The Council of Fashion Designers and OpenAI are launching an Innovation Hub, a two-year initiative designed to bring together promising CFDA members and cutting-edge AI builders to drive innovation, creativity and growth across the fashion industry.
The Innovation Hub takes a fashion-first, designer-centric approach to AI integration for these pairings to co-create practical and scalable solutions tailored to meet real-world industry needs. The program aims to demonstrate how emerging technologies can support design, business longevity, and positive industry change while keeping creative leadership at the core.
“The Innovation Hub speaks to CFDA’s mission to amplify creative excellence, promote business longevity, and foster positive industry change,” said Steven Kolb, CFDA president and chief executive officer. “When approached responsibly, AI bridges the gap between fashion and emerging technology. It can be a powerful creative and business tool for American fashion in areas such as design, customer experience, manufacturing, sustainability, accessibility, inclusivity and marketing.”
Fidji Simo, CEO of Applications at OpenAI, added, “AI is an incredible tool for creative empowerment because it helps people turn their imagination into reality faster than ever. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for fashion as a craft and as an outlet for individual creative expression. Through our work with CFDA, we’re proud to empower designers and brands with tools to drive further innovation, growth and creativity in the industry.”
In the first year, the Innovation Hub will pair six fashion brands with six AI tool builders for a structured, year-long collaboration. Through mentorship, workshops, technical support and funding, participants will develop pilot projects and proofs-of-concept that demonstrate how AI and OpenAI tools can meaningfully advance the fashion industry.
The program will launch an Innovation Sprint in the spring with an immersive, full-day event where selected AI developers will showcase prototypes addressing real-world fashion challenges. Following a competitive selection and pairing process, matched cohorts will participate in workshops, executive mentorship, and pilot development leading up to a final Demo Day in New York City.
To support collaboration and reduce financial barriers, OpenAI will offer over $300,000 in grants, unlimited access to OpenAI tools, and API credits.
