New York governor Kathy Hochul has announced $10 million in state funding for the establishment of a new Fashion Innovation Center (FIC), which will focus on promoting New York State-produced smart and sustainable textiles. Hochul announced the FIC during New York Fashion Week, on Sept. 7-14.
“The Fashion Innovation Center will foster collaboration across fashion, agriculture, and other industries to reduce our environmental footprint, limit waste and create opportunity across New York State,” Hochul said. Empire State Development, New York’s chief economic development agency, will spearhead the creation of a consortium-led FIC, which will draw expertise from New York State universities, fashion industry leaders, farms and non-profit organizations. The FIC will also include a Sustainable Fashion Innovation Center Accelerator, focused on the creation of smart and sustainable alternatives that create green jobs, promote state-sourced textiles and support sustainable fashion. The FIC will provide grant funding to New York State small businesses in the fashion industry on a competitive basis.
