experience
How we experience things has been rapidly changing from the shift in how retail is experienced to the high demand for safety precautions. Now more than ever, creating an experience for our consumers has become the key of a successful brand. We are dedicated in helping creatives curate incredible fashion experiences for their audiences.
CFA HQ
CFA HQ is a cool, spacious loft-workspace in the Columbus Idea Foundry where the fashion industry comes to learn, make, innovate and experience the business of fashion. We are building a network of creatives, designers, students, entrepreneurs, retailers and fashion enthusiasts that will collaborate, convene and move fashion forward.
421 West State Street Columbus, OH 43215
Design Lab
Our design lab is hosted in our HQ, and is equipped with 5 iMac desktops housing industry forecasting and design software such as Business of Fashion Professional and CLO 3D. We also have 4 industry standard cutting tables, and a lounge area with fashion books and magazines to facilitate meetings, networking opportunities and dedicated working time.
PRODUCTION Lab
Our space will be equipped with six, industry standard 5’’x 6’’ cutting tables, JUKI sewing machines, a coverstitch and serger machine, two DTG machines, a couple embroidery machines, a fabric printer, pre-treater and dress forms, a dressing room and a lounge area with fashion books and magazines and 5G internet.
CFA Memberships
Student
Our goal is to support you as an individual and a professional, as well as your fashion based business.
The CFA HQ is a learning lab for students. You can engage in learning through courses, events, and seminars both to be held physically and virtually. We encourage you to use the facilities to create, network, obtain a mentor, get inspired and a host of other activities. The use of commercial equipment for design and execution of fashion apparel is also available.
In addition, the digital platform offers an opportunity for you to network with other industry professionals, learn through courses and our video series: the “Make Series” and “Behind the Seams” and learn through our content and subscriptions.
Designer
A digital membership allows you to network, learn and engage with the fashion community in Columbus and at large. We strive to provide you with valuable education and information with which to upskill and stay informed on the latest trends.
Our in-person memberships include even more opportunity for growth. Inside the Columbus Idea Foundry, we host our CFA HQ, Design Lab equipped with digital tools and software and the Production Lab stocked with commercial equipment for design and execution of fashion apparel. Our sewing machines, sergers, blind stitch machine, large cutting tables, and dress forms along with DTG’s, embroidery machines and fabric printer are available for use.
entrepreneur
The CFA HQ is a hub for entrepreneurs. Here, you can engage in ideation and learning through courses, events, and seminars held both physically and virtually. We highly encourage the use of the facilities to create, network, obtain a professional mentor, get inspired and a host of other activities.
retailer
As a retailer, you are always looking for ways to support, inspire and empower your employees; we can help with that.
Your employees will have access to fashion industry executive-led conversations, as well as networking events where they can both engage in team building exercises as well as meet new fashion industry colleagues. CFA will also reciprocally expose emerging brand talent with successful existing brand executives – creating a pipeline for new and innovative collaborations.
courses
The CFA classes are designed to teach new skills, train new tech, and enhance your current skill-set. We are working diligently with industry experts to provide you with courses that will help you to move your brand, business and fashion forward.
