PROGRAMS
Founded in 2016 as a New York City-based entrepreneurship and workforce development organization, Custom Collaborative trains, mentors, and advocates for and with low to no-income and immigrant women to achieve economic success in the sustainable fashion industry and broader society.
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Training Institute
Custom Collaborative's comprehensive 15-week program teaches the art, technique, and business of fashion design. We specialize in teaching women how to construct made-to-measure clothing and personalized accessories for all body types. Our training includes extensive instruction in fashion business basics including marketing, sourcing, ethical manufacturing, and sustainability, along with personal finance. Students graduate equipped with the toolkit to begin a career in fashion.
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Business Incubator
Custom Collaborative offers management consulting, mentorship, technical assistance, advanced training, and professional equipment to Training Institute graduates and others in the fashion industry. Our goal is to maximize work opportunities and improve socio-economic outcomes for all women. We accept sample and production orders of 1 - 100 pieces.
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Production Co-op
Custom Collaborative develops employee-owned businesses. In support of equitable economic development, and ownership opportunities for all, we train people in cooperative principles and practices and incubate their employee-owned businesses.