Detail image from WE WERE ONCE FIENDS
The Independent Project is a high-end design and development studio established by Alexandria Berntsen and Jason Romanelli in 2016.
When Alexandria left her position as design director for the New York luxury brand, Jen Kao there was demand for her to take on senior level projects.
The couple sought to open a service-based business to assist those looking to create quality garments in NYC while supporting the New York’s Fashion industry’s factories and businesses.
Through Alexandria’s relationships in New York’s luxury market, The Independent Project has assembled a team of expert level designers, pattern makers and sample makers, along with partnerships from a local network of specialized factories. The Independent Project can source any hard to find or specialized textile for your collection and has many resources for custom made hardware and companies with sustainable and GOTS certified materials.
The team offers fashion entrepreneurs the guidance needed to execute their vision at a high-level, while keeping the process hands-on and local.
The company is based in the West Chelsea part of Manhattan.