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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!
2010 Designers in Residence
Christina Fan, C/Fan
After graduating from Northwestern, Chicago based designer Christina Fan decided to throw her law school aspirations to the wind and follow her love for fashion. C/Fan is the marriage of menswear inspired details, such as pocket squares, and feminine silhouettes, which creates a line that is extremely versatile, high quality, and still affordable.
cfan-designs.com
Donaldo Smith, Killian Gui
Starting off by designing special occasion items for friends, he set out to build a brand that was worthy of gracing the pages of the magazines he envied so much, and that's how Killian Gui was born. Killian Gui is a contemporary Menswear brand that masters the blend of elegant business attire with modern casual wear.
killiangui.com
Jonnie Rettele, Nonnie Threads
After graduating from the Illinois Institute of Art in 2005, her hard work and planning helped realize her dream of launching her own line in 2009, when she left her job to complete the first season of "Nonnie". Her clothing is a result of early-mid 1900's inspiration, merged with a modern semblance. She is motivated by men's desire for functionality, fit, and ambition for modernity.
nonniethreads.com
Leah Fagan, Alidade
Her love of the outdoors laid the foundation for Leah's new clothing line PELOTON, a women's sportswear company characterized by a fine tuned balance of style and performance. PELOTON features Leah's trademark look; well-crafted separates, innovative details that are casual, yet polished, and, most importantly, a fabulously comfortable fit.
wearpeloton.com
Miriam Cecilia Carlson, Miriam Cecilia
The journey of m.c.c. began when Miriam Cecilia Carlson sketched ball gowns for her paper dolls at the age of three with her mother teaching her how to sew during her adolescent summers. Miriam also spent the summer of 2007studying abroad in Paris. While in Paris, Miriam was then able to discover her own signature ways to drape and manipulate fabric.
miriamceciliacarlson.com
Stephanie Kuhr, Dotties Delights
Stephanie studied at both The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, as well as The School of the Art Institute of Chicago for her degree. Since graduation she has been quietly building a line of vintage-inspired lingerie and foundation wear, under the name Dottie's Delights (a reference to her grandmother), realizing there was a growing need for sophisticated underthings that could shape the body naturally into a more flattering silhouette.
dotties-delights.com