Photo Courtesy of Saint Louis Fashion Fund

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St. Louis Fashion Incubator Growing Downtown Garment District

Saint Louis Fashion Fund Makes Big Impact In Downtown STL

“Fashion is as important to the fabric of St. Louis as baseball and beer.” — Susan Sherman, Board Chair of Saint Louis Fashion Fund

St. Louis has had a rich history in the fashion industry. From the late 19th century, until the end of World War II, St. Louis was second only to New York with garment manufacturing. Dubbed, Shoe Street, USA, Washington Avenue once claimed more shoe manufacturers than any other street in the world. By the mid-1950s, the number of clothing manufacturers in St. Louis tripled, thanks in large part to the junior dress category, which got its start right here on Washington Avenue.

Photo Courtesy: Saint Louis Fashion Fund

Established in 2015, the Saint Louis Fashion Fund is a non-profit dedicated to enriching St Louis through the business of fashionThe Fashion Fund supports emerging designers, hosts a myriad of education and outreach programs, and is a catalyst in the effort to bring economic development to the Downtown St Louis area.

Photo Courtesy: Saint Louis Fashion Fund

The Fashion Fund raised over $2M to open a 7,500 square-foot startup incubator in the heart of the Garment District on Washington Avenue. A key goal is to educate students and young designers about fashion. The Fund encourages creatives to stay and grow in St. Louis, and be part of a thriving, growing fashion ecosystem. The Fund offers internship opportunities, wardrobe styling, the art of merchandising, among many other community-driven initiatives.

Photo Courtesy: Saint Louis Fashion Fund

Are you interested in learning the latest from New York Fashion Week, understanding what’s behind Virgin Abloh’s “genius,” hearing from industry professionals such as Iris Apfel, Andre Leon Talley or Victor Luis, the CEO of Tapesty? The Fashion Fund is the place to be!

Photo Courtesy: Saint Louis Fashion Fund

FRIEND THE FUND!

Support the Saint Louis Fashion Fund by donating at https://www.saintlouisfashionfund.org/support/. Check out the upcoming events and see how you can get involved and contribute to a thriving local fashion scene. The incubator is open 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or by appointment. Follow the Fund on Instagram: @STLFashionFund

Photo Courtesy: Saint Louis Fashion Fund