Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI) has a few milestones to celebrate.
Today, the CFDA and the New York City Economic Development Corporation unveiled the seven winners of the public-private grant program’s third round, which came with a major achievement: breaking through the $2 million barrier—significantly above the goal. To date, FMI has been able to grant that amount of money through 21 individual investments into New York City apparel and accessory production facilities and studios over the past three years—all with the aim to help revitalize New York City’s garment industry.
“We could not have achieved this without the support of our partners,” said Steven Kolb, President and CEO of the CFDA. “The CFDA is strongly committed to supporting New York City and domestic manufacturing on behalf of all American designers and we are excited to be able to expand the current programming to create even more impact for this essential facet of the industry.”
The 2016 recipients are:
Bestec Concept, a garment manufacturer with a military uniform background servicing large production runs for both men’s and women’s apparel.
Coyote Leather & Suede, a full-service facility specializing in services for leather, suede, shearling and exotic skins for both development and production.
David Wolfson and Associates, a full-service sample & production house combining innovative services with traditional techniques.
Four Seasons Manufacturing, an apparel facility with services ranging from development to both large and small production, specializing in knits, chiffons, silks, and wovens.
Ferrara Manufacturing, a leading women’s apparel tailoring factory.
Le Studio Anthost, a textile embellishment atelier specializing in hand made couturier techniques for both fashion and interior design.
Vogue Too, a studio specializing in pleating, tucking, thread & elastic stirring, while utilizing new equipment for pleating, trimming and embroidery.
“Fashion manufacturing has been a staple of New York City’s economy for over a century, and the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative helps make sure that those producing apparel locally have every opportunity to succeed and grow their businesses right here in the City,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Alicia Glen. “We are going to continue to strengthen the fashion sector so that it not only remains a pillar of New York City’s identity, but also a backbone of its economy.”
NYCED President Maria Torres-Springer added: “In order to inclusively grow our city’s fashion sector, we must support the entire ecosystem. The Fashion Manufacturing Initiative recognizes quality manufacturers across the city that have great potential to grow, and provides them with resources to innovate and thrive. This year’s selectees are exciting companies that will create jobs for New Yorkers and help ensure that New York City remains the fashion capital of the world.”
The winners were chosen by a Selection Committee that includes Andrew Rosen, President of Theory and Founding Partner of the program; Don Baum, Executive Vice President of Global Manufacturing, Sourcing & Supply Chain for Ralph Lauren; and Victor Luis, Chief Executive Officer of Coach and The Coach Foundation.
The CFDA is taking a multi-faceted approach to helping the domestic manufacturing field. Towards the end of last year, it held its first FMI Open House featuring six FMI Participants at its New York headquarters. The showcase allowed CFDA Members and their production teams to become familiar with the advancing work of local manufacturers connected to the program. The CFDA plans to continue highlighting FMI participants bi-annually.
The FMI program, in partnership with NYCEDC, is generously supported by Founding Partner Theory, Premier Underwriters Ralph Lauren & The Coach Foundation, along with: Rue La La, Rag & Bone, Barneys New York, ENK Shows, Precision Custom Coatings, Google, CIT, Bloomingdales, Lisa Perry, Project Gravitas, and Made in Fashion NYC. A special thanks to the FMI Grant Program Preferred Vendors: Alvanon, Brother International, Gerber Scientific, Lectra and Optitex.
