The (DE-FI) Incubator Powered by the CFDA

The (DE-FI) Incubator takes on a real time novenaryfecta approach to the fashion industry via a series of intensive modules, team building, production, editorial and retail experiences. Our programs provide elements designed to help you thrive and grow at every phase of your career including:

The Designer Talk Series -   

Emerging Designers you have the unique opportunity to strengthen your business skills in a real time curriculum taught by industry professionals! With a focus on business skills that range from business planning, marketing plans, cut & sew, retail math and social media, Our Designer Talk Series also has real time fashion challenges wrapped throughout the curriculum. Our team is dedicated to providing resources, education and professional development to the fashion community that will enhance and support a thriving and sustainable apparel and sewn products industry in the Midwest.

During the Designer Talk Series, Designers will learn the ropes of the industry by:

• Developing a Strategic Plan
• Learning To Control Expenses
• Learning How To Land & Grow Sales
• Building Buyer Relationships
• Learning Effective Social Media
• Securing Your Financial Future 

The Model Talk Series

The Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC is NOT a modeling school, we are NOT an agency or talent management. We provide opportunities for aspiring models regardless of age, height, weight, size, gender identification, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. The overall goal of our Model Incubator is to eliminate the need for our Model Incubator by attracting legitimate agencies with ethical practices to Dayton, OH. The (DE-FI) Model Incubator reveals the truth about the highly competitive and not so glamorous aspects of what it takes to pursue modeling on a part-time or full-time basis.

During the Model Talk Series, Models will learn:

• Safety Tips
• Understanding state laws and how they apply to the industry
• Learning to Negotiate
• Posing and Runway
• Agency Submissions and NYFW Casting Calls

The House of (DE-FI)ance: A Fashion & Design Coworking Experience

The House of (DE-FI)ance is home of the world's first comprehensive interdisciplinary Fashion Coworking space,  a business hub created by and for the fashion and design community.  Our vision is to create the leading and most effective business networking experience in the country for the fashion and design community.  From concept to retail and everything in between; our House was created to bring the entire fashion Industry under one roof  including the often understated role of design outside of worn garments. 

At the House of (DE-FI)ance, you will:

• Improve communication skills  and become more comfortable with networking 
• Connect with business professionals with the skills you need to establish, build and grow your business while also establishing, developing, and improving your image 
• Have access to space, resources, and support dedicated to your success  by connecting with sewist and tailors to help develop a prototype  and produce  your work; connecting with photographers, Hair and Makeup artist, wardrobe stylist, and models needed to help bring your campaign to life;  connecting with writers, PR specialist, graphic designer to develop your website, logo, editorial publication and etc;  connecting with writers to help tell your story, develop content for your website, promotional materials and etc
• Access to micro-manufacturing and sourcing
• Be exposed to greatness that will empower you to keep pushing and striving towards your goals regardless of your skill level 

(DE-FI)ance Magazine

(DE-FI)ance magazine is the mirror image of the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC. It is a meticulously designed,  and award-winning, independent annual fashion, art, and lifestyle publication. Curated for a global-minded audience, (DE-FI)ance has sold in 13 different countries, was created to give a voice and exposure to emerging talent and has continued to grow in influence that reaches well beyond the Midwest region. 

Our style is confident and authoritative, yet conversational and at times controversial. Our voice is that of an insider—your trusted friend in the business as well as the outsider---the blacksheep, who does not fall in line with others…you know, The “(DE-FI)ant one”.  We are the accessible voice and inspiration to the confident and creative woman who loves fashion but is not the stereotypical seditty, face giving snob.  We are the still, non-attention seeking, quietest person in the room whose presence alone speaks volumes with an in your face boldness that doesn't need to be stated because it's already known.  Our work is often dismissed and left out of the conversation, not because it lacks merit...we just threw out their rule book and did things our way but rest assured, when we move...everyone pays attention, takes notes, and levels up.

In (DE-FI)ance Magazine talent will:

• Identify their target market
• Develop a marketing campaign with marketing talent that you meet via The House of (DE-FI)ance
• Learn the art of storytelling by connecting with poets and writers to share your story and the story of your line via talent met at The House of (DE-FI)ance
• Learn the art of storytelling via pictures ahead of creating your line and casting models 
• Developing a complete look from the hair down to the toenails and understanding how it will all photograph
• Learn to organize a casting call and predetermine what information you will need from attendees
• Develop multi-page editorial content
• Recognize  and understanding angles how design photograph and move

Dayton Fashion Week

Inspired by fashion weeks from Fashion Capitals in New York, Paris, and Milan, Dayton Fashion Week is designed to bring participants and guest alike a fully immersive fashion experience. Led by a volunteer team of experienced fashion industry professionals, business owners, event planning specialists, and more; our vision is to celebrate Dayton as not only the Birthplace of Aviation but as the Innovation Capital of the World!  It is our mission to provide support to Dayton's fashion industries in the form of business resources, exposure, education, advocacy, and advancement.

