top of page
PATRICK CUPID LOGO

Ethical Endeavors 

Responsible Design

​

Patrick Cupid is an independent New York–based fashion brand rooted in responsible design, thoughtful sourcing, and small-scale production.

Responsibility begins at the design table and continues through every relationship, material choice, and garment we create.

Made in New York

With the exception of knitwear all garments are designed and developed in New York City.

​

​

Patternmaking, draping, sampling, and final production take place in our studio and with select independent partners in the Garment District. Working locally allows us to remain closely connected to the people who bring each piece to life.

 

Our studio includes accredited student interns and an in-house tailor working on an independent contract basis. Our tailor is a skilled craftsperson who relocated to New York from Ukraine due to the ongoing war. Supporting displaced artisans and preserving craftsmanship is part of our commitment to human-centered design.

 

We operate in accordance with New York State and New York City labor laws and value respectful, professional working relationships.

Made in New York

With the exception of knitwear all garments are designed and developed in New York City.

​

​

Patternmaking, draping, sampling, and final production take place in our studio and with select independent partners in the Garment District. Working locally allows us to remain closely connected to the people who bring each piece to life.

 

Our studio includes accredited student interns and an in-house tailor working on an independent contract basis. Our tailor is a skilled craftsperson who relocated to New York from Ukraine due to the ongoing war. Supporting displaced artisans and preserving craftsmanship is part of our commitment to human-centered design.

 

We operate in accordance with New York State and New York City labor laws and value respectful, professional working relationships.

Transparency

We believe transparency comes from proximity.

 

Rather than working through distant intermediaries, we partner directly with the mills, dye houses, and specialty ateliers involved in our production and regularly share behind-the-scenes views of our process.

 

Key partners include:

​

 

In February 2025, Patrick Cupid received The Industry Fashion People, Planet & Purpose Award for Responsible Sourcing:
https://www.theindustry.fashion/theindustry-fashion-people-planet-purpose-awards-the-winners/

2024-08-20 21.15.52.jpg

Materials

We prioritize natural and biodegradable fibers including wool, silk, cotton, and linen.

​

  • Approximately 80% of our textiles are natural and biodegradable.

  • Approximately 60% of our fabrics are digitally printed natural textiles, reducing excess water and dye waste.

  • Approximately 20% of our materials are sourced from deadstock textiles.

  • Roughly 30% of our materials include RWS-certified Shaniko Wool.

  • 100% of our knitwear uses UPW yarns, recognized for fiber traceability initiatives and recycled fiber integration.

 

Material composition may vary seasonally, but our ongoing goal is to prioritize natural fibers and responsibly sourced textiles wherever feasible.

Water 

We work with Not Just Lace Dye House in Long Island City, allowing us to operate within New York City’s regulated water filtration and sewage treatment system to help ensure dye processes are handled within municipal environmental safeguards.

 

We produce in limited quantities and often in response to demand to minimize excess inventory. Local production further reduces transportation impacts and supports the New York manufacturing ecosystem.

 

As a small independent brand producing fewer than 20,000 units annually, we continue to evaluate ways to better measure and reduce environmental impact as the brand grows.

​

We are committed to continually deepening material traceability and expanding responsible sourcing practices as our resources and scale evolve.

Ethical Standards

All studio operations and contractor relationships comply with New York State and New York City labor laws.

​

Our in-house tailor is compensated at $25 per hour, above New York State minimum wage standards.

​

We do not permit unauthorized subcontracting. Any approved subcontractor must align with our ethical standards.

​

If concerns regarding labor or working conditions arise, corrective action is required, and continued collaboration depends on compliance with our principles.

Inclusion

Patrick Cupid is founded on the belief that creativity thrives through diversity.

 

We design for individuals across identities, sizes, and backgrounds. Inclusion extends to hiring practices, artisan partnerships, and community collaboration.

 

Community partnerships include:

  • LSA Family Health Services

  • Fashion Fight Cancer

  • Maison Black Foundation

  • Boys & Girls Club Mentorship Program

  • Banson New York

  • ​

We actively support small, family-run Garment District businesses and promote equitable participation within the fashion supply chain. Responsible design is not a fixed destination. It is an evolving practice shaped by partnership, learning, and accountability.

2024-12-14 15.10.31.jpg

Code of Conduct

This Code applies to all employees, contractors, suppliers, and approved subcontractors.

​

1. Legal Compliance

All partners must comply with applicable wage, labor, and safety laws.

2. Forced & Child Labor

Forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking are strictly prohibited.

3. Wages

Partners must meet or exceed the legally required minimum wages.

4. Health & Safety

Safe and hygienic working conditions must be maintained.

5. Non-Discrimination

No discrimination based on race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or nationality.

6. Subcontracting

No subcontracting without prior written approval. Approved subcontractors must comply fully with this Code.

7. Remediation

Corrective action is required for any non-compliance. Continued violations may result in termination of the business relationship.

Community

Patrick Cupid believes fashion can be a platform for meaningful connection and positive change. We are proud to collaborate with organizations that use creativity to support communities and foster dialogue across industries.

​

Our partnerships have included Fashion Fights Cancer, LSA Family Health Services, Maison Black Foundation, the Boys & Girls Club Mentorship Program, and Banson New York. These collaborations bring fashion, art, and mentorship into spaces where creative engagement can support healing, empowerment, and community connection.

​

Through the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Patrick Cupid has also supported industry-led civic initiatives including Band Off Our Bodies and Get Out the Vote, reflecting a broader commitment to community awareness and civic participation within the creative industries.

​

Patrick Cupid also participates in cultural conversations through platforms such as Volta Art Fairs and Designer2Buyer, connecting designers, collectors, and creative leaders while advancing dialogue around craftsmanship, responsible design, and the role of fashion within contemporary culture.

2022-06-16 14.18.42.jpg

Education & Mentorship

Education and mentorship are central to Patrick Cupid’s long-term vision for the industry.

​

Patrick serves on the Fashion Advisory Board at Marist University and has taught at the Fashion Institute of Technology, sharing industry knowledge with emerging designers and contributing to academic discussions around responsible fashion practices.

​

Through lectures, mentorship, and collaboration with higher education institutions, Patrick Cupid supports the next generation of creatives while strengthening the connection between design education and the professional fashion industry.

bottom of page