BKLYN Fashion Academy

2024 BKLYN Fashion Academy

The BKLYN Fashion Academy is back for Season 6 with a twist! Out theme this season is Women of Future Industries: From Runway to Role Model. Let's take a trip to 2044 and reimagine what futuristic fashion will look like for women in industries of tomorrow.

Women of Future Industries

The 16-week intensive program establishes a launch pad for local, nascent fashion designers to channel their creative talent through a series of classes and hands-on labs which hone their skills and develop their business knowledge using BPL resources.

Designers selected for the program will also create a capsule collection to feature on the runway at our September 2024 fashion show! Don’t miss your opportunity! 

 

Apply Now for Season 6! -- CLICK HERE

Applications close on Monday March 25, 2024 at 11:59pm

 

To learn more about this program, this year’s theme and how to apply, register for one of our Information Sessions. We will be hosting virtual and in-person sessions, so be sure to confirm the location.

March 1 | 6:00pm - Zoom Meeting

March 4 | 6:00pm - Event Room, Business & Career Center

March 7 | 6:00pm - Zoom Meeting

March 11 | 6:00pm - Event Room, Business & Career Center

March 15 | 6:00pm - Zoom Meeting

March 16 | 11:00am - Zoom Meeting

 

FAQs

Entrants must be 18 years of age or older, live in Brooklyn and have sewing experience. 

Click the link to apply! Applications close on Monday March 25, 2024 at 11:59pm

  • You will be required to attend several classes, attend technical labs, mentor sessions and create a minimum of 4 looks.
  • You will also complete an illustrated drawing of your main look, and feature your completed capsule collection in the BFA Fashion Show.

The runway show for Season 6 was held on Friday, September 27, 2024

The theme for the 2024, Season 6, is Women of Future Industries: Runway to Role Model.


2023 - Ancient Egypt: Gods of the Runway Show

Check out the YouTube Livestream - CLICK HERE

The BKLYN Fashion Academy is back for its 5th Season and our theme this year is Ancient Egypt: Gods of the Runway! Take a ride as we explore one of the world's oldest civilizations!

The 16-week intensive establishes a launch pad for local, nascent fashion designers to channel their creative talent through a series of classes and hands-on labs which hone their skills and develop their business knowledge using BPL resources.

Take a look at our 2023 BKLYN Fashion Academy Designers!

Photo of Nona Aquan Photo of Tamara Belinda Photo of Andres Biel Photo of Danielle Castor
Photo of Elizabeth Hazlewood Photo of Nicole Lamour Photo of Minaxi MahediaPhoto of Jean Remarque
Photo of Ciara Rivera Photo of Ghislaine Sabiti Photo of Mya Walker

 


Learn more about the previous seasons of BKLYN Fashion Academy:

The theme for season 4 was American Fashion through Conflict. The evolution of American fashion can give us a glimpse of American history from the frontlines. In times of conflict, we see Americans redefine themselves, whether it is holding fast to tradition or evolving to embrace new realities. From the War of 1812 to the Korean War, the BKLYN Fashion Academy designers will use American history to inspire and develop their collections emphasizing the influence of the major players of their chosen era.  

Their full mini-collections were showcased at the Runway Show on Friday, June 24 on Central Library’s Outdoor Plaza.  More photos to come!

 

Meet our 2022 BKLYN Fashion Academy Designers!

Our focus for the 2020-2021 program year was the History of Carnevale (Carnival) and its influence around the world. Carnevale which means farewell to meat or flesh originally celebrated by Europeans and passed on to slaves who turned it into a celebration of freedom. By the 18th century free blacks in Trinidad mixed with French immigrants, Spanish settlers, and British nationals transformed the European celebration to a more heterogeneous cultural froth that included traditions from all ethnic groups. With the end of slavery in 1834, the now completely free populace could outwardly celebrate their native culture and their emancipation through dress, music, and dancing hence creating what is now known as Carnival.

