The Innovation Hub, at its core, is rooted in a fashion-first approach. Rather than treating technology as an abstract solution, the program centers the real needs, workflows, and ambitions of designers, pairing promising CFDA members with cutting-edge AI builders to co-create tools that are practical, responsible, and scalable. The goal is to demonstrate how emerging technologies can meaningfully support creativity, business longevity, and positive industry change, while keeping designers firmly in the driver’s seat.
“The Innovation Hub speaks directly to CFDA’s mission to amplify creative excellence, promote business longevity, and foster positive industry change,” said Steven Kolb, CEO and President of the CFDA. “When approached responsibly, AI can bridge the gap between fashion and emerging technology and serve as a powerful creative and business tool for American fashion – from design and customer experience to manufacturing, sustainability, accessibility, inclusivity, and marketing.”
Fidji Simo, CEO of Applications at OpenAI, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing AI’s potential as a creative enabler. “AI is an incredible tool for creative empowerment because it helps people turn their imagination into reality faster than ever,” Simo said. “I’ve always had a deep appreciation for fashion as a craft and as an outlet for individual creative expression. Through our work with CFDA, we’re proud to empower designers and brands with tools to drive further innovation, growth, and creativity in the industry.”
How the Innovation Hub Works
In its first year, the Innovation Hub will bring together six fashion brands and six AI tool builders in a structured, year-long collaboration. Each pairing will participate in a guided program that includes mentorship, technical support, and funding, all designed to help teams develop pilot projects and proofs of concept using OpenAI tools. These projects will explore how AI can address real-world challenges facing fashion today, whether creative, operational, or consumer-facing.
The program will launch in the spring with an Innovation Sprint, an immersive, full-day event where selected AI developers will present early-stage prototypes focused on fashion-specific use cases. Following a competitive selection and pairing process, participating designers will be matched with AI developers, working together through a series of executive mentorship sessions, leading up to a final Demo Day in New York City.
To ensure accessibility and reduce financial barriers to innovation, OpenAI will provide over $300,000 in grants, along with unlimited access to OpenAI tools and API credits for participating cohorts.
By fostering direct collaboration between designers and technologists, the CFDA & OpenAI Innovation Hub aims to help shape a future where AI supports, not replaces, human creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural leadership in American fashion.
To learn more about the CFDA & OpenAI Innovation Hub, please email Sacha Brown S.Brown@CFDA.com