Since 2013, the CFDA has been formally supporting the manufacturing community through our Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI) which is aimed to elevate and preserve garment production in New York City.

To celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we caught up with two of our former FMI Grant Fund recipients Peter Chan of Sunrise Studio and Pauline Lock of In Style USA who share their insights into New York City production and tips for designers looking to produce locally.

SUNRISE STUDIO INC.

257 West 39th Street, 8/F, NYC NY 10018

Website              Coming Soon

Explore Sunrise Studio on the CFDA’s Production Directory here.

What does your factory make or specialize in producing?

We specialize in pants, trousers, skirts, shorts, and jackets.

When did you start your business?
We have been in business since 2004

How did you get into apparel manufacturing? What appealed to you about it?

Back in 2004, both Terri and I worked from a small design firm in the Production Department. At that time, there was a shortage in sample development factories, and we initiated to start a brand-new factory with a mindset to serve the industry.

Where do you see the most need within fashion production in New York City today?

More sewers, cutters, and other workers are desperately needed in fashion production. Currently, there is a shortage of skilled, semi-skilled, and non-skilled workers. Free training sessions are necessary as well for non-skilled workers. Additionally, new technology is needed to reduce high labor costs and lower rent spaces for garment manufacturers.

What are your recommendations for new designers that might be interested to work with local manufacturers?

It is hoped that new designers have some technical and financial knowledge about garment costing. Designers also need to have patience and manner when they work with local factories. Lastly, designers need to understand the importance of paying on time to the factories. They need to know that the first-year business, mostly, they need to prepare to have a net loss in business.

IN STYLE USA, INC
307 West 36th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10018

Website: www.instyleusa.net / Instagram.com/instyleusa_

Explore In Style USA on the CFDA’s Production Directory here.

What does your factory make or specialize in producing?

We offer patternmaking, samples, and full production services.  We produce men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing in both cut & sew knits and wovens.  Product categories include jackets, pants, skirts, dresses, full range of cut & sew knits.

When did you start your business?

We started the business in 2000. 

How did you get into apparel manufacturing? What appealed to you about it?

Ms. Tina Yu, who is a partner in the business, comes from a legendary family of fashion manufacturers.  She is also a decorated designer in eveningwear from Toronto. The creative environment of the fashion industry was alluring.

Where do you see the most need within fashion production in New York City today?

The Garment District in NYC has changed dramatically in the last 30 years. Developing and manufacturing take a lot of space and resources. Maintaining and keeping a fully automated factory in the heart of NYC is expensive. Initiatives and tax credits to help support those fixed expenses would greatly improve our survival and keep our doors open to support new and emerging talent as well as established brands that look to support made in NYC.

What do you consider the top benefits of making clothes in New York City?

Designers can work in real-time with patternmaking, sewers to ensure their vision is properly executed. Small businesses such as ours are an important part of the community because we provide jobs which helps to fuel the economy.

How important is sustainability to your business?
We are part of a culture that has always believed in sustainability, recycled and no wasting of precious resources.  We all must do our part to reduce wastage and become more sustainable.