About

MISSION

GUILDED is the new industry standard for the way we think about design – it is where philosophy meets practice.

We believe sustainability is a fundamental component of every stage of the design and manufacturing process, but we recognize the difficulty in navigating this newly defined landscape. We are committed to creating a pathway for businesses to implement ethical change.

We define WHAT sustainability is, we teach WHY sustainability is important, and we show HOW to achieve sustainability in practical ways.

GUILDED offers education, consulting and a platform for collaborative community. It is where artists access information and industry perfects its craft.

ABOUT

GUILDED is the brainchild of fashion designers Bahar Shahpar and Tara St James. During their years of research and consulting on ethical design and production, they repeatedly encountered misconceptions about the definitions and scope of sustainability. What they saw was a huge void in resources and understanding about how to approach sustainability in business and design. In order to provide a source of reliable and accessible information, they merged their accumulated wealth of knowledge and network of industry experts to create a new breed of agency.

GUILDED is committed to social and environmental responsibility in every aspect of our company. We work exclusively with vendors, suppliers and partners whose business practices are in line with our principles.

PROCESS

At GUILDED, we create customized modules and immersion training for entrepreneurs, creative professionals and corporate teams. We approach our method with a simple 3-step process:

• Understanding the definitions and standards of sustainability outlined by our core philosophy
• Identifying solutions appropriate to the business model
• Implementing best possible business practices

CLASSES

We offer seminars and workshops in sustainable methods and practices, as well as master classes in artisan techniques. Though
we do provide some basic sustainability education, our classes are generally focused on specific design tools and techniques.
Class topics range from design and production to business administration to lifestyle tools. Upcoming subjects include natural
dyeing, textile sourcing, custom fabric development, branding, event production, web design, intellectual property, tech pack
development and social media marketing.

Classes are divided into 3 categories – Seminars, Workshops and Master Classes – with fees ranging from $30-500, depending
on class size, duration, and necessary materials. All courses are held at our Bowery studio location.

STUDIO

The GUILDED studio is a 1000 square-foot creative loft located on the Bowery, across from the New Museum and within steps
of Soho, Nolita, and the Lower East Side. Our location is easily accessible by public transportation (N/R, J/M, B/D, F & 6
trains all stop within a few blocks).

The studio is available for rental to members for launch parties, film/photo shoots, showroom appointments, press previews,
Fashion Week events, pop-up retail shops, art exhibitions, and fundraisers for nonprofits. Rates include Wi-Fi access and basic
office services.

We offer customized production and marketing services (please inquire for prices):

• Liquor sponsorship
• Event promotion
• Merchant services (for retail events)
• Staffing and VIP hosting
• Gift bags
• Catering

MEMBERSHIP

During our introductory launch period, all of our classes and studio services will be available to the general public. Following
the launch, access to the studio will be structured through a membership program.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:

• Priority access to seminars
• Exclusive access to workshops and master classes
• Participation in sample sales
• Access to sustainable textile library
• Admission to all special events, including a guest
• Discounts with local partners and affiliated organizations
• Studio time on industrial machines