Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI), a part of the Council of Fashion Designers of America Foundation (CFDA) will be the partner for the 2017 AAFA American Image Awards, which will be held in April 2017.

Established four years ago, FMI in partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), grants funds for advancements in manufacturing and training, design innovation, and production intelligence.

“This platform continues to expand, connects design and production for all apparel, footwear, and accessory products covered by AAFA and has already awarded more than $2 million in grants,” AAFA said.

Among the many beneficiaries of FMI are emerging businesses that are incubating new products and processes to advance professional development and strengthen the industry’s workforce for the future.

“AAFA is deeply honoured to partner with the CFDA and support its Fashion Manufacturing Initiative as our 2017 American Image Awards grant partner,” said AAFA president and CEO, Rick Helfenbein.

“The CFDA Fashion Manufacturing Initiative is an important program to preserve garment manufacturing in New York and with the support of AAFA; we are able to continue and expand those efforts,” said Steven Kolb, CEO of CFDA.”

Recognising outstanding achievements throughout the apparel and footwear industry, the awards will feature Person of the Year, Retailer of the Year, Company of the Year, Designer of the Year, and Fashion Maverick.