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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!
Apply the Chicago Fashion Incubator
Designer in Residence Application 2012-2013
The Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy's on State Street (CFI) is designed to provide six (6) emerging Chicago-based designers with the resources - including work space, curriculum, and mentoring - to launch their careers in fashion.
The year-long residency, beginning March of 2012, provides six designers with office space, a workshop room with sample production space, as well as a shared conference room/showroom space. In addition to the space, DIR also have opportunities for exposure and participation in events. From runway shows, to meet and greets and sales opportunities CFI offers a variety of fashion events for DIR to participate in. Beyond the exposure, DIR receive mentoring from industry and business professionals along with a tailored curriculum offered by community leaders, industry experts and fashion insiders. Sharing the floor with Macy’s Chicago-based merchant team also provides the unique opportunity for the designers to receive feedback at an annual Macy’s staff open house and through additional events. A mandatory core curriculum of workshops and seminars focusing on business development helps the designers further their careers in fashion. There is no cost for CFI professional development, however DIR are expected to pay $250.00 a month fee to cover operating expenses.
Download the application and begin the process of applying to CFI. Please read the directions carefully and follow each step to ensure your application goes through. Good Luck!
Click here to download the 2012-2013 CFI Application.