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Events
The CFI puts on many events through-out the year. From fashion shows, to meet and greets and pop up stores we have all kinds of events. We regularly update our events page so take a look and come join us at our next event!
In the News
The Chicago Fashion Incubator and it's designers are frequently featured in the news and other publications. Check out the articles by visiting our In the News page.
Apply to CFI
If your interested in becoming one of the lucky designers chosen to be part of the Chicago Fashion Incubator apply now! There are only six spots available each year so don't wait until the last minute!
About CFI
Want to know more about CFI? Visit the about us page to find out all about the space, the programs, the curriculum and more!
2009 Designers in Residence
Jess Audey, Audey Dresses
Focusing on fit and timeless silhouettes, Audey is committed to the classic tradition of cocktail dresses with an innovative touch. Heavily influenced by tactile upholstery fabrics and custom orders, Audey strives to combine the perfect fabric and design for each of her garments. The result is dresses that are at once whimsical and romantic while maintaining the highest level of quality.
audey.com
Anna Hovet, Anna Hovet
With a passion to add beautiful and interesting things to the world, Anna Hovet was born and raised in Grand Forks, North Dakota She moved to Chicago in 2003 to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she studied design, patternmaking, illustration, and fine art, and earned her BFA. Her designs can be seen on actress/singer Jennifer Hudson and have been featured in several publications including Lucky Magazine and the Chicago Tribune.
annahovet.com
Catherine Furio, Furio Apparel
Catherine received her bachelor's degree in apparel design from the preeminent art and design college, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). There she was guided by a faculty of outstanding artists and designers. Challenged to harness her ingenuity with creativity to meet a set of very specific design criteria and constraints, Furio portrayed a willingness to go beyond the traditional methods to approach problems creatively and conceptually.
furioapparel.com
Cynthia Ryba, Ryba
Wanting to distinguish herself from the masses at an early age, Ryba began sewing and creating clothes at the age of 16. From there she received a degree in Fashion Design and gained vital industry experience as an International Accessories Buyer for Claire's Accessories Japan as well as assisting buyers at Nordstrom. In addition, she is a Fashion Group International Award winner as well as a Richard Driehaus Fashion Award paticipant and winner.
cynthiaryba.com
Nora del Busto
Nora enrolled at the International Academy of Design and Technology in 2005. There Nora received numerous scholarships and awards In addition, as the winner of 2008 Latino Fashion Week's Student Competition, Nora showed her collection at the Latino Fashion Week "El Fin" fashion show.
noradelbusto.com
Ashley Zygmunt, ZAMRIE
Ashley studied fashion at Purdue University in the Apparel Design and Technology program. She spent a summer studying fashion in Florence, and then went on to study abroad at Hong Kong's Polytechnic University. Next was an internship with one of New York's most prominent fashion designers, Zac Posen. She graduated in May 2008 and continued to work in high fashion with Peter Som, and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for two consecutive years.Then, she decided to freelance for Li and Fung USA in the Oxford collections division of the company.
zamrie.com