By Henry Smith, Senior Manager, Economic Development & BID Operations at LIC Partnership
Tucked behind the bustling loading docks of Long Island City is a powerful force in the fashion world, Faviana, a globally recognized formalwear brand now thriving in the newest area of our Business Improvement District, in the Industrial Business Zone (IBZ) east of Sunnyside Yards.
Founded in 1988 by the Moradi family, the business is proudly family-run, committed to helping women feel good and celebrate themselves. Their gowns have graced red carpets, prom nights, weddings, and milestone celebrations all over the globe. With two fresh new design lines yearly, Faviana has an extensive catalog for every special occasion.
Historically, NYC’s Garment District (34th to 42nd St. between 9th and 6th Ave.) was the epicenter of the fashion industry, where design studios, showrooms, manufacturing, offices, and warehousing all existed under one roof. Then, due to economic conditions in the early 2010s, many businesses in the Garment District were forced to relocate. Long Island City became a landing spot. Faviana still has their showroom in the Garment district, but in 2015 they moved their warehouse to the LIC IBZ. The Moradi family had always kept Long Island City in mind. “I’ve been going through this part of LIC since I was a kid,” said Navid the Chief Operating Officer. “My father had production facilities here, and I remember passing this building for 30 years. When we finally stepped inside, it felt meant to be.”
It wasn’t glamorous at first. The building was gritty, but after a couple of months of renovation, they turned their space into a dream for dress lovers. The LIC location gave Faviana the space and flexibility they needed to expand their global reach while staying close to the city. It’s a logistics dream—easy access to highways, trucking routes, and international shipping hubs—perfect for a company that designs in New York and sells to retailers around the world.
The Industrial Business Zone is designed for businesses just like Faviana. The success of industrial businesses relies heavily on the ability to ship and receive goods without disruption. However, many parts of New York City are too congested and not designed to support industrial operations efficiently. These sections of NYC are more valuable than ever, and they not only benefit businesses, but also customers, ensuring timely delivery.
To further support Faviana, our Business Improvement District, the LIC BID, provides sidewalk sanitation, graffiti removal, trash cans, advocacy, neighborhood marketing, and more. Historically the neighborhood was occupied by businesses that did not rely on investors visiting, many employees, and a diverse set of neighboring businesses, but these new factors stemmed our expansion into this area.
As part of the LIC BID Board, Faviana takes their employee experience to heart. Creating a welcoming environment where people are greeted by a clean, cared-for neighborhood is the first step. Navid credits much of the company’s success to its people, having cultivated a workplace culture rooted in five core values: Bring Out the Best, Show Genuine Concern, Eliminate Drama, Embrace Evolution, and Inspire Elegance. Unlike the rest of the fast-paced fashion world, these core values are a huge part of most of their employees staying with the company for 10+ years.
These values inform not just the dresses they design, but how they work together as a team. It’s a business built on both beauty and intention.
If you want a preview of what’s next, don’t miss their Spring 2026 collection, which captures the spirit of where Faviana has been—and where they’re going next.
Faviana’s story is a powerful reminder that the Industrial Business Zone is more than meets the eye. Behind these unassuming facades are companies fueling the city’s economy, culture, and creativity. The LIC IBZ proves that thoughtful urban planning can support both industry and innovation—keeping essential businesses rooted in New York while helping them grow.
