Indiana, home to Stephen Sprouse, Bill Blass, and Norman Norell, is continuing to move fashion’s needle forward through the work of the Indiana Fashion Foundation (IFF), which connects Indiana-based fashion professionals and organizations to resources that will aid in enhancing productivity and maximizing social and economic impact. In advance of Indiana Fashion Week 2022, set for held July 25th-30th, we spoke with IFF’s Executive Director Denisha Ferguson about the work being done in Indiana through IFF’s mission to connect the world of fashion, strengthen the industry, and secure its future. The Indiana Fashion Foundation is a CFDA Connects Associate and a founding participant.
The Indiana Fashion Foundation is one of the newer regional fashion organizations. Tell us why you felt the need to “bridge the gap between fashion-focused initiatives and economic power.”
Fashion-related ideas, programs and clothing have shown to be impactful to economic development, whether it’s wearable technology, sustainable textiles, or even youth activities centered around being an entrepreneur in fashion. It’s important for states to have divisions that research, establish, and then support the talent and professionals in that region to foster innovation, commerce, and community. Which was why it was important to establish Indiana Fashion Foundation to be that bridge, but I like to think of it as multiple bridges to various industries with fashion being the focus.
As with most regional fashion organizations, your fashion week is your flagship program. What is special about Indiana Fashion Week and how do you see your event making an impact in your community and the industry?
Every so often, I see an article or post on whether fashion weeks are dead or even frivolous. Well, in Indiana, it’s not. Indiana Fashion Week is more than a fashion show. It’s a solution-driven platform for access, diversity and inclusion, youth development and entrepreneurship. Our programs combine a generational approach, whether it is seniors teaching youth how to sew, or retired executives sharing business knowledge with start-ups. Supporting the fashion industry in Indiana is a great way for the industry at large to connect with customers, resources, and talent.
Do you have a success story that you are most proud of as an industry leader?
Yes, over the last three years, more than 200 fashion industry professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs have come alongside (IFF President) Michael Weston and I to volunteer their services to participate and/or build the components of Indiana Fashion Week. We have literally been able to do this with community support. The level of quality in what we’ve been able to accomplish is astounding. I look forward to a fully-funded platform that will allow us to create more impact. It’s amazing what we’ve been able to do. The idea has been vetted and proven; now we continue to share the platform through platforms like the CFDA Connects program to notify others of the opportunities to connect in Indiana.
Indiana Fashion Week 2022 is coming up soon. What should the community and the industry be excited about with your event?
What’s special about Indiana Fashion Week is how each day represents a different yearly program. The first two days are all about the youth. They will be designing their looks to showcase at the finale runway show. They also receive insight into developing and marketing a product. The week is full of activities that bring beauty and the spirit of community to various areas of downtown Indianapolis and then we end with runway shows that feature Beth Bennett, Wazeil & UaZit, Micah Horne, Peggy Latta, Andrea Campbell, and Tendai Phillips.
What is your vision for the future of fashion in Indiana?
My vision is that through fashion, there will be an increase in jobs and manufacturing opportunities in Indiana. One initiative we partner on is Stitchworks, which offers small batch manufacturing. Known designers like Bill Blass, Stephen Sprouse, and Norman Norell all lived in Indiana. I see more brands being established here because they have the support and resources to create thriving businesses, which then creates a rippling effect of opportunities for others. I also see a research division where the talent designs products that aid in solutions for other industries, from textiles to apps and smart clothing. Indiana will be on the map for manufacturing, research, and talent.
CFDA Connects exists as an innovative way to further amplify fashion across America. How has being part of this program helped your organization?
Indiana Fashion Foundations mission includes bridging the gap and providing access and by being part of the CFDA Connects program, it helps us continue to connect multiple pathways to create opportunities for the talent and professionals in Indiana. I’ve especially enjoyed meeting and learning about the various regional markets. The work that CFDA is doing is needed to bring awareness to the regional markets – where often talent goes unnoticed – and CFDA is paving the way to advance the American fashion industry, by providing resources to regional markets. I’m looking forward to year two of CFDA Connects and how we can continue to work together on a common mission.
Visit https://indianafashionweek.com/schedule/ to learn more.
