FBI Moves Into New Center, Seeks New Members

Fashion Business Inc., the Los Angeles– based nonprofit organization that assists designers and small manufacturers, has moved into its newly renovated designresource center and is looking for new lines.

The 5,000-square-foot center, located in Suite 212 of the New Mart, features a showroom, computer lab, photo studio, classroom and offices.

The organization is currently planning to add six new lines to its membership, some of which will be featured in an FBI runway show during Los Angeles Fashion Week in November. Current and past FBI members include David Park, Rigged by Barbra Horowitz and Anne Richardson.

A jur y of industry experts will review applications on May 20. Among the jurors are Brenda Cooper, Pam Roberts, Wanda Scott, Serene Cicora, Trish Moreno, John Bernards and Valeria Anderson.

FBI was formed in 2000 and provides education, networking, mentoring, consulting and promotional services to new and up-andcoming apparel companies. The group has a roster of consultants and apparel-industry executives available to help companies with business and marketing plans, financial advice and Web site development. FBI seminars cover such topics as developing a budget, creating line sheets, hiring a sales rep and financing opportunities for small businesses. With the opening of the new center, FBI will also provide showroom and photostudio space in one central location.

For information about FBI or the organization’s call for new lines, visit www.fashionbizinc.org. —Alison A. Nieder