TYPICAL APPLICANTS ARE:
· Start-up or mid-career fashion designers interested in developing new apparel categories
· Established fashion businesses exploring new business channels
2023 virtual DESIGNERS-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM INCLUDES:
· 4 hours/month of one-on-one meetings with Business, Production, Design, and Marketing mentors
· Remote Access to Adobe Creative Cloud account
· Bi-weekly one-on-one meeting with the Director of Programming
· Free admission to all educational CFI workshops and guest speakers
· Introductions to retailers, manufacturers, and production specialists
· Participation in CFI Designer Events
NEW 2023 HYBRID DESIGNER-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM INCLUDES EVERYTHING IN VIRTUAL PLUS:
In-Person attendance to workshops and guest speakers
Participation in CFI Designer Events, i.e. pop-up shops, runway shows, etc.
Access to the Richard H. Driehaus Entrepreneurial Center and shared computer/printer when Director or Office Manager is present
Field trips to retailers, manufacturers, and production specialistsAccess to CFI production studio including cutting tables, sewing machines, irons, storage, and dress forms as well as shared office space
2023 in-person DESIGNERS-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM INCLUDES:
· Access to CFI production studio including cutting tables, sewing machines, irons, storage, and dress forms as well as shared office space
· Access to Mac computers with Microsoft Office Suite, scanner/printer, and Adobe Creative Cloud
· 4 hours/month of one-on-one meetings with mentors
· Bi-weekly one-on-one meeting with the Director of Programming
· Opportunity to participate in industry-related trips to locations such as NYC or LA
· Field trips to retailers, manufacturers, and production specialists
· Community of production resources, sewers, pattern makers
· Free admission to all educational workshops and guest speakers
· Access to the Richard H. Driehaus Entrepreneurial Center
· Participation in CFI Designer Events, i.e. pop-up shops, runway shows, etc.
PROGRAM FEE and length
The 2022 virtual Designer-in-Residence program is $250/month for virtual, $325 for hybrid, and $400/month in-person. Designers-in-Residence may participate in the program for a 6 or 12 month period. Extended residencies may be be permitted on a case by case basis.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants seeking consideration for entry to the DIR program at the Chicago Fashion Incubator must submit a FULLY COMPLETED application along with supporting materials as detailed in this online survey, pay a non-refundable $50.00 application fee, and meet all of the following criteria:
· Be 21 years of age or older
· Be a U.S. citizen or able to work in the United States (documentation required)
· Hold a Bachelor's degree in a fashion or fashion-related field is strongly preferred
· Have an established fashion business for at least one year (financial documentation required) *Please note: neither current fashion design students nor wholesalers are eligible.
· Submit the CFI application and fee by deadline
· Ability to fund the business. CFI does not provide funding.
· Primary product is apparel or soft accessories, but we will consider accepting designers whose primary product is jewelry, shoes, or handbags in select cases.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
1. Fill out all applicable questions in this electronic application and submit by the deadline
2. Submit $50 application fee and any requested supplemental materials
3. Receive an invite to interview for the Designer-in-Residence program with the Selection Committee
4. Present your application and apparel samples + portfolio to the Selection Committee
EVALUATION CRITERIA
The Chicago Fashion Incubator assembles a Selection Committee comprised of its Board of Directors, staff, former Designers-in-Residence (DIR,) and industry professionals to review applications and select the DIR. Applicants are evaluated on the following:
A depth of knowledge, clarity of vision and direction of products and collection, and strength of business concept
Professional preparedness including the time and financial resources available to be committed to developing your collection and launching your business
Demonstrates the ability to fund product development, sample production, and business overhead, including the monthly programming fee
Personal readiness to fully engage in a collaborative work and learning environment, requiring individual initiative and motivation
High level of emotional maturity to accept and utilize critical and constructive feedback
An interpersonal skill set that will allow for mutual respect and cooperation with cohorts, mentors, and CFI team
Fiscal responsibility with an ability to manage every aspect of operating a business
Ability to follow rules as outlined by our operations agreement with Macy’s on State Street
*Previous Designers-in-Residence were prepared for a minimum budget of $5000 per collection, per season
