About

 

The CFDA {FASHION INCUBATOR} is a business development program designed to support the next generation of fashion designers in New York City. The mission is to help grow and sustain the business of the 10 participating brands over the course of the next two years. The CFDA {FASHION INCUBATOR} will provide a creative professional environment to foster promising fashion talent, and help selected designers grow and sustain their business. By offering low-cost design studio space, business mentoring, educational seminars, and networking opportunities the program provides a way for participants to reach their full potential and become an integral part of the New York Fashion community.

2012-2014 Designers

Eligibility

Incubator Applicants Must

  • Be a designer of demonstrable talent, i.e. have garnered substantial editorial coverage, and have support (orders) from top retailers;
  • Be American or have established a primary design business in the United States;
  • Be in business for a minimum of 2 years;
  • Be able to occupy CFDA {FASHION INCUBATOR} design studio space by May 1, 2014 ; relocation expenses, if applicable, will be the responsibility of the tenant;

Application Materials

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASKED TO PROVIDE MATERIALS AND INFORMATION BELOW:

A complete written application that will be provided by the CFDA. Written application will ask for information including but not limited to:

  • Biographical statement, including a summary of the applicant’s design career;
  • Outline of existing business, including;
  • Current organizational structure (employees/functions filled
  • Sales reports for the past four(4) seasons
  • List of consultants, outside advisors and professional firms
  • Current brand positioning, and where they envision their brand in the future
  • Short-term and long-term business goals and objectives
  • Financial structure and level of investment
  • Financial statements for the past two years (Profit & Loss, Income Statement, Cash Flow)

Candidates will be asked to submit a portfolio presentation containing work from their Spring and Fall collections, which included look books, sketches, editorial photos, other press, etc.

 

Candidates will also submit two (2) letters of recommendation from editors, retailers and other fashion industry professionals with whom they share a close, working relationship.

The application for the 2014-2016 Fashion Incubator program will become available on April 1, 2013. The deadline to submit a completed application is June 5, 2013.

TO REQUEST AN APPLICATION FOR THE 2014-2016 PROGRAM

CONTACT JOHANNA STOUT - J.STOUT@CFDA.COM / (212) 768-5712

Program Partners

  • W Hotels Worldwide

Program Sponsors

  • Target: Lead Underwriter
  • New York City Economic Development Corporation
  • Newmark Knight Frank