Fashion That Works
Custom Collaborative expands access to quality education and skill-building for no/low-income and immigrant women, equipping them to thrive in the sustainable fashion industry and create lasting economic change.
Learning. Leading. Creating.
Based in New York City, Custom Collaborative builds pathways to economic opportunity through three interconnected programs — the Training Institute, Business Incubator, and Worker-Owned Cooperative Development — supporting women at every stage of their fashion careers.
400+
people served in 2025 through our programs
74%
retention of
Training Institute participants across 15 Cohorts
100%
of participants feel better equipped to enter the fashion industry & speak to sustainability
Sarata, Cohort 14:
"For many of us, this wasn't just about fabric or fashion — it was personal. It was healing. It was about reclaiming confidence, dignity, and dreams we thought were out of reach."
100%
of the women we serve are ambitious
96%
are racial/ethnic minorities
50%
are immigrants from 29 countries
68%
are primary caregivers
40%
lack permanent housing
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