Oklahoma Fashion Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2017 as a fashion business incubator and talent hub built to support the creative and commercial development of the fashion sector. The program focuses on accelerating the local growth of fashion talent with a focus on the luxury goods market. 

The fashion industry has historically thrived around the established Fashion Capitals of London, Paris, New York and Milan. The customer base is now global with brands choosing to locate themselves elsewhere and OFI will make Oklahoma a great option in terms of talent, infrastructure, and central geographical access to markets from coast-to-coast. 

OFI looks to deliver practical workshops, advice, mentoring, networking, online resources and a sampling facility to emerging designers, growing brands and the fashion community as a whole. 

Our program calls for supporting emerging designers by offering studio space, sampling and production facilities. Designers selected to be in the program for a given year would be provided a stipend, housing and work space. Each designer would also be paired with a mentor and given a custom program allowing them the time, space and industry expertise to develop their brand. 

Fashion designers and those interested in fashion in a broader sense are welcome to attend workshops, designer talks, get free advice from industry professionals and OFI staff, and access online resources and the Sampling Room. 

The Sampling Room is a place where designers can book time to construct patterns, sew prototypes and produce short runs. This space would be equipped with industrial sewing machines, overlockers, steam press, pattern cutting tables and space for photography. 

Beyond industry-specific resources OFI, through partner professionals, will look to provide practical knowledge in the areas of: business development, finance (including crowdfunding), branding, legal considerations, marketing, and retail purchasing and operations. 

Oklahoma Fashion Initiative is currently expanding and refining its network, and establishing its funding base. If you are interested in more information or would like to contribute please reach out via our Contact page.