Moore has been invited to partner with Macy’s Center City on an exciting new Fashion Incubator program.
A Moore alumna will be chosen as one of four emerging Designers-in-Residence and will be provided with dedicated studio space at the flagship Macy’s store as well as business support.
The Fashion Incubator program, to launch this spring, is an innovative collaboration between the Center City District, Macy’s, the City of Philadelphia, educational institutions and corporate sponsors. It is intended to promote budding fashion designers and support Philadelphia’s fashion industry.
The selected Designers-in-Residence will have access to a production room, showroom and office space at Macy’s for one year. The space allows them to produce samples, gain retail insight and showcase their collections to merchants from local and national retail outlets.
In addition to the physical space, the incubator will provide an environment for business development and creative experimentation. The program will provide mentoring and a significant curriculum focused on the business of fashion – such as creating a business plan and marketing strategy, and identifying legal needs and funding.
"I visited the Chicago Fashion Incubator in October and saw their annual fashion show in a tent in Millenium Park," said Janice Lewis, professor and chair of fashion design. "We are so excited that one of our alumnae will have the same opportunity here in Philadelphia."
Although housed at Macy’s, the greater fashion and business communities will support and participate in the program. A series of seminars will be scheduled throughout the year to be delivered by key members of the business and fashion community.
For eligibility requirements and to complete an application to become a Designer-in-Residence, e-mail Elissa Bloom at elissa@PhiladelphiaFashionIncubator.com or complete the attached application.
The application deadline has been extended to January 20, 2012. The four chosen designers will be publicly announced and move-in will take place on Thursday, March 1, 2012.
Read a story about the fashion incubator program in the Philadelphia Inquirer and KYW News Radio.
