January 16, 2022
The $500,000 grant and partnership with IMG will support independent designers by offsetting costs of New York Fashion Week show productions. IMG will select 10 designers to receive $50,000 each. "Fashion Week is a celebration of New York's role as the fashion capital of the world, drawing and inspiring an unparalleled array of creative talent," Governor Hochul said. President of IMG's Fashion Events and Properties Leslie Russo said, "We are grateful to Governor Hochul and New York State for their continued partnership in our initiatives to support the New York fashion community...Collaborating with Empire State Development will further diversify the voices of New York Fashion Week and ensure we continue to foster new generations of talent and represent American fashion on the global fashion stage for years to come."