Photo (top left to bottom right): Carnival in Haiti, Venice, Tenerife and Rio de Janiero

 

Designers showcased carnival across these 10 countries and their celebrations: Rio de Janeiro-Brazil, Venice-Italy. Port of Spain-Trinidad & Tobago, Binche-Belgium, Oruro-Bolivia, Toronto-Canada, Port-au-Prince-Haiti, New Orleans-Louisiana (USA), Nice-France and the Tenerife Island-Spain's Canary Islands.

 
Meet our 2020-2021 BKLYN Fashion Academy Designers!

Click on their profile photos to be directed to their sites and social media pages.

 

 

The 2019 video from the On the Runway: Homage to Future Fashion Show, captures all the colors, excitement, culture and creativity the designers had to offer.

Fashion forward: Researchers, designers debut new tech on New York City runway from Microsoft Research on Youtube

Video By: Microsoft Research

To learn more about the technology used, Microsoft's partnership with the BKLYN Fashion Academy and much more check out: Fashion Forward.

Check out the 2019 show, On the Runway: Homage to Future Fashion, First Half & Second Half, in case you missed it!

 

Want to see the 2019 BKLYN Fashion Academy Designers?

Check them out on the Made In NY: Fashion Instagram page, where you can get a little background on each designer and see what they have to offer!

 

Herero Women of Namibia

Photo Credit: Refinery29

 

StitchKit Tech Pack

Photo Credit: StitchKit

If you missed the 2018 Fashion Show check it out here

MODE EN COULEUR Fashion Show // Super 8 from Nick Collingwood Vintage on Vimeo. (2018)

Video by Nick Collingwood

Upcoming Events

Create a Business Plan That's Right for You!

Tue, Mar 19 10:30am
Central Library, Dweck Center

business small business

Starting out? Turning your ideas into a new business? Changing direction? New product? A clear understanding of your business and a compelling business plan with financial projections are essential to the success of your business. The Business Plan gives you a flexible roadmap to follow as you…

Resume Help at Brownsville Branch

Tue, Mar 19 2:00pm
Brownsville Library

adult learning business career

Do you need help updating or even starting your resume?  Brownsville branch is offering one-on-one assistance to anyone looking to sharpen their resume and make progress on their job search.  We will provide feedback and suggestions regarding formatting and content and can even help…

Workforce1 Career Center Small Business Administration Services

Wed, Mar 20 12:00pm
Kings Bay, Meeting Room

business career small business

If you are looking for a job, join Workforce1 representatives at the Kings Bay Library to learn about job prospects and receive some advice. 

Making Strong Resumes Workshop

Wed, Mar 20 1:00pm
New Lots Learning Center

adult learning business career

Are you:

Looking for work?Considering applying for a training program?Continuing your education?

If you haven't made a resume before, or if it's been a while, join us for one of our resume workshops where you can learn helpful tips to make your resume strong and effective for your…

Basics of Crowdfunding for Entrepreneurs | WE Master Money Workshop

Wed, Mar 20 4:30pm
Central Library

business community partner finance

Learn about the different crowdfunding types and how to create and run a successful crowdfunding campaign.

This workshop will cover how the four types of crowdfunding models, which crowdfunding platforms are best for small businesses, and tips for for reaching your fundraising goal.

Excel Spreadsheet Fundamentals

Wed, Mar 20 6:00pm
Central Library, Business & Career Center, Event Room

business computer basics small business

Spreadsheets can be used to organize information for your business, your job, and your personal life. Join this in-person workshop to learn how to use spreadsheets to store, manipulate, and analyze information. Spreadsheets are a valuable tool to learn in these days of ever-…

SBDC Workshop: Basic Elements of a Business Plan

Thu, Mar 21 10:00am
New Utrecht Library

business finance small business

Whether you are a start-up or existing company, it's never too late to wite your business plan! Develop Your Business Plan with SI SBDC. Meet Joe Muller, Certified Business Advisor at this in-person, no-cost presentation.

This session will cover:

-Why you need a Business Plan
-…

Pace SBDC Business Counseling @ BPL

Thu, Mar 21 10:00am
Central Library, Business & Career Center

business small business

Beginning January 4, 2024, the Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering weekly, free, in-person one-to-one business advisement at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Business & Career Center!

