The CFDA {FASHION INCUBATOR} is the newest CFDA 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 12 participating tenants 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:
ARI DEIN
Arielle Shapiro is the owner and creative force behind ARI DEIN, based in Manhattan. A 2007 graduate of Dickinson College, Ari received her bachelor’s degree in Fine Art and Art History.But it was the time she spent abroad in Florence at the renowned Istituto di Polimoda studying fashion design where her innate passion for intimate apparel was revealed.
Inspired by boutique hotel living and art deco style, Arielle’s (Ari’s) architectural details and exceptional tailoring contribute to a line that is unique, nostalgic and versatile. A chemise can be worn effortlessly for sleep or paired with jeans for a sultry night out. Ari blends her past design experience within luxury brands and her fine art back- ground with hand-selected materials and exquisite craftsmanship, making her work truly unique to the modern lingerie market. Dedicated to an Old New York forgotten era, Ari’s collection speaks to a time when custom lingerie was made to order and with great care. Most notably, Arielle dressed Leighton Meester on the set of Gossip Girl twice this past season, and was commissioned to design a custom lingerie ensemble for an upcoming feature film to be worn on a leading character.
BURKMAN BROS
Burkman Bros is the creative partnership of brothers and designers Doug and Ben Burkman. Their masculine, rugged sensibility is applied to classic American menswear.
Launched in Spring 2009, Burkman Bros is designed and operated in New York City. Originally from Canada, Doug and Ben have made their own clothing from an early age. They honed their design skills and learned about fabrics and sourcing unique materials when they both worked at Gap Inc. in the men’s design team. The tailored fit on casual menswear staples such as shirting, chinos, and outerwear as well as bespoke prints engineered on looms in India have become signatures for the brand. Their love of travel also bears a strong influence in the collection from season to season, incorporating prints and fabric treatments from exotic countries around the world. Embracing the philosophy, “If I wouldn’t wear it, I wouldn’t make it”, their approach has gained them support from such retailers as Barneys New York, who exclusively sold the debut collection, Bergdorf Goodman and Odin in New York, Liberty in London, and United Arrows in Japan.
In February 2010, Burkman Bros were nominated for the GQ/CFDA Best New Menswear Designer in America award. For Spring 2011, Burkman Bros collaborated with jewelry designer Miansai on a range of ethnic inspired bracelets to complement the East meets West influence. Fusing a casual American sensibility with a well-traveled point of view, Burkman Bros deftly updates classic menswear essentials to emphasize comfort and ease.
CHRISTIAN COTA
Born and raised in Mexico City, Christian Cota attributes his passion for fashion design to his first muses and major style influences, his mother and late grandmother. To him, “Their manner of dress and their poise was always an education in elegance. They define the word.” As a young adult, Christian moved to Paris to study painting, a lifelong interest. It was during his experiences of art and culture in the European capital city that ultimately led to a realization and desire to embark on a path towards a career in fashion. He enrolled in the BFA Program at Parsons The New School for Design and graduated in 2005 with a degree in Fashion Design. Christian then started work as a design assistant at Angel Sanchez, gaining invaluable experience working alongside the designer on his bridal and evening collections before the founding of his eponymous womenswear company, CHRISTIAN COTA in February 2007. His first collection, Spring 2008, incorporated Christian’s early concepts: the simplistic grace of nature and blending organic forms with clean shapes. He continues to remain true to this design philosophy in each of his subsequent collections. Christian Cota’s initial collection spurred Style.com to name him one of their “Ten Newcomers to Watch” and in January of 2009, Christian received Fashion Group International’s Women’s Ready to Wear Rising Star Award. In July of 2010, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue nominated Christian Cota a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalist. He In 2011 Cota was inducted as a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
DANIEL VOSOVIC
In the short while that Daniel Vosovic has been on the fashion main stage, he already has endeavored a variety of opportunities that often take years to accomplish. Today, Daniel’s focus is heading his own eponymous New York-based label, launched in February 2010 his modern, edgy designs are coveted by cool girl around the world; yet his journey thus far is peppered with exciting experiences that have stretched and shaped Daniel into the refined and thoughtful designer for which he is celebrated. Known in the popular culture realm for his stint on the second season of Project Runway, Daniel’s sophisticated taste and affable personality continue to be trademarks of this emerging designer’s growing brand. Focusing on modern silhouettes and utilizing original photographic digital prints and intriguing hand embroideries as staples of each collection, season after season, Daniel continues to offer up a unique perspective with his deceptively simple designs.
