ltd., Mei Zou Pattern Design LLC, Metro Dyeing LLC, Michael Stuart International, Mint Collaborative Inc., MOA USA Inc., Not Just Lace Inc., Panah Project LLC, SN Productions Inc., Software Studios LLC, Sunfay Production Inc., Sunrise Studio Inc., The Style Council, Toms Sons International Pleating LLC, TSLW LLC, Wing & Weft Gloves Inc., and Zoila’s Sample Room Inc.
Workforce Relief Collective
As fashion manufacturers continue to re-open from lockdown, acclimate to new facility standards, and ramp up business for the upcoming fashion production season, the CFDA and NYCEDC introduce the Workforce Relief Collective, a new business development program that offers resources to manufacturers and their workers to confront and alleviate hurdles they face as they navigate safely back to work during the continued COVID-19 pandemic.
Free or low-cost products and services related to transportation, health and safety are among resources that will be distributed to recipients of the Workforce Relief Collective.
This includes a generous contribution of Lyft ride credits distributed as part of the company’s LyftUp initiative, which is a comprehensive effort to expand transportation access to those who need it most. Through LyftUp, Lyft partners with leading nonprofits to help provide free and discounted rides to individuals and families who lack affordable, reliable transportation.
Additionally, a substantial contribution of a 3-month’s supply of surface cleaning essentials from Blueland, the innovative and eco-friendly cleaning product company, will be offered.
“We are headquartered in NYC and recognize the city’s importance as the heart of American fashion, so we are excited to partner with the CFDA and NYCEDC to support this important initiative that will help bring critical members of the industry back to work,” said Gina Pak, Chief Marketing Officer at Blueland.
Other products are being sourced based on need, such as masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, digital thermometers, and more, and will also be made available to recipients for low or no cost.
Manufacturers can now apply for products and services here through Wednesday, October 14 at 11am EST.
Production Directory Guide
The CFDA has operated the Production Directory since 2013 as an open-access resource on CFDA.com for both designers looking for new domestic manufacturing partners to develop and/or produce their collections, as well as development/sample studios and production facilities looking to market their services to the CFDA’s designer audience.
Today, the CFDA releases an easy-to-use digital guide to the Production Directory that includes steps to navigate the directory, as well as the full roster of manufacturers available as resources, which has grown to over 270 listings. Designers and manufacturers alike benefit from the tool as the upcoming production season approaches.
Access the Production Directory Guide here.