These Business Advisement sessions are available to existing…

Update Your Skills with Metrix Learning

Thu, Mar 21 6:00pm
Virtual

business career

Learning online is an effective and convenient way to enhance your skills. With Metrix Learning, you will have access to self-paced, expert approved training for 180 days at NO COST to you! Please join this webinar to learn more about the 7,000+ courses Metrix Learning has available and how you…

Resume & Cover Letter Help

Mon, Mar 25 2:00pm
Macon, The Fireplace

business career resume

Get help with your resume, cover letter, or career-related questions live with a librarian! Participants will receive up to 20 minutes of feedback and guidance.

Stop by the library and fill out our sign-up sheet. Make sure to bring your resume, cover letter, and any application-…

 

Season 6 Information Sessions

To learn more about this program, this year’s theme and how to apply, register for one of our Information Sessions. We will be hosting virtual and in-person sessions, so be sure to confirm the location.

March 1 | 6:00pm - Zoom Meeting

March 4 | 6:00pm - Event Room, Business & Career Center

March 7 | 6:00pm - Zoom Meeting

March 11 | 6:00pm - Event Room, Business & Career Center

March 15 | 6:00pm - Zoom Meeting

March 16 | 11:00am - Zoom Meeting

 

Apply Now for Season 6!
CLICK HERE

Applications close on Monday March 25, 2024 at 11:59pm

 

Sign up for the Business & Career Center eNewsletter!

Season 6 is coming up fast! Get the latest information and resources by signing up for our enewsletter now.

Sign up

 

About us

The BKLYN Fashion Academy teaches what it takes to create a viable fashion business! This intensive program provides the essentials to create and sell ready-to-wear men’s and women’s wear garments. Selected designers will receive mentoring from industry experts and attend classes on sustainability, sourcing, accessories design, market research, and more, while creating a ready-to-wear capsule collection.

The 16-week intensive establishes a launch pad for local, nascent fashion designers to channel their creative talent through a series of classes and hands-on labs which hone their skills and develop their business knowledge using BPL resources. The program works closely with numerous City agencies, educational institutions and industry partners to leverage NYC’s expertise in the fashion industry and to contribute to the growth of the sustainable fashion movement in Brooklyn. 

 

Our Current Partners

  • BK Style Foundation (BK | SF), was founded in 2004 as a platform to support creative talent. BK Style Foundation (BK|SF) lends a voice to social causes like human rights and civil liberties, HIV/AIDS awareness, poverty and community development by partnering with organizations like Denim Day NYC, which raises awareness for sexual assault and domestic violence. Art in Motion Show, Beauty for Freedom, Soles4Souls Foundation, MTV’s Staying Alive Foundation, Colel Chabad and other nonprofit organizations.
  • FABSCRAP, a 501(c)3 charitable organization that was created to meet New York City’s commercial textile recycling needs. Materials that traditionally would have gone to landfill are now being properly recycled and made available for reuse.
  • Fashion Week Brooklyn (fw | BK), is a bi-annual international collection show founded by the 501c3 non-profit BK|Style Foundation (BK|SF). FW|BK has emerged as one of the leading fashion events showcasing the talent of aspiring and established designers from across the globe. It has been named as the number 5 international fashion event in 2016. Attendees include a diverse spectrum of socially conscious, influencers, fashion- forward and creative people nationally and internationally.
  • Made in New York: Fashion is a public initiative implemented by the New York City Economic Development Corporation. In collaboration with the private sector, Made in New York: Fashion is responsible for creating, developing, and implementing an array of programs to fortify New York City's fashion design, manufacturing, and educational sectors.
  • Women.NYC — part of the New York City Economic Development Corporation— is the flagship  City initiative to make NYC the best place in the world for women of all backgrounds to thrive in their businesses and careers. Women.NYC advances diversity, gender equality and fosters economic mobility by focusing on equipping women to succeed in the future economy.

Program Donors

Have questions about becoming a partner or a donor? Please email us at [email protected]

 

Subject Guides

The librarians from BPL's Business & Career Services have created a specialized subject guide for aspiring designers that covers industry, competitor, and consumer research in the fashion industry as well resources for marketing and PR.

Resources for Fashion Entrepreneurs

 

Have questions about the program? Contact us at [email protected].