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Sponsors
The Chicago Fashion Incubator has many sponsors who support the CFI and the designers with either In Kind or Monetary donations.
CFI Curriculum
From brand development to trademark and copyright the Designers in Residence have many topics that are addressed through-out the year. Take a look at the curriculum to see more of what the designers learn at CFI.
Resources
In the city of Chicago the designers have many resources at their fingertips. Check out the Community Partners and Designer Buyer Match-Up Participants that make up the CFI resources.
Apply to CFI
If you are 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 the Chicago Fashion Incubator
Planning for the Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) at Macy's on State Street began in 2005 with Mayor Richard M. Daley identifying the need for a fashion incubator in the city. In 2006 and in 2007 research was conducted by the city and fashion leaders alongside a senior-level collegiate team to create the current Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI). In 2008 the CFI opened with six new emerging Designers in Residence (DIR). Now in 2010, the Associate Designer (AD) program is formed and plans for future growth are identified.
About the Space
The designers have 2,375 square feet of space on the 11th floor of Macy's on State Street. It is filled with two 30ft. cutting tables, 17 sewing machines, seven computers and office equipment. The space also features a showroom/conference room and three smaller office spaces.
Designers In Residence (DIR)
This Chicago Fashion Incubator is a home to a year long program that provides six designers with the resources, workspace, showroom, curriculum, and mentoring to grow their business while establishing networks in the community. The designer's also have the opportunity to showcase their lines at local events and fashion shows. Along with all of this the designers get a chance to learn the business of fashion to ensure they can successfully launch their own company.
Associate Designers (AD)
The Associate Designer Program is a year long program for 12 designers that encourages them to become a DIR the following year. It includes quarterly workshops, roundtables, and access to the workspace on an appointment basis. This allows for possible DIR applicants to get a foot in the door, share resources, and connect with other local designers and organizations.
Want to apply to CFI? Go to our Apply page and read the requirements and instructions and download the application right from the site.