Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy's

Six designers have been chosen for the fourth year of The Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) at Macy's on State Street. 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 resource section; and a showroom.

DIR are required to complete a core curriculum of workshops and seminars conducted at the Incubator location at Macy's on State Street for the duration of a one-year period starting in March 2011. 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:

Chicago Fashion Incubator Back Story:

According to Macy's Media Relations Officer, Andrea Schwartz, the State St. store and the city have been promoting Chicago's burgeoning fashion industry since 2005, when they presented the first Fashion Focus Chicago event that highlighted both aspiring and established designers. The Incubator soon evolved from this event. Being a national department store operated locally, Macy's has the resources to share equipment and experts with Chicago designers.

Designers from the program's inaugural year are enjoying great success through their experience at the CFI, including partnerships with Toyota - Japan, showing their collections on the runway as part of Fashion Focus Chicago 2008, and gaining a clear vision of what they want to be as designers.

"The first class of designers in residence at the Chicago Fashion Incubator made significant strides in developing their talent and sharpening their business and marketing skills," said Mayor Richard M. Daley. "By partnering with a major retailer like Macy's, we're providing local designers with the foundation and knowledge they need to thrive in the fashion industry."

"The success of the inaugural designers has been a testament to the structure of the program," said Ralph Hughes, Vice President of Corporate Communications of Macy's. "When given the curriculum and opportunities, young designers are put in a position to thrive at a crucial stage in their careers."

Concetta Cipriano:

Cettina by Concetta Cipriano With each piece created, Cettina strives to balance femininity with structure, strength with beauty, and intricacy with simplicity- the same elements that embody the women she designs for.

Cettina was founded by Chicago designer Concetta Cipriano. Born and raised in Chicago, Concetta has always loved the art of design. The idea that a simple sheet of fabric can be completely transformed into a work of art is something that has always fascinated her. She began sewing at a young age, and by the age of 12 she knew that design was her passion.

Upon graduating, she started her clothing line, Cettina. The name "Cettina" has a great personal significance given that this was her childhood nickname.

View more of Concetta's designs online.

Pictured above: Design by Concetta Cipriano

Shavonne Dorsey:

Siobhan Apparel by Shavonne Dorsey is one of Chicago's hottest new apparel lines for women who enjoy a classy and sophisticated look. Siobhan Apparel has been featured in several fashion shows, trunk shows and carried in boutiques in Illinois and Indiana.

Siobhan Apparel allows a woman to confidently express herself in a powerfully feminine way with great sophistication. Siobhan Apparel offers modern yet classic looks that are flattering for the ultra thin woman to the curvaceous and voluptuous woman ranging in sizes from 0-16.

View more of Shavonne's designs online.

Pictured above: Design by Shavonne Dorsey

Eric Kipp:

Eric Kipp Custom Clothiers by Eric Kipp is a custom clothing company that focuses on sharply tailored suits and separates for men that easily transition from office to evening.

Every Eric Kipp Custom Clothiers garment is one-of-a-kind and completely unique. Our shirts, suits, slacks, sport jackets and overcoats are a reflection of the tastes and desires of their wearers. Like our clients, no two pieces are alike.

View more of Eric's designs online.

Pictured above: Design by Eric Kipp

Kahindo Mateene:

Modahnik by Kahindo Mateene is a socially conscious womenswear line of modern and feminine pieces that fuse the designer’s vibrant African heritage with western design sensibilities.

Kahindo Mateene, the Designer behind Modahnik, believes in making women look and feel the best in figure enhancing original designs made by beautiful strong women. Kahindo was born and raised all across Africa and giving her a deep rooted unabashed love for the continent that she calls home. Her fashion sense emerged not only from her surroundings and travels, but also from the very stylish colorful beautiful designs her late Mother wore during the 70s.

View more of Kahindo's designs online.

Pictured above: Design by Kahindo Mateene

Taneasha Prunty:

Gidi by Taneasha Prunty is a womenswear line of evening dresses and gowns that exude subtle allure and blend vintage sophistication with modern flair.

View more of Taneasha's designs online.

Pictured above: Design by Taneasha Prunty

Crystal Simms:

Crystal B. Designs by Crystal Simms is an avant garde label that is filled with architectural garments that enhance the features of the female figure.

Crystal B. Designs fuses architectural form with the female silhouette to positively enhance the features of the female figure.

Crystal B. Designs was founded in 2007. It is owned and operated by the designer Crystal Simms Bremand. Crystal B. Designs specializes in custom made contemporary clothes for today's trendy, professional woman.

View more of Crystal's designs online.

Pictured above: Design by Crystal Simms

February 2011