Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy's

In March 2008, the child of Macy's and city of Chicago was born: the Chicago Fashion Incubator

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.

The Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) at Macy’s on State Street provides each of the six 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.

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.

Young, fresh and motivated, these six Designers In Residence are taking the Windy City by storm. Find out more about the Incubator and meet the masterminds behind Macy's newest collections:

Kristin Rosynek Hassan

Chicago Fashion Incubator's Future

Chicago Fashion Incubator Back Story:

Just like reality lends itself to the making of must-see TV, Chicago lends itself to the making of fantastic fashion. First, Mayor Daley is dedicated to promoting young, Chicago-based talent; second, Macy’s flagship store offers a huge lot for learning and tooling in the trade; finally, Chicago is home to a handful of incredible fashion schools.

According to Macy’s Media Relations Officer, Andrea Schwartz, the flagship store on State Street and the city have actually been promoting Chicago’s burgeoning fashion industry since 2005 with the first Fashion Focus Chicago event – highlighting aspiring and established designers.

Thus, the Incubator was a no-brainer. Thanks to Macy’s being a national department store operated locally, they have the resources to share equipment and experts with Chicago designers. “These are the ingredients to a great partnership,” Schwartz explains.

The partnership proves to be making amazing strides: “The designers benefit from hands-on workshops and one-on-one instruction provided by marketing and management faculty from Columbia College Chicago and International Academy of Design and Technology Chicago. All of the schools and members of the Chicago Fashion Incubator board have devoted unparalleled support and education for the incubator designers,” explains Melissa Gamble of Chicago’s office of Cultural Affairs.

Glenn Mallory:

Raised on the south side of Chicago with a bleeding heart for fashion, Glenn Mallory is living "the dream." His line, 6ace -- which is the slang term for 61st Street, where Mallory grew up -- is a line of casual, affordable, trend-focused outerwear for men and women.

And Mallory is very much like his collection: He too loves music, art and all things fashion, hence his reason for pursuing the line of work both in college, and later, for the Incubator project. "I never imagined that something so amazing as having my own line of clothing could happen. But the Macy's Incubator project has changed my life forever."

Given the space, equipment and education -- including, according to Mallory, wonderful seminars and sessions with pros in the business -- Mallory went from designing custom clothing, including prom dresses and suits, to creating and expanding 6ace. What can we expect from Mallory come fall? Jackets -- all shapes and designs, from blazers to bombers to military coats.

Visit glennmallory.com to see the latest designs.

Pictured above: Image courtesy of Glenn Mallory of 6ace

Agga Raya:

Fashion never looked so artistic, so creative, so inspired; thanks to Poland-bred designer, Agga Raya, who grew up in a household of clothing designers, women everywhere can delight in AGGA B.

Her collection offers classic silhouettes with a distinct element of art – something she is passionate about and understands well, kudos to her experience as a fashion stylist in Manhattan and Chicago.

This fall, patrons can expect nothing but “art you can wear” from the collection, which features Origami-inspired jackets, a monochromatic palette and feminine fabrics. “My designs come from inspiration around me. Everything from architecture to music, science and nature.”

See more of Agga's designs at aggab.com.

Pictured above: Image courtesy of Agga B.

Lidia Wachowska:

Although Lidia Wachowska always wanted to work in the creative arena, she never dreamed of starting – especially just one year after graduating from The School of Art Institute of Chicago. In fact, the idea for her line, Evil Kitty, came from a character she created using digital animation.

“This rebellious feline eventually ended up on t-shirts, which became the foundation for my clothing line,” Wachowska explains. Enter 2008, and t-shirts are no longer the main attraction; Evil Kitty offers dresses, jackets, skirts, hooded sweatshirts, minis, pants, shorts, tops, arm warmers, hot shorts – punky and playful, sleek and classy.

