RALPH LAUREN has donated $500,000 to underwrite the new Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI), which aims to bolster the New York's garment industry. Set up by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Andrew Rosen in partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corp, the initiative aims to raise funds and create grants to help existing factories in New York grow and improve to attract new business.
"I was born in New York and started my business in the garment district here," Lauren said. "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."
In addition to the contribution, Ralph Lauren's senior vice president of global manufacturing and sourcing, Don Baum, will join FMI's selection committee - which already includes designers Prabal Gurung and Marcus Wainwright of Rag & Bone; CEOs Andrew Rosen of Theory, and Bob Savage of Nanette Lepore; and CFDA CEO Steven Kolb.
"Ralph's leadership gift and commitment to FMI strengthens our efforts to bring innovation and new energy to New York City manufacturing," Kolb told WWD. "We hope others in the industry will join us in this important initiative."
Read more: Style File - Ralph Lauren
