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Chicago Fashion Incubator

Lara Miller
The fashion scene in Chicago is exploding with excitement and with young, hot energy. Five years ago, Mayor Richard M. Daley saw the need to better showcase and hone the talents of Chicago designers and began formulating the Chicago Fashion Incubator. Located on the 11th floor of Macy's on State Street, six fashion designers per year share the resources in a well equipped workroom that puts Project Runway to shame, while learning to grow their talents and business acumen through mentoring and curriculum.  These up-and-coming designers show off their talents throughout the year at local events and fashion shows, thus solidifying their base while networking in the community.


Fashion Focus Chicago, a celebration of the city's thriving fashion industry, returns for a sixth year in 2010.  From Monday, October 18 through Sunday, October 24, Fashion Focus Chicago 2010 showcases some of the city's top designers and upcoming design talent.  Enjoy runway shows, industry seminars and exclusive shopping events in Millennium Park and venues throughout the city. Several major events, many of which are free to the public, will be conducted throughout the city, including a fashion runway show in Millennium Park: Macy’s presents the Chicago Fashion Incubator Designers Past & Present with CS Magazine, Tuesday, October 19, 7:30 pm.


D.I.R.s with Tommy Hilfiger





Apply now
to be a
Designer in Residence
at the Chicago Fashion Incubator. This year long program provides six designers with resources, workspace including machines and computers, curriculum and mentoring to grow their fashion design business while establishing networks in the community and showcasing their talents in special events and fashion shows. This experience will prepare you to launch your own company should you be accepted. Apply now for the 2011-2012 program.


Nora Del Busto
Apply now to be an Associate Designer at the Chicago Fashion Incubator. This newer program was created to help 12 designers with quarterly workshops and roundtables, while providing access to the CFI workspace on an appointment basis. Associate Designers are encouraged to continue their learning and growth in the industry by becoming Designers in Residence, so this program is a great way for you to get your foot in the door of Chicago's elite fashion inner circle.


Lidia Wachowska, Evil Kitty

Chicago's First Fashion's Night Out was an exciting opportunity to mix and mingle with Chicago Designers while shopping Macy's Designers of Chicago Collections including the Chicago Fashion Incubator 2010 Designers in Residence. Guests enjoyed sips, sweets, and tunes as the models showed the season's hottest looks. Held on September 10 at Macy's on State Street, this event is a "do not miss" for those on the cutting edge who appreciate the newest fashions from the most current designers. "Chicago is a city that understands and cultivates fashion.  The inclusion of Chicago in such an important and global event showcases just how committed we are to being a major fashion destination" - Mayor Richard M. Daley. 

Chicago Fashion Incubator workspace at Macy's on State Street.
Follow CFI on their Blog, Twitter and  Facebook to stay up to date with the latest fashion events in Chicago.

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