Now in its fourth iteration, the CFDA {Fashion Incubator} is a two-year mentor program for fashion labels with the goal of fostering brand growth. Through the initiative, chosen designers are granted low-cost studio space in Manhattan’s Garment District and are treated to a series of seminars, workshops, and lectures with luminaries in the field. A few weeks ago, five 4.0 CFDA {Fashion Incubator} designers traveled to Dallas. The city’s W hotel hosted a showcase that served to connect the participants to key players in this all-important retail market. The visit included appointments with the likes of Tenoversix, Neiman Marcus, and Forty Five Ten, an excursion to the Dallas Contemporary for Bruce Weber’s Far From Home exhibition, and the piece de resistance: a runway show and model installation at the W featuring key looks from each designer’s Spring 2017 collection. So, what did these fashion innovators of tomorrow think of Dallas?
Aurora James, Brother Vellies:
Definitely stopping at the vintage store, Dolly Python, where I bought an amazing, yellow fur vest.
Thaddeus O’Neil:
The Dallas Contemporary. Bruce Weber had some great work and [there was] a sculpture from Mexico that was very impressive.
Ji Oh: It has been very educational. Also can’t forget about the food!
Charles Youssef: It is a great way for all of us in the Incubator to get to know each other better while having a drink or dinner.
Julie and Jason Alkire, Haus Alkire:
The Bruce Weber exhibit. It was awesome to see that body of work. Going to Chuy’s for lunch was also so much fun and delicious!
It always comes back to Tex-Mex...
