Calling All (Hopeful) Philly Fashion Designers!
The Philadelphia Fashion Incubator has arrived!
In case you’re like, “huh?” as I was, the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator (PFI) is a year-long residency program for Philly folks who dream of someday joining the ranks of Jacobs and McQueen.
Here’s the gist: four talented emerging designers, who will be known as Designers-In-Residence (DIR), will be picked to take part in an opportunity that will help launch their fashion business here in Philly.
During their residency, the DIR’s will get a chance to learn everything they need to know about starting their own line. There will be mentoring from professionals in the fashion industry, monthly workshops, and a chance to participate in pop-up shops and trunk shows. There’s also an opportunity for the residents to show off their creations for the Philadelphia Collection. DIR’s are also going to gain some knowledge on the practical side of the biz, such as business plan creation, copyright protection and budgeting.
And here’s my favorite part: residents will have access to a production room, an office space, and a showroom/conference area located in Macy’s Center City – a location that Nutter said at the press conference, “will encourage young entrepreneurs.”
Here’s a peek at the diggs:
(All pics taken with my iPhone, so they aren’t that great. But you get the idea)
Think Project Runway–except without Tim and Heidi. The application deadline is January 20th, and the residency will begin on March 1, 2012. You can apply here.
Good luck to all the applicants! I think Philadelphia is onto something.
-Zenovia Campbell