The University’s Cultivator program invested $100,000 in the Buffalo clothing startup.
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The University at Buffalo’s Cultivator program supports local early-stage startups in Western New York with mentorship and funding.
Their most recent investment is Allie Design, a Buffalo-based braille clothing startup that has partnered with Mattel on a Barbie collection that celebrates inclusivity.
The University has invested $100,000 into Aille (pronounced “eye”) Design. The collection features several pieces with fully legible braille beadwork on different “ready-to-wear garments.”
“The braille ranges from physical descriptions to empowering statements and is designed so that the braille is the focal point of each piece,” Alexa Jovanovic, CEO of Aille Design, said in a news release. “We use high-quality Swarovski pearl beads and ensure the braille is easy to read and the garments are both machine washable and stylish.”
The collaboration debuted with Mattel’s launch of a blind Barbie on the Fashionistas line in July.
To celebrate the launch, Aille Design and Barbie are partnering with …