The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), is pleased to announce that longtime CFDA member, Ralph Lauren, will serve as the premier underwriter of the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI), which offers financial grants to New York City’s fashion manufacturing businesses looking to grow and sustain by improving machinery, expanding services, and training workers on the latest fabrication technologies and equipment.
The Ralph Lauren Corporation is contributing $500,000 to the Initiative, and a representative from the Company will join FMI’s Selection Committee to review grant proposals and disperse funding.
The CFDA announced its plans to launch FMI in August with Theory LLC and founding partner Andrew Rosen, CEO of Theory, in affiliation with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). Chief Executive Officer of the CFDA, Steven Kolb, and Andrew Rosen are continuing to raise funds for the program.
“I was born in New York and started my business in the garment district here,” said Ralph Lauren.“FMI serves an important role in supporting our city, our industry and gives designers the access and opportunities needed to help advance their careers while boosting manufacturing in New York; this is something I’m very proud to be a part of.”
“Ralph’s leadership gift and commitment to FMI strengthens our efforts to bring innovation and new energy to New York City manufacturing. We hope others in the industry will join us in this important initiative,” said Steven Kolb.
