Hello color! Eight Chicago Fashion Incubator designers took over Color Factory interactive museum for a magical photoshoot. Sylist Sal Yvat combined garments from each of the designers to creative new looks and photographer Rachel Hanel played with the inspiring space to create a gorgeous aesthetic. The photoshoot was published in the January issue of Newcity Magazine. Photography by Rachel Hanel (@rhanelphoto)  Styled by Sal Yvat (@salsogroovy) Produced by Anna Hovet Dias (@chicagofashioninc) (@annahovet) Shot at Color Factory (@colorfactoryco) Hair and Makeup (@carolwood_beauty) Models ..read more

It’s not every day you get to shoot in the middle of State Street…. Thank you again to everyone who came out to #SundaysonState! Make sure to visit our designers’ profiles to see and shop their latest collections Photographer: Jennee Johnson @jennee_johnson www.jenneejohnson.com Sponsors: @macysstatestreet @chicagofashionincubator Models: Select Model Management Stylist: Amy Olson @amy_olson Designers: @sylmarkt @wulfka @lolaelanstudio @christinakarinofficial @anna_brown_studio @gidionline #ChicagoLoopAlliance ..read more

Our Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) Spring 2021 fashion photoshoot highlights three current Designers-in-Residence (DIR) and four alumni designers of the program. Chicago wardrobe stylist Sal Yvat combined the garments from the variety of designers to create cohesive editorial looks. Chicago photographer Ryan Barhaug shot the looks in the historic Wildman Boiler & Tank building, which has recently been revitalized into an event space. TEAM: Photographer: Ryan Barhaug Stylist: Sal Yvat Hair/Make-up: Carol Wood Models: Alexandria and Savannah from 10MGMT Location: Wildman BT Designers: Anna ..read more

Fashion is a part of our everyday life. It’s highlighted in magazines, on the runways, on social media, and in the streets. However, the future of fashion relies heavily on our responsibilities as consumers and a revision on the business models of major retail stores. Being a sustainable brand is more than being “eco-friendly,” it’s also about being ethical, inclusive, and diverse. “All of these issues are connected,” says Aja Barber, a sustainability consultant, and advocate. “If the humans where you manufacture don’t have clean drinking water, then it doesn’t matter if you’re using less wate ..read more

While many of us, as consumers, enjoy shopping it’s not always a pleasant shopping experience when you cannot find clothing that fits your needs or size. Fashion options should not be limited to the size, shape, height, ability or gender of our bodies. Instead these features should be embraced. Brands and businesses can do this in a variety of ways, such as creating inclusivity in their campaigns, using different sized mannequins, and marketing inside fitting rooms to spread the message of body positivity.  In a survey examining 25 multi-brand retailers conducted by retail analytics firm ..read more

In an effort to resurrect our CFI blog, and bring new light to topics that are pressing to our Chicago Fashion community, we have welcomed the voice of our Spring 2020 CFI Marketing and Administrative Intern, Jackie Govea for a handful of guest blogs. Here’s the first in her series. As we emerge closer to reopening the state of Illinois, it’s important to put into consideration the emerging designers that have been affected during these uncertain times. Despite the convenience of big-box stores (with their easy-to-access curbside pick-up options and free shipping deals), many small businesse ..read more

  SUMMARY OF POSITION The Chicago Fashion Incubator is seeking an Executive Assistant to support the Executive Director in the administration of daily activities for a recognized 501(c)3 non-profit. The Chicago Fashion Incubator has budgeted up to 60 hours per month (15 hours per week) for this position. The hours are flexible and may include some evenings and weekends. This role is defined as an independent contractor (1099) with compensation up to $15 per hour based on experience.    DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Daily activities include but are not limited to: Working one-on ..read more

PART-TIme GARMENT SAMPLE MAKERS Womens Contemporary APPAREL, Bridal   SUMMARY OF POSITION The Chicago Fashion Incubator is seeking experienced Sample Makers to assist in the development of seasonal garment collections for up to six designers as part of our Designer in Residence program. The Sample Maker is a skilled sewer, has the ability to sew most types of fabrics, is able to read patterns, and advise designers on how to make corrections when necessary. Experience in operating industrial sewing machines from single needle to special machines is required. A background in fashion educati ..read more

WE ASKED EACH OF OUR DESIGNERS IN RESIDENCE TO TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THEMSELVES: What is the name of your line? Syl Markt Describe your line in three words. easy, silky, chic I am inspired by… modern and contemporary art, nature, space, shapes, contrasts I first knew I wanted to be a designer when… I was studying art history in college and became more and more obsessed with fashion If I could have lunch with one person, alive or dead, it would be… Hunter S. Thompson The fashion designer I most adore is… Dries van Noten If I could dress anyone in the world, it would be… Cate Blanchett My bigge ..read more

WE ASKED EACH OF OUR DESIGNERS IN RESIDENCE TO TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THEMSELVES: What is the name of your line? Wulfka. Describe your line in three words. Minimal casual luxury. I am inspired by… touching fabric. Everything should be screaming to be touched. I first knew I wanted to be a designer when… I sewed all my own clothes in high school. If I could have lunch with one person, alive or dead, it would be… Kurt Vonnegut. The fashion designer I most adore is… Charles James' architecture. Audrey of Ovate's small business and textural fabrics. If I could dress anyone in the world, it would b ..read more