“I like to work with unusual textures and fabric combos. For fall, some garments are embellished with prints and appliqués,while others keep classic simple silhouettes.” And Wachowska, like every DIR, credits most of her success to the Incubator. “In addition to the space and equipment, the project helped put me in touch with individuals who work in the industry and who's advice is priceless.”

For more Evil Kitty information, check out evilkitty.net

Pictured above: Image courtesy of Evil Kitty

Kate Coxworth:

Although her original plan was to become a doctor, this DIR chose her passion -- fashion design – as a career path to pursue after spending time in NYC working for Ralph Lauren. But when Kate Coxworth heard about Mayor Daley’s fashion initiative, she saw the opportunity as a calling – a sign to move back to her hometown and start her own line, Kate Boggiano. (To clarify, the line is named in part after Kate, and in part after her grandmother, who’s last name was Boggiano.)

The collection, which spans a wide age range thanks to its classic style, focuses on high quality, great fitting shirts, tops and blouses. “I want to provide the best fitting shirts that are made in the USA and can be easily transitioned from work to evening and back to casual depending on how the customer wishes to style it,” explains Coxworth, who adds that Macy’s has been a fabulous support to her line’s success.

What we can expect from Kate Boggiano moving forward into fall 2008? “I hope to introduce shirt jackets and tunics. But don’t worry: you can also expect to see our signature classics as well as a few new twists.”

To read more about Coxworth and her beautiful collection, visit kateboggiano.com.

Pictured above: Image courtesy of Kate Boggiano

Yana German:

Born in Russia, where she also trained as a professional ballerina, Yana German began her fashion career styling costumes for other ballroom dancers. This “hobby” soon became a job, and German decided to take it to the next level by learning the trade.

She enrolled in fashion school in Italy, where she studied European techniques and design; she perfected her skills in tailoring and craftsmanship. And upon finishing school, German moved to Chicago and opened a boutique in the suburbs, in addition to representing a few European clothing lines. Then, in November of 2006, German started Yana Collection, which helped her secure a spot as a DIR for CFI.

“Yana Collection is a line of business casual clothing with a feminine flair,” says German. Her expertly tailored pieces are wrinkle-free, which is perfect for women on the go. And this fall, German will offer splashes of merlot and slate into her mostly-black collection.

Visit yanacollection.com to see more fabulous styles.

Pictured above: Image courtesy of Yana German at Yana Collection

Kristin Rosynek Hassan:

A Chicago native who will always call the Windy City home, Kristin Hassan created organiK Revolution clothing with a passion: to make the world a greener place. “With the Earth’s natural balance in jeopardy,organiK Revolution's mission is to prove that it is possible to produce a clothing line without detrimental effects to the Earth's soil, water, inhabitants, and climate, with out ever compromising style or comfort,” Hassan explains.

The collection as a whole takes on this powerful meaning and translates it into fashionable and comfortable apparel for the modern woman, 25+. Contemporary silhouettes and colors encourage layering as well as day to night options. The clothing is fashionable, functional, and good for you too (and, because it's so comfortable and easy to wear, it will always remain in style).

For fall, Hassan brings us the soy jersey grouping - 10 easy basics (jersey dresses, leggings, t shirts, and wraps) and the hemp silk grouping (a skinny pant, vest, dress and jacket).

To learn more, visit organiKRrevolution.com

Pictured above: Image courtesy of Kristin Rosynek Hassan of organikrevolution

Chicago Fashion Incubator's Future:

"As with any new organization, we look forward to adding new programs and resources to the Incubator in the future that will benefit not only the designers-in-residence, but also the Chicago fashion community as a whole," Gamble said.

The Incubator relies 100% on donations and grants for funding; the city feels fortunate to have such dedicated partners and sponsors such as Macy's, Fleishman Hillard, Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, Pepper Construction, who made this project a reality.

"We will continue to grow our public-private partnerships to expand the Incubator to include public seminars and a resource center that provides the latest trend, marketing and educational information to the design community," Gamble said.

July 2008