NY gov to grant $500K to US-based designers for NYFW Sept 2022 season

IMG will implement and manage an application process for a selection of ten grant recipients based on a set of criteria developed by IMG in partnership with Empire State Development.

"Fashion Week is a celebration of New York's role as the fashion capital of the world, drawing and inspiring an unparalleled array of creative talent," governor Hochul said in a statement. "As we make our comeback from the pandemic, it is essential that we prioritise the recovery of one of New York's most exciting and dynamic industries. By partnering with New York's best small and independent designers we are strengthening our economy and supporting vibrant development in this crucial industry."

The grant programme will help support the vibrant return of the New York fashion industry post-COVID-19, attract and retain New York's fashion talent, and enable more small and independent New York-based designers to participate in recovery efforts. The opportunity to debut new collections to buyer, media, industry and consumer audiences powers the continued success of fashion designers' businesses in America's fashion capital.

The public and private sectors are working together to support small businesses impacted while restoring and creating new jobs for New Yorkers. The fashion, retail and creative industries together represent a key economic engine for New York State that has been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic New York City's fashion industry employed 4.6 per cent of the city's workforce, generating approximately $11 billion in total wages.

President of IMG's Fashion Events and Properties Leslie Russo said, "We are grateful to governor Hochul and New York State for their continued partnership in our initiatives to support the New York fashion community.”

In September 2021, IMG formed the Fashion Alliance to create a cornerstone for New York Fashion Week's revitalisation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide support, funding, and resources for a group of New York Fashion Week's independent designer brands through 2022. This new grant funded by New York State will help to provide additional support to more independent designers based in New York.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)