Ralph Lauren's $500,000 gift to New York City

Ralph Lauren has donated the funds to underwrite the new Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI), which aims to bolster the New York garment industry. Set up by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and Andrew Rosen in partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corp, the initiative aims to raise funds and create grants to help existing factories in the state to attract new business.

“I was born in New York and started my business in the Garment District here,” the designer told WWD, continuing, “FMI serves an important role in supporting our city, our industry and gives designers the access and opportunities needed to help advance their careers while boosting manufacturing in New York. This is something I’m very proud to be a part of.”