EMANUELA DUCA
Emanuela Duca, a jewelry artist based in Manhattan, was born in Rome, Italy. While pursuing her degree from the School of Art in Rome and the European Institute of Design, Ms. Duca was involved in dance, painting, and sculpture. But it was in jewelry design that she finally found the medium she had been searching for: the marriage of movement and sculpture. Ms. Duca’s earth-bound, highly textured surfaces are evocative of volcanic ash and the ancient ruins of her native Rome. But their shape and combination, true to her New York sensibility, are clean, simple and minimal. Sculpted in wax, then forged and constructed in sterling silver, the individual forms are shaped and manipulated through various techniques mastered by the artist through many years of experimentation. It’s a very physical process, one that allows Ms. Duca to put an exclamation point on her unique design language as she creates the kind of primitive, highly sophisticated forms that are always revealing themselves in fresh, unexpected ways and for which she has become so well known.
Established in New York City since 2005, Emanuela has exhibited in numerous retail and wholesale shows throughout the country, including the Smithsonian, the Philadelphia Museum of Arts Craft Shows, and “LOOT!” exhibit at the Museum of Art and Design in New York. She was also the recipient of the 2009 American Craft Council Award of Excellence. Very recently, Ms. Duca has also been selected for the prestigious CFDA (The Council of Fashion Designers of America) “Incubator” program.
ISAORA
ISAORA is an advanced sportswear brand launched in 2009. Based in New York City, the company is founded on the belief that technology has the power to improve our lives and we should demand more from our clothes.
Through the use of advanced materials and construction, ISAORA seeks to add value and functionality to each garment. Founders, Marc and Ricky are constantly motivated by the idea of exceeding expectations and creating clothing that address the duality and demands of modern life. Integrated performance and a focus on finding the balance between simplicity and complexity are at the heart of the brand, where innovative design and technical edge interact creating clothes that look, feel and perform wherever your pleasure takes you.The ISAORA customer is a global citizen with a taste for adventure. Inspired by the beauty and power of nature, he is forward thinking, open minded and independent. Confident in his abilities and with a high level of cultural awareness, the ISAORA man plays by his own rules, isn’t afraid to dare or be unconventional and embraces modernity at its fullest.
ISAORA. Embrace the future.
http://www.isaora.com/Default.asp
NUMBER:LAB
When established architect Luis Fernandez and serial entrepreneur Greg Lawrance set out to fill a void in the men’s apparel market and their respective closets, the result was a meticulously engineered sportswear label with a clear message. What started out as a challenge to engineer the perfect T-shirt in 2005 became a lifestyle sportswear label that seamlessly melds TECH + TAILORED. The NUMBER:Lab collection came about in 2007 boasting a unique philosophy of what men’s clothing should be: versatile, sophisticated with impeccable fit.
Anchored by a defined aesthetic and vision, NUMBER:Lab offers a collection of essentials for the athletic side of the discerning man. “Our designs always have a sports-inspired sensibility, and have a certain architectural rigidity/structure.” says designer / Creative Director Luis Fernandez. “We do sports but with a more tailored and polished twist. It’s for the guy who wants performance in his sportswear, and wants to look polished and tailored. The influence of Luis’ training as an architect and fascination for numbers is apparent in the linear “form and function” of the collection. In less than three years, the brand’s mission has proven successful. National department stores such as Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue currently retail the collection.
REECE HUDSON
Reece Hudson is a New York based desiger handbag and belt collection founded in 2009 and designed by Reece Solomon. Aiming to bridge the gap between luxury products and street style, Reece Hudson combines strong design sensibilities with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. All Reece Hudson products are Made in Italy. Reece Hudson has been selected by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to participate in the second class of the CFDA Fashion Incubator program.
TIMO WEILAND
Born in rural Nebraska and raised between New York City and Jacksonville, Florida, Timo Weiland’s influences reach from the urban to the pastoral. Training from his mother at an early age in sewing coupled with an understanding of fabric, sparked Timo’s early interest in fashion. Timo always demonstrated an inclination towards the arts via ongoing sketching, painting, and photography. However, he majored in Economics, Spanish Literature, and Business Management and minored in Vocal Performance at Vanderbilt University before returning to New York to pursue a career in fashion and to ultimately launch his namesake brand.
