Video Credit: Nathan Blair + Melyssa Velasquez, Shoebox Story Productions, Motion Graphics:Ed Mundy, Original Concept + Video Production: Vanessa Londono, Still Photography: Christine Coen + Peter Roessler
Hi. I’m Bob Bland, a fashion designer who has worked for Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, and other renowned fashion organizations over the past 10 years. I’ve dedicated my life to fashion, but you don’t need to have the experience I have to notice that there is a serious problem with the industry in this country…
The Problem
In the last two decades, the United States has lost 80% of its apparel manufacturing jobs, and the decline of the Garment District in NYC is a visible sign of these crippling losses. Demand for affordable, consistent local production is high, and yet we continue to lose jobs to overseas factories that are facing substandard conditions, worker unrest and a desire for higher wages themselves.
The problem is that local designers are currently without a space to work and the resources to produce their ideas within the US.
The Solution
Manufacture New York fixes this problem. Our organization will be the country’s first fashion design AND production incubator. It will allow for local fashion designers to conceive, develop, and manufacture their own lines right here in the United States.
Our goal is to raise funds for the space, equipment, and jobs. The space will include manufacturing facilities, a fully-equipped sampling room, a classroom space (open to the public), private studios for rent, and a state-of-the art computer lab equipped with the industry’s best software for design and production. We will also offer an area for experimentation with eco-friendly fabric washes, dyeing, textile applications, and finishes.
Memberships will be offered for $250/month with price breaks for 6-month and year memberships. Teaching jobs will be offered for the education of the business and technology of today’s fashion. The space will also function as an outlet for selling products manufactured on-site.
The Impact
The impact of Manufacture New York will be huge. Finally, consumers will have greater options for locally made attire. Finally, independent local fashion designers will have the resources and space available to make their visions a reality. High demand fashion concepts such as sustainable materials, and eco-friendly products will be produced easier and faster than ever before.
Manufacture New York is the keystone for the next generation of the fashion industry. Let’s make this happen.
Where the $$$ Goes
The funds are divided as follows:
$50,000 = Space.
$25,000 = Equipment.
$25,000 = Jobs.
We already have a space picked out in Industry City, Brooklyn that will accommodate all of our needs.
To say that independent designers are thrilled about this project would be an understatement. The feeling is unanimous – Manufacture New York is the missing link in the industry. Whether you’re involved in the industry as a designer or consumer, we all need this.
Other Ways to Help
If you love the idea but can’t donate, spread the word. There are countless methods of communication these days. Please, tweet, post, facebook update, text, email, or be old skool and use your voice to tell people about Manufacture New York.
Rewards
"Extra, Extra!" -$10 Perk
![Extra, Extra! $10]()
Manufacture New York Tote -$30 Perk
![Manufacture New York Tote- $30]()
Eco-Conscious, No Waste Bag -$50 Perk
![Eco-Conscious, No Waste Bag -$50 Perk]()
Lola Falk Leather Cardholder -$60 Perk
![Lola Falk Leather Cardholder -$50 Perk]()
Silk & Cyanide Key Necklace -$100 Perk
![Silk & Cyanide Key Necklace -$100 Perk]()
![The Denim Transformation- Ladies Silver Finish]()
The Denim Transformation- $150 Perk (Silver Finish)
![The Denim Transformation- Men's Gold Finish]()
The Denim Transformation- $150 Perk (Gold Finish)
