Founder

🌿 Vermont School of Fashion Design

Mission & Values

Our Mission

The Vermont School of Fashion Design exists to cultivate designers who blend craftsmanship, innovation, and a deep respect for Vermont’s creative heritage. Our mission is to empower students to master technical skill, develop a distinct artistic voice, and engage in sustainable, community‑minded fashion practices.

We prepare graduates to thrive in the global fashion industry while remaining grounded in ethical production, local collaboration, and thoughtful design. Every student who walks through our doors becomes part of a movement — one that honors tradition, embraces innovation, and shapes a more responsible future for fashion.

Our Core Values

🌲 Craftsmanship & Heritage

We honor Vermont’s long tradition of artistry, handwork, and independent creativity. Students learn to design with intention, respect materials, and understand the lineage of craft that shapes their work.

♻️ Sustainability & Responsibility

Fashion must evolve — and we are leading that change. We teach environmentally conscious design, ethical sourcing, and mindful production. Our students become designers who create beauty without compromise.

🎨 Creativity & Individual Expression

Every designer has a story. We nurture individuality, curiosity, and bold artistic exploration. Students are encouraged to experiment, take risks, and develop a signature voice that stands out in the world.

🤝 Community & Collaboration

VSFD is built on connection — to local artisans, fiber producers, businesses, and the broader Vermont community. We believe creativity thrives when people work together, share knowledge, and uplift one another.

📚 Excellence in Education

We provide rigorous, hands‑on training that blends technical mastery with conceptual development. Our faculty are working professionals, artists, and innovators who mentor students with care and expertise.

🌎 Global Vision, Local Roots

Our students graduate ready to enter the global fashion arena — but they carry Vermont’s values with them. We believe the world needs designers who are grounded, ethical, and inspired by place.

💼 Opportunity & Empowerment

VSFD is committed to opening doors: internships, apprenticeships, industry partnerships, and pathways to entrepreneurship. We empower students to build meaningful, sustainable careers in fashion and design.

A School With Purpose

The Vermont School of Fashion Design is more than an institution — it’s a creative ecosystem. A place where students grow, communities thrive, and the future of fashion is reimagined through craftsmanship, sustainability, and heart.

Why Donate to the Vermont School of Fashion Design

Supporting the Vermont School of Fashion Design (VSFD) is more than a charitable act — it’s an investment in creativity, community, and the future of sustainable fashion. Your donation helps build an institution that empowers students, strengthens Vermont’s economy, and preserves the artistry that makes this state extraordinary.

You’re Investing in the Next Generation of Designers

Your contribution helps students access:

•  Hands‑on training in design, textiles, and craftsmanship

•  State‑of‑the‑art studios and equipment

•  Mentorship from working artists and industry professionals

•  Scholarships that open doors for talented students who otherwise couldn’t attend

Every dollar helps shape a designer who will carry Vermont’s values into the global fashion world.

You’re Strengthening Vermont’s Creative Economy

VSFD fuels local growth by:

•  Creating new jobs in education, arts, and technical fields

•  Supporting local fiber farms, artisans, and small businesses

•  Attracting students, faculty, and visitors who contribute to the local economy

•  Hosting events, exhibitions, and fashion shows that bring energy and tourism to the region

Your donation becomes part of a ripple effect that benefits the entire community.

You’re Preserving Vermont’s Heritage of Craftsmanship

Vermont has always been a home for makers — quilters, weavers, woodworkers, dyers, and artisans who create with intention. VSFD honors that legacy by teaching students to design with:

•  Respect for materials

•  Appreciation for handcraft

•  Commitment to sustainability

Your support ensures that Vermont’s creative traditions continue to inspire future generations.

You’re Helping Build a School That Stands for Sustainability

The fashion industry is changing, and VSFD is leading the shift toward:

•  Ethical production

•  Responsible sourcing

•  Eco‑friendly materials

•  Thoughtful, intentional design

Your donation helps train designers who will make fashion better for the planet.

You’re Creating Opportunity and Access

VSFD is committed to inclusivity. Donations help fund:

•  Scholarships

•  Community workshops

•  Youth programs

•  Outreach to underserved communities

You’re not just supporting a school — you’re opening doors for people who dream of a creative future.

You’re Leaving a Legacy

When you donate to VSFD, you become part of something lasting. You help build:

•  A new educational institution for Vermont

•  A cultural anchor for the region

•  A hub for innovation, artistry, and community connection

Your gift becomes part of a legacy that will shape students, families, and the creative landscape of Vermont for decades.

Your Support Makes This Possible

The Vermont School of Fashion Design is ready to grow — to welcome students, expand programs, and build a vibrant creative community. Your donation helps turn that vision into reality.

Together, we can create a school that is made in Vermont, inspired by Vermont, and worn by the world.