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What is #MadeinNYFashion? – Metro US

What is #MadeinNYFashion?

This New York Fashion Week, a local campaign will remind runway-watchers that many of the looks they covet are homegrown.

There’s a story behind the clothes — who makes them, and where, and how. Here’s a fun fact: in New York City, 30 percent of manufacturing jobs in the five boroughs contribute to fashion production (making it the second largest hub of garment production in the country).

Made in NY: Fashion, a public initiative from the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), wants stylish New Yorkers to know that their city supports local designers.

Currently, 33 NYC-based designers are “Made in NY” certified, manufacturing 75 percent of production within the five boroughs (a key requirement).

As NYFW kicks off on Thursday, Feb. 9, the initiative highlights four Made in NY certified designers: Cadet, DANNIJO, Maiyet and Alejandra Alonso Rojas, who you’ll see featured on bus shelters and newsstands across the city and on social media (#MadeinNYFashion).

“We see incredible potential for Made in NY fashion, and more importantly, it’s clear that innovative designers see it, too,” said NYC Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen. “We are committed to putting our investment and our marketing behind this industry.”

Here’s a brief on this year’s featured designers. For information on how to apply for Made in NY certification, go here).

Maiyet

The human rights lawyer-turned-fashion CEO, Maiyet co-founder Paul Van Zyl incorporates Mongolian cashmere and block patterns from Jaipur in his luxurious, yet sensible womenswear line, which are then turned into finished pieces in NYC.

“We believe emphatically in the strength of community,” he says. “We source globally to bolster the hometowns of our artisan partners and we create locally to support our hometown, New York, and its longstanding and venerable fashion history.”

DANNIJO

The sister-duo of Danielle Snyder and Jodie Snyder Morel have been designing and manufacturing their (limited-edition) jewelry line — bold statement pieces with colorful stone and oxidized metal — in New York City since launching in 2008.

“New York is such a big part of who we are as a brand,” says Danielle. “We’re able to touch our pieces from start to finish and it’s an important part of our creative process. Our pieces are ethically and responsibly made, and Made in NY certification reminds our customers of this.”

Cadet

The Williamsburg-based brand draws inspiration from a post-WWII military academy aesthetic (think: Westpoint), creating a line of casually austere menswear (“boot camp” sweatpants, “admiral” flannel button-downs) that’s rolled out in Brooklyn. Co-founder Raúl Arévalo says, “Manufacturing locally, we are able to work directly with our factories — even daily if needed.”

Alejandra Alonso Rojas

The Madrid-born designer creates her effortless, yet sophisticated womenswear line — neutral pallete, suede dresses and silk suits — in NYC. “We want to be ethical, and Made in NY certification signifies that,” she says.