Alan was born and raised in Great Neck, NY. Alan grew up immersed in music and art, and supported by a close relationship with his grandmother who is a successful interior designer in Manhattan. Alan’s enthusiasm for fashion was ignited during high school after first reading the New York Times Style Section. Alan continued to engage this early interest via his studies at FIT, exploring the commercial aspects of the industry via courses in Advertising and Marketing Communications.
After brief internships in the fashion industry, Timo and Alan met and quickly developed a compelling dialogue, which ultimately led to a design partnership. Their mutual interest in European history, travel and a flair for dapper dressing promoted an engaging creative exchange. The Timo Weiland collection reflects their personal aesthetic sensibilities and broader desire to spur a return to the art of dressing.
www.timoweiland.com
WHIT
Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Whitney graduated from The University of Texas in Austin with a degree in theatre, concentrating in costume design. Indulging her love of fashion with design internships in New York and a semester study abroad at the Sorbonne, she began incorporating her creative ideas with real world application
Whitney began her career working as a receptionist with aunt Kate Spade. Honing her skills at Parsons and the Fashion Institute of Technology, she matured formally as a designer and cultivated a signature eye for color, whimsy, vintage patterns and classic designs. Demonstrating her skill in playful designs for Kate Spade’s cold weather accessories, her responsibilities quickly grew to include an integral role as Junior Designer in the re-launch of Kate Spade apparel. While there, Whitney also oversaw Kate Spade’s creative collaboration with the avant-garde collective Three Asfour.
In 2007, Whitney became lead women’s wear designer at Steven Alan, where she expanded the mainly shirting line into a highly successful collection that now includes outerwear, knits and accessories. In addition to her design role she also spearheaded and designed women’s collaborations including Steven Alan for Uniqlo and Urban Outfitters’ brand Lark and Wolff. It was here that she incorporated her love of classic silhouettes and vintage patterns with an irreverent, tomboy, downtown aesthetic.
Whitney launched her debut line WHIT in Fall 2010. Specializing in beautifully crafted classics with a touch of fancy. Whitney focuses on carefully constructed investment pieces that celebrate color, individual style and a sense of humor. Designing for the customer who loves to mix and match, her clean lines and shapes incorporate vintage patterns, playful details and an aesthetic that is at once strong, feminine and modern. Whitney currently lives in Brooklyn, New York, where she works with her three business partners, fiancée Parker Argote, Zach Cooper and Zonda Sochorow, out of her Manhattan studio. WHIT is currently sold at Steven Alan, Saks.com and Bird, among others. She has appeared in Women’s Wear Daily, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Lucky, The New York Post and more.
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 1.5 years;
- Have professional staff, paid and/or volunteer, which can devote the time and effort that are required to accomplish the stated aims of an applicant’s design career plans;
- Be able to occupy CFDA {FASHION INCUBATOR} design studio space ; relocation expenses, if applicable, will be the responsibility of the tenant;
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates were asked to provide specific information to support his/her application, including:
- A biographical statement, including a summary of the applicant’s design career;
- A business plan, including short-term and long-term business goals and objectives;
- Outline of existing business, including;
- Current organizational structure (employees/functions filled)
- Sales reports for the past three (3) seasons
- List of consultants, outside advisors and professional firms
- Current brand positioning, and where they envision their brand in the future
- Candidates were asked to submit a portfolio presentation containing work from their Spring and Fall collections, which included look books, sketches, editorial photos, ads, other press, etc.
- Candidates also submitted two (2) letters of recommendation from editors, retailers and other fashion industry professionals with whom they share a close, working relationship.
- Designers who advanced to the semi-finalist round of the selection process were asked to provide specific and comprehensive financial documentation to the landlord of the property, for final approval.
INDUSTRY SUPPORT:
SELECTION COMMITTEE (2010-2012)
Designers were chosen by members of a Selection Committee and an Advisory Board, comprised of fashion industry experts, including retailers, editors, and business leaders. The Selection Committee assisted in the initial development of the initiative; evaluated applications, based on fashion relevance; assisted in selection of CFDA {FASHION INCUBATOR} designers; will participate in bi-annual reviews.
