Ms. Smilor adds “The {FASHION INCUBATOR} program has been incredibly fortunate, thus far — to receive the unsolicited support from so many of the top industry experts, to renew our ongoing partnership with Target, to establish a new initiative with NYU Stern and, of course, to continue our special relationships with NYCEDC and Newmark Holdings.”
The CFDA {FASHION INCUBATOR} will accommodate ten (10) designer brands; each will retain a separate design studio, ranging from 250 to 700 square feet in size. Newmark Holdings is providing each brand with a two-year lease at below-market rates. In addition, the floor boasts a large, communal work-studio, a conference room and a full kitchen that designers may share.
To be eligible for consideration, designers were required to be in business for a minimum of two (2) years and have paid and/or volunteer professional staff. Designers were also asked to demonstrate their potential through substantive editorial coverage and orders from top retailers. Tenants were chosen by members of a Selection Committee comprised of fashion industry experts, including retailers, editors, and business leaders. The Selection Committee assisted in the initial development of the initiative; evaluated and assisted in selecting CFDA {FASHION INCUBATOR} designers; and will participate in bi-annual reviews of tenants.
Selection Committee members include: Kirna Zabete's Beth Buccini and Sarah Easley; Ferrara Manufacturing President Joe Ferrara ; Shopbop VP of Global Marketing and Strategy Melissa Gellman Weiss; Hand, Baldachin and Amburgey, LLP Founding Partner Douglas Hand; Bloomingdale's Operating Vice President and Men's Fashion Director Kevin Harter; Elle Style Director Kate Lanphear; Moda Operandi Co-Founder and CEO Aslaug Magnusdottir; Neiman Marcus Senior Women's Accessories Market Editor Roopal Patel; Style Fashion Executive Editor Nicole Phelps; Redline Consulting President and Owner Shan Reddy; T: New York Times Style Magazine Editor in Chief Sally Singer; CFDA Deputy Director of Programs and Operations Lisa Smilor; Hilldun Corporation President and Senior Partner Gary Wassner; InStyle Fashion Director Cindy Weber Cleary.
Council of Fashion Designers of America