OUR MISSION

Brocade Textiles will give minority fashion designers the sewing equipment and resources they need to design and develop industry level fashion collections.

We empower the entrepreneurs in the fashion industry to create, develop and grow their own fashion businesses by coming together in a shared creative space.

Our mission to give up and coming minority fashion designers sewing equipment will allow them to become major visionaries and influencers in the fashion industry.

THE PROBLEM

There are currently little to no studio resources for independent fashion designers in the Chicago area. If you are a independent fashion designer who isn't currently enrolled at a local college with a Fashion Design program you have no access to their fashion lab resources. The industrial sewing machines and sergers  irons & steamers, dress-forms and cutting tables are all unavailable to designers who can't afford the tuition to attend. Independent design are forced to work from the floors and tables of their homes.

Without the resources here in the Chicago for Fashion Designers we are losing out on major progress for the minorities in the city who want to become a positive influence in the fashion industry. Designers are forced to limit their growth because they lack the space to expand their brands and businesses. 

OUR SOLUTION

• Empower minority fashion entrepreneurship in Chicago by connecting with valuable companies and fashion industry leaders throughout the city for supplies, workshops and industry opportunities.

• Increase the number of minority designers entering the fashion design industry with little to no college education by providing them with cutting tables, sewing machines, irons, dress forms and notions all available for daily use.

• Our space is open to Fashion designers who are experienced in their fields and looking to grow in a bigger space for their brands by connecting to mentors, business opportunities and advancements through an industry driven and influenced co-working studio.

• Brocade will offer weekly refresher workshops for anyone unfamiliar with the type of equipment we use and the studio rules.

• We want to end the cycle of neglect for the minority community of fashion designers in the Chicago area and beyond. We are providing the esstinatial sewing equipment and space to allow fashion designers to grow.

Community networking in the studio provides designers with access to:

- Collaboration Projects

- Industry Tips & Strategies 

- Networking Opportunities

-Monthly In House Workshops & Refresher Courses

- Resident Designer of the Month

- Seasonal Designer Showcase/ Fashion Show

- Design Development Critics

- Peer mentorship

- Leadership Development

- Entreprenuership Resources

WHAT WE NEED

Together can supply independent designers & future entrepreneurs the resources they need to create industry level fashion brands. Many of our costly purchases are upfront for sewing equipment and the rental space. Sewing machines, sergers, irons, and cutting tables will all be industry and commercial grade products, these are major purchases for the studio.

• • Industrial Sewing Machine
  • Industrial Sergers
  • Industrial Iron & Steamer
  • Cutting Tables
  • Storage Lockers
  • Photography Studio Set Up
  • Sewing Notions & supplies
  • Wifi Access
  • Laptop workspace

• OUR TEAM
  • Lydia Endora Thompson, Founder/CEO

Thank your for believing in our mission to help the fashion design community. With your help together we will give entrepreneurs the resources they need to jumpstart their fashion dreams.

All funds raised on the iFundWomen platform will be used to build out and open our Chicago studio space.