Institute
The Joseph and Gail Gromek Institute for Fashion Business is an interdisciplinary academic hub that supports fashion business education, research, and industry engagement at Parsons School of Design and The New School.
Drawing on the strengths of existing degree programs at Parsons, the institute expands opportunities to educate, train, convene, and support a broad fashion business community at the university. The institute builds on Parsons’ management curriculum, including the Master of Professional Studies in Fashion Management and programs in the School of Design Strategies. In addition, the Gromek Fashion Business minor enables students to explore fundamental business aspects of the fashion industry and gain a foundational understanding of business and entrepreneurship.
The institute bridges academia and industry, bringing together design, business, technology, and social impact to prepare the next generation of leaders in fashion, innovation, and organizational strategy. The institute supports the development of a diverse and inclusive community of future industry leaders and fosters collaboration across disciplines, schools, and industry partners.
The institute supports curricular innovation through the Gromek Fund, which provides resources for new and improved academic programs in business and management. The Gromek Innovation Fund supports research on systems and organizations, supply chains and design, sustainability, consumption, emerging technologies, labor, social justice, and strategies for businesses and communities to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy.
Under the leadership of director Abrima Erwiah, the institute supports academic initiatives, research programs, and industry partnerships across The New School. “My goal is to create a hub of learning excellence that goes beyond any traditional way of thinking and disrupts the fashion industry in every possible way,” said Erwiah. “We want to lead the charge in the evolution of the fashion industry and help prepare the next generation of leaders in fashion business. By operating as an innovation hub that cross-pollinates across the industry across disciplines, we’re able to work with the best of the best in tech, sustainability, business, design, law, media, manufacturing, retail, and more.”
The institute was established in 2019 through an $8.5 million gift from Joseph and Gail Gromek, the largest in Parsons’ 125-year history. Joseph R. Gromek has championed innovation and excellence throughout The New School.
To learn more about the Gromek Institute, visit gromekinstitute.com, or contact [email protected].