Lectra partners with CFDA to back Fashion Manufacturing Initiative

By

Matthieu Guinebault

Published
Feb 12, 2014

The French technology specialist for the soft materials industry has announced a partnership with the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) to support the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI), an incubator investment fund for New York fashion companies.

The news comes just as the Fashion Manufacturing Initiative released the names of its first grant recipients: New York Embroidery Studio, High Production, Werkstatt, Create-a-Marker, In Style USA, Vogue Too and Martin Greenfield Clothiers. The fund is the brainchild of Theory founder Andrew Rosen, in partnership with the New York Economic Development Corporation and the CFDA, an association of some 400 American fashion and jewelry designers. The organization's mission is to support young fashion companies in their growth.

"We believe in what the FMI aims to accomplish and we look forward to strengthening our relationship with the organization as well as our customers in the region," said Anastasia Charbin, fashion marketing director at Lectra. "The success of CFDA's Fashion Manufacturing Initiative is built on the support of the industry," added Steven Kolb, President of the CFDA. "And with Lectra's support, we will be helping New York City factories grow and become more competitive."

Lectra currently serves 23,000 customers in over a hundred countries. With a turnover of 198 million euros in 2012, the company has chosen to maintain 100% of its production in France. Lectra now employs 1,350 persons and works with big luxury brands such as Vuitton and Hermès, as well as fast fashion companies like H&M.