Chicago Fashion Incubator Welcomes New Designers

CITY OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES SIX NEW DESIGNERS IN RESIDENCE AND CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL INAUGURAL YEAR FOR THE CHICAGO FASHION INCUBATOR AT MACY’S ON STATE STREET

Six designers have been chosen for the second year of The Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) at Macy’s on State Street. The designers will be given the opportunity to learn the economics, marketing and merchandising of fashion from industry experts as well as mentors from Macy’s and the broader fashion community.

Designers from the program’s inaugural year are enjoying great success through their experience at the CFI including partnerships with Toyota – Japan, showing their collections on the runway as part of Fashion Focus Chicago 2008, and gaining a clear vision of what they want to be as designers.

“The first class of designers in residence at the Chicago Fashion Incubator made significant strides in developing their talent and sharpening their business and marketing skills,” said Mayor Richard M. Daley. “By partnering with a major retailer like Macy’s, we’re providing local designers with the foundation and knowledge they need to thrive in the fashion industry.”

“The success of the inaugural designers has been a testament to the structure of the program,” said Ralph Hughes, Vice President of Corporate Communications of Macy’s. “When given the curriculum and opportunities, young designers are put in a position to thrive at a crucial stage in their careers.”

2009 Designers in Residence

Cynthia Ryba – Ryba molds and shapes fabric in an organic fashion, with fluid silhouettes that transcend the fleeting, temporal trends of the day.

Jess Audey – AUDEY (www.audey.com) is committed to the classic tradition of cocktail dresses with an innovative touch.

Ashley Zygmunt – Ashley’s new line, Zamrie, provides the customer with a closet full of confidence by creating ready-to-wear that combines a well-tailored fit that graces a women’s body and the allure of detailing.

Catherine Furio – Furio returns to Chicago to elevate the fashion industry with innovative designs.

Alonzo Jackson – Fashion Geek clothing is best recognized by the Duck Mascot and has been worn by award winning music stars such as Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Jermaine Dupree.

Nora Del Busto – Del Busto’s inspiration is architecture, which shows through her manipulation of plain fabrics into structured one-of-a-kind pieces.

About the Chicago Fashion Incubator

The Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) at Macy’s on State Street provides six (6) emerging Chicago-based designers with the resources, including workspace, curriculum and mentoring, to launch their careers in fashion. The Designers in Residence (DIR) are provided office space, including computers and software; a workshop room with sample production space and a resource section; as well as a showroom. DIR are required to complete a core curriculum of workshops and seminars conducted at the Incubator location at Macy’s on State Street for the duration of a one-year period starting in March 2009. CFI is part of the Mayor’s Fashion Initiative, which supports and promotes fashion designers living and working in Chicago through events, seminars, and city programs.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Brooke Vane at 312.742.4983 or brooke.vane@cityofchicago.org