Mayor's Office and CFDA creating Fashion Forward Initiative

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio realizes the vital importance of fashion to New York's economy. That's why the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation is launching the NYC Fashion Forward Initiative.

Beginning in summer 2016, NYC Fashion Forward will connect 100 New York City high school and undergraduate college students with paid internships in fashion and fashion-related companies across the city ranging from designers to public relations firms.

To date, 21 companies have committed to hosting interns including Coach Inc., Tommy Hilfiger, Diane von Furstenburg, Nicholas K., Rachel Comey, Kate Spade & Co., Alice + Olivia, Opening Ceremony, and Designers and Agents just to name a few.

NYCEDC has also committed to financially backing 60 summer jobs created in collaboration with the Mayor's Fund, the CFDA, and the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, who will pair participating students with employers who they believe will offer the best training and mentorship. The Mayor's Fund and CFDA are working to create the remaining 40 internships.

“Connecting our young people to valuable internship opportunities is not just about creating a career launching pad. NYC Fashion Forward is also shaping a homegrown talent pool that will satisfy the fashion industry’s growing demand for diverse and loyal employees,” said Gabrielle Fialkoff, senior advisor to the mayor and director of the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Partnerships. “Together, we can ensure that our young people, our businesses and our city are better prepared to compete in the 21st century economy.”

Mayor's Office announces NYC Fashion Forward Initiative

“Most fashion careers start with the internship, which offers valuable insights into the industry,” said Steven Kolb, president and ceo of the CFDA. “By partnering with the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City and the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the CFDA can provide high school students and college undergraduates with the opportunity to become tomorrow’s fashion leaders.”

The students who will be participating in the initiative will be selected from NYC's Ladders for Leaders program, which offers students in the city the opportunity to participate in paid internship with companies from both the private, government, and non-profit sectors.

Fashion Forward is part of Mayor de Blasio's larger Made in NY fashion initiatives which were announced last year in 2015. The programs have managed to triple the city's investment in the local fashion economy to 15 million dollars.

So far, the initiatives have showed 150 designers to over 650 million people, and connect new business with 75 industry mentors. The programs have generated 500,000 dollars in sales for New York City-based designers, and have awarded 4.5 million dollars in financing to small and emerging businesses.

photo:cfda.com