2023
Chicago Fashion Incubator
Student summer intensive
About The Chicago Fashion Incubator
The Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy's on State Street (CFI) is a recognized 501(c)3 not-for-profit established in August 2008. Its mission is to provide Chicago-based designers with the resources, business acumen and mentoring to launch and/or scale their careers in the fashion industry.
The scope of services include the Designer-in-Residency program; public seminars, workshops, panels and labs; informational tours; partnerships with other educational organizations; and the Richard H. Driehaus Entrepreneurial Center, a business resource center with state-of-the-art technology, available to the Designers-in-Residence (DIR) as well as open to the public by appointment.
About the Student Summer Intensive Program
For the first time in it’s 15 year history, the CFI is opening up it’s doors to Chicago’s fashion students. The Summer Intensive at the Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy’s on State Street is a professional development program designed to give current college fashion students tools to secure internships and entry level jobs in the fashion industry.
Eight high potential fashion students will be selected through an application process. CFI will provide them with the tools they need to break into the fashion industry. Through a comprehensive curriculum aimed at providing students with industry-standard practices, the CFI Summer Intensive program gives students valuable insight into the fashion industry through the lens of working professionals.
2023 Application
Important Dates
March 21, 2023, 4:30pm - Informational Session: RSVP
May 1, 2023 - Application deadline extended!
May 15, 2023 - Program begins
Questions? Email us: application@chicagofashionincubator.org
The 2023 Student Summer intensive Program includes:
Application skills review: Resume, Cover letter, Linkedin profiles, Mock interviews, Portfolio review
Industry skills review: Techpacks, Sourcing, Specs, Computer skills (Excel, Photoshop, Illustrator), Production processes, Graphics
One-on-one mentoring from Chicago Fashion Incubator mentors
Access to Mac computers with Microsoft Office Suite, scanner/printer, and Adobe Creative Cloud
Access to the Richard H. Driehaus Entrepreneurial Center
Fees
There is no fee to apply. The 2023 program fee is $500. This fee is nonrefundable and due by May 2.
schedule
The one week intensive will run May 15-19, 2023 10:00am - 4:00pm at the Chicago Fashion Incubator in Macy’s on State Street (111 N. State St., Chicago IL 60602).
Eligibility
Applicants seeking consideration for entry to the Student Summer Intensive program at the Chicago Fashion Incubator must submit a FULLY COMPLETED application along with supporting materials as detailed in this online survey and meet all of the following criteria:
Be 18 years of age or older
Be currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree in a fashion or a fashion-related field OR has graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in a fashion or a fashion-related field within the last 6 months.
Submit the CFI application by deadline