- John Bartlett, JOHN BARTLETT
- Beth Buccini / Sarah Easley, KIRNA ZABETE
- Kevin Harter, BLOOMINGDALE’S
- Steven Kolb, CFDA
- Kate Lanphear, ELLE
- Kristina O’Neill, HARPER’S BAZAAR
- Roopal Patel, MODA OPERANDI
- Nicole Phelps, STYLE.COM
- Lisa Smilor, CFDA
- Peter Som, PETER SOM
SELECTION COMMITTEE (2012-2014)
- Beth Buccini & Sarah Easley, KIRNA ZABETE
- Joseph Ferrara, FERRARA MANUFACTURING
- Melissa Gellman Weiss, SHOPBOP
- Douglas Hand, HAND, BALDACHIN & AMBURGEY
- Kevin Harter, BLOOMINGDALES
- Kate Lanphear, ELLE
- Aslaug Magnusdottir, MODA OPERANDI
- Roopal Patel, MODA OPERANDI
- Nicole Phelps, STYLE.COM
- Shan Reddy, REDLINE CONSULTING
- Sally Singer, T: NEW YORK TIMES STYLE MAGAZINE
- Lisa Smilor, CFDA
- Gary Wassner, HILLDUN CORPORATION
- Cindy Weber Cleary, INSTYLE
ADVISORY BOARD
The Advisory Board evaluated applications based on a business model and plan, assisted in selection of CFDA {FASHION INCUBATOR} tenants; will participate in quarterly reviews of tenants; assist in strategic planning / sponsorship / funding and other responsibilities as needed.
- Marc Beckman, DESIGNERS MANAGEMENT AGENCY
- Joseph Ferrara, FERRARA MANUFACTURING
- Eric Gural, NEWMARK KNIGHT FRANK
- Douglas Hand, HAND, BALDACHIN & AMBURGEY, LLP
- Karen Harvey, KAREN HARVEY CONSULTING GROUP
- Steven Kolb, CFDA
- Trey Laird, LAIRD+PARTNERS
- Seo Hyun Lee, CHEIL INDUSTRIES
- Barbara Randall, FASHION CENTER B.I.D.
- Lisa Smilor, CFDA
- Steven Strauss, NYCEDC
- Gary Wassner, HILLDUN CORPORATION
- Shan Reddy, REDLINE CONSULTING
BUSINESS MENTORS
The twelve participating designers receive business mentoring by leading industry experts. Each designer(s) is assigned a Business Mentoring “team” comprised of leading experts in areas included but not limited to: accounting, finance, legal, manufacturing, marketing, retail, branding, licensing and operations. {CFI} Business Mentor teams meet with designer(s) approximately once a month, and speak/correspond as needed between meetings.
- John Bartlett, JOHN BARTLETT
- Marc Beckman, DESIGNERS MANAGEMENT AGENCY
- Joseph Ferrara, FERRARA MANUFACTURING
- Mary Gleason, JUDITH LEIBER
- Douglas Hand, HAND, BALDACHIN & AMBURGEY, LLP
- Karen Harvey, KAREN HARVEY CONSULTING GROUP
- Beth Buccini & Sarah Easley, KIRNA ZABETE
- Roopal Patel, NEIMAN MARCUS
- Trey Laird, LAIRD+PARTNERS
- David Rees & Ron Anderson, TENTHOUSANDTHINGS
- Gary Wassner, HILLDUN CORPORATION
- Nickelson Wooster, GILT GROUPE
PROGRAM SPONSORS
- Target: Lead Underwriter
- New York City Economic Development Corporation
- Newmark Knight Frank
SUPPLEMENTAL INDUSTRY SUPPORT
- dna Model Management
- New York University Stern School of Business
- School of Visual Arts
- Garment Industry Development Corporation (GIDC)
- Proskauer
- Soho House New York
- The Standard New York
- Rich Tong
- WGSN
CONTACT:
Johanna Stout
Manager: Fashion Incubator
J.Stout@CFDA.com or 212.768.5712
Lisa Smilor
Deputy Director: Programs and Operations
L.Smilor@CFDA.com
LOCATION:
CFDA {FASHION INCUBATOR}
209 W. 38th Street
New York, NY 10018
