FIT Design Entrepreneurs Collaborative

The FIT Design Entrepreneurs Collaborative helps emerging fashion designers grow their businesses, offering needed space and resources in a convenient Manhattan location. It is an outgrowth of Design Entrepreneurs NYC (DENYC), begun in 2012 as a joint program of the New York City Economic Development Corporation and the Fashion Institute of Technology to support emerging local designers. Through this program, 155 companies have developed strategic plans in consultation with industry mentors to help their businesses succeed in the highly competitive fashion industry. The program, no longer affiliated with the EDC, is now known as FIT Design Entrepreneurs. The Collaborative is open to graduates of the Design Entrepreneurs program or of FIT.

While not a traditional showroom, the space is configured so that designers can showcase their merchandise and meet with buyers. The Garment Center location is convenient for buyers from nearby retailers, and the industry leaders who serve as Design Entrepreneurs mentors can bring domestic and international buyers who visit New York City several times a year for Market Week or Fashion Week. This offers Collaborative participants the opportunity to leverage the Design Entrepreneurs/FIT reputation in presenting their apparel and accessories collections to appropriate buyers.

Location

520 Eighth Avenue at 36th Street, Suite 1202

The Space

FIT alumni or those who attended the FIT Design Entrepreneurs program may inquire about showroom spaces. The Collaborative offers:

• Nine private, locked workspaces with 24/7 access
• Rent is significantly under market value
• One-year lease with option for second year
• Large flex space for presentations, sample sales, photo shoots, Market Week “mini-marts,” and other events