During Dayton Fashion Week talent will:

• Learn the importance of creating an entire experience from the time the first guest whether volunteer, stage hand, vendors, models, or guest step foot into the venue.
• Create set that complements your collection and vision 
• Work with musicians to develop music for your runway experience
• Organize a casting call to attract models
• Learn to market, promote, and fund your runway experience
• Prepare  to have your line manufactured and sold in Dayton Threads 
• Compile your portfolio in preparation for Ohio Market Week

Dayton Threads

Dayton threads, specializes in high quality, independent and emerging designer clothing, accessories, homeware and more;  giving our customers direct access to the next big thing in fashion and design. Like our parent company (DE-FI), we're disrupting the fashion industry and re(DE-FI)ing mundane ideas of what it means to shop small and supporting independent designers and artisans, each of whom have been carefully selected from across the country.

We work to promote and empower emerging talent, while showcasing a curated selection of their products in a stylish yet ethically and environmentally conscious fashion community. We also offer micro-manufacturing at our store front location giving designers hands on quality control over their products. Customers can also receive alterations on site if a look doesn't quite fit right, as well as having customized pieces made just for you!

At Dayton Threads you will:

• Have a Launch Party for your line
• Solidify whether you've reached your target market
• Sale your designs
• Learn to scale your business
• Adjust and make corrections to your portfolio ahead of Ohio Market Week

CFDA Connects

A new program by the Council of Fashion Designers of America that supports regional fashion weeks.  Additional details to be announced soon.

(DE-FI) Fashion Week

Isn't your "show" heavy Fashion Week.  In fact, there won't be a single runway show taking place during this event. Consider (DE-FI) Fashion Week the commencement ceremony of our year long incubator process, where we are bringing in all of the heavy hitters from the CFDA for a week long series of one-on-ones and WERKshops exclusively designed for designers in our Incubator in preparation for Ohio Market Week.  There will also be lectures throughout the week that will be exclusive for members of The House of (DE-FI)ance: A Fashion & Design Co-working Experience.

Ohio Market Week

Ohio Market Week is a Collabetive Collabetation project that is volunteer driven and gives participants an opportunity to organize a jam-packed week of retail and textile focused events designed to bring buyer, corporate decision makers, dealers, wholesalers, and manufacturers to the Gem City. 

Ohio Market Week is an influential platform for buyers, vendors, wholesalers, and textile makers to meet with new designers and clients while serving as a platform that empowers emerging designers to transition into established designers and scale their business for growth with permanent showrooms. By creating and building an infrastructure that drives significant economic growth for the Miami Valley, Ohio Market Week will aid in making Dayton a Fashion Destination and solidify its position as the Fashion Capital of the Midwest by attracting  new, emerging, and established talent and business to the Gem City.

Talent who complete our incubators will…

• Invest 1 full year in intensive WERKshops and opportunities to build and improve your business and/or brand.
• Build invaluable relationships with mentors, fellow business owners, fashion, design, models, writers, photographers, stylist, HMUA's, retails based talent and more.
• Clarify and strengthen your business model and/or portfolio with the support of local and national experts via The House of (DE-FI)ance: A Fashion & Design Co-working Experience and the CFDA Connects Program.
• Receive guidance, advice, and connections to supply chain and manufacturing vendors via the Dayton Garment & Textile District and CFDA Connects.
• Organize and learn the production end of the industry by marketing and producing your individual Runway Experience during Dayton Fashion Week with the support of (DE-FI), which will be featured on the CFDA’s Calendar.
• Have your collection featured on the CFDA’s website Runway 360.
• Explore opportunities to streamline and scale your business and/or brand with Ohio Market Week.
• Put your career on track to excel at the next level via access to CFDA designer & industry development events; business & educational seminars and workshops.
• Pilot your brand in (DE-FI)ance Magazine and Dayton Threads.
• Pitch your business to developers, investors, and stakeholders for additional support and professional services and consulting at no cost to your business.