The Designers-In-Residence Program at PFI

Thursday, March 1st was the official launch date of the Designers-In-Residence Program at the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator in Macy's Center City. Modeled after a similar and successful program in Chicago, the purpose of the fashion incubator is to help support and promote the careers of local fashion designers from some of Philadelphia's nationally recognized fashion design schools including Moore College of Art, Drexel University and Philadelphia University as well as the fashion community. Among the special guest invited were Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter, Terry Lundgren, Macy's Inc. Chairman, President and CEO and Paul Levy, Center City District President and CEO.

Each year PFI will feature 4 annually-selected Designers-In-Residence (DIR), who will have access to office and design/work space, a showroom, curriculum, mentoring from industry and business professionals and other important resources within Macy's to help launch and expand their business in Philadelphia. This will not only contribute towards the economy in Philadelphia, but also improve the creative image of the city. “Fashion in Philadelphia is bigger and better than ever. We’re proud to be a city that recognizes the value of its vital creative sector and invites innovation. Philadelphia’s exceptional schools produce impressive fashion design talent and we’re thrilled to support independent entrepreneurs and start-up companies through programs such as The Philadelphia Fashion Incubator at Macy’s Center City,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter.

The PFI 2012 Designers-In-Residence are:

• Autumn Kietponglert
• Academic Partner: Drexel University
• Focus: Haute couture combