Our 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.

PROGRAMS

  • a collection of fashion illustrations and magazine clippings on a table

    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.

  • a rack of colorful clothing and scarves

    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.

  • a woman sewing light-colored fabric at an industrial sewing machine

    Cooperative Development

    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.