The Children's Institute of Fashion Arts is a New York City 501c3 non-profit organization devoted to expansive education in the culture and craft of clothing. This means that we are experts in practice and theory, teaching sewing, design, persistence, and creative logic, as well as history, culture, and society. We don't expect all our students to become fashion designers; we believe that sewing is a basic skill that everyone should know how to do. Clothing construction is like engineering but with fabric. Children learn patience and overcome small challenges to achieve success. Hands-on creative production for kids leads to a lifetime of inquiry and engagement. The CIFA is currently teaching afterschool programs in Manhattan and Brooklyn, engaging school students and teachers in specialized curricula linking textiles to culture, history, and society, and offering Fashion Arts Workshops to kids outside of school. We are currently building capacity to be able to serve more children!
