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CITY OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES
CHICAGO FASHION
INCUBATOR 2010 DESIGNERS
IN RESIDENCE
The 900 Shops at 900 N. Michigan to Host
Dedicated Store for Incubator Designers
CHICAGO, Ill. (March 16, 2010) – Six
designers have been chosen for the third
year of The Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI).
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.
This year, the CFI will partner with The 900
Shops on a Chicago Fashion Incubator pop-
up shop to celebrate the success of the
alumni designers and to introduce the next
six designers in residence through a
dedicated retail store and series of
exclusive events and trunk shows. The
2,800 square foot retail shop, along with
8,800 square foot event space will reside
on the 5th Level of The 900 Shops and will
highlight CFI designers from the last three
years starting on Thursday, March 18
through Saturday, April 18. The Pop-Up
Shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
each Thursday through Saturday and 12 p.
m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
“The Chicago Fashion Incubator program
continues to provide local designers with
the opportunity to get the help they need to
succeed in fashion in Chicago,” said Mayor
Richard M. Daley. “By hosting retail space
to the designers of this program, The 900
Shops provide the resources needed to
facilitate the growth of this vibrant and
creative industry.”
Designers from the 2009 class are enjoying
success through their experience at the
CFI. Some of them have had their lines
picked up by nationwide boutiques; enjoyed
top tier media coverage; had their designs
worn by celebrities; and participated in
exclusive trunk shows.
2010 Designers in Residence and their lines
Christina Fan - C/Fan is the marriage of
menswear inspired details, such as pocket
squares, and feminine silhouettes, which
creates a line that is extremely versatile,
high quality, yet still affordable.
Donaldo Smith - Killian Gui is a
contemporary menswear brand that
masters the blend of elegant business
attire with modern casual wear.
Jonnie Rettele - Nonnie Threads is a result
of early-mid 1900's inspiration, merged
with a modern semblance. She is motivated
by men's desire for functionality, fit, and
ambition for modernity.
For Immediate Release
CHICAGO FASHION INCUBATOR 2010
DESIGNERS IN RESIDENCE
Leah Fagan - PELOTON features Leah's
trademark look; well-crafted separates,
innovative details that are casual, yet
polished, and, most importantly, a
fabulously comfortable fit.
Miriam Cecilia Carlson - M.C.C. features
draped and manipulated fabric inspired by
ideas and thoughts of life.
Stephanie Kuhr - Dottie’s Designs is a line
of vintage-inspired lingerie and foundation
wear, under the name Dottie's Delights
2009 Designers in Residence (Outgoing
Class)
Cynthia Ryba - Ryba molds and shapes
fabric in an organic fashion, with fluid
silhouettes that transcend the fleeting,
temporal trends of the day.
Jess Audey - AUDEY (www.audey.com) is
committed to the classic tradition of
cocktail dresses with an innovative touch.
Ashley Zygmunt - Ashley's line, Zamrie,
provides the customer with a closet full of
confidence by creating ready-to-wear that
combines a well-tailored fit that graces a
women's body and the allure of detailing.
Catherine Furio - Furio returns to Chicago to
elevate the fashion industry with innovative
designs.
Anna Hovet - Hovet is currently launching
her first full collection – Anna Hovet Fall
2009 for women, and developing her
newest concept – Hovet for men.
Nora Del Busto - Del Busto’s inspiration is
architecture, which shows through her
manipulation of plain fabrics into structured
one-of-a-kind pieces.
CHICAGO FASHION
INCUBATOR 2010 DESIGNERS
IN RESIDENCE
The 900 Shops at 900 N. Michigan to Host
Dedicated Store for Incubator Designers
CHICAGO, Ill. (March 16, 2010) – Six
designers have been chosen for the third
year of The Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI).
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.
This year, the CFI will partner with The 900
Shops on a Chicago Fashion Incubator pop-
up shop to celebrate the success of the
alumni designers and to introduce the next
six designers in residence through a
dedicated retail store and series of
exclusive events and trunk shows. The
2,800 square foot retail shop, along with
8,800 square foot event space will reside
on the 5th Level of The 900 Shops and will
highlight CFI designers from the last three
years starting on Thursday, March 18
through Saturday, April 18. The Pop-Up
Shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
each Thursday through Saturday and 12 p.
m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
“The Chicago Fashion Incubator program
continues to provide local designers with
the opportunity to get the help they need to
succeed in fashion in Chicago,” said Mayor
Richard M. Daley. “By hosting retail space
to the designers of this program, The 900
Shops provide the resources needed to
facilitate the growth of this vibrant and
creative industry.”
Designers from the 2009 class are enjoying
success through their experience at the
CFI. Some of them have had their lines
picked up by nationwide boutiques; enjoyed
top tier media coverage; had their designs
worn by celebrities; and participated in
exclusive trunk shows.
2010 Designers in Residence and their lines
Christina Fan - C/Fan is the marriage of
menswear inspired details, such as pocket
squares, and feminine silhouettes, which
creates a line that is extremely versatile,
high quality, yet still affordable.
Donaldo Smith - Killian Gui is a
contemporary menswear brand that
masters the blend of elegant business
attire with modern casual wear.
Jonnie Rettele - Nonnie Threads is a result
of early-mid 1900's inspiration, merged
with a modern semblance. She is motivated
by men's desire for functionality, fit, and
ambition for modernity.
For Immediate Release
CHICAGO FASHION INCUBATOR 2010
DESIGNERS IN RESIDENCE
Leah Fagan - PELOTON features Leah's
trademark look; well-crafted separates,
innovative details that are casual, yet
polished, and, most importantly, a
fabulously comfortable fit.
Miriam Cecilia Carlson - M.C.C. features
draped and manipulated fabric inspired by
ideas and thoughts of life.
Stephanie Kuhr - Dottie’s Designs is a line
of vintage-inspired lingerie and foundation
wear, under the name Dottie's Delights
2009 Designers in Residence (Outgoing
Class)
Cynthia Ryba - Ryba molds and shapes
fabric in an organic fashion, with fluid
silhouettes that transcend the fleeting,
temporal trends of the day.
Jess Audey - AUDEY (www.audey.com) is
committed to the classic tradition of
cocktail dresses with an innovative touch.
Ashley Zygmunt - Ashley's line, Zamrie,
provides the customer with a closet full of
confidence by creating ready-to-wear that
combines a well-tailored fit that graces a
women's body and the allure of detailing.
Catherine Furio - Furio returns to Chicago to
elevate the fashion industry with innovative
designs.
Anna Hovet - Hovet is currently launching
her first full collection – Anna Hovet Fall
2009 for women, and developing her
newest concept – Hovet for men.
Nora Del Busto - Del Busto’s inspiration is
architecture, which shows through her
manipulation of plain fabrics into structured
one-of-a-kind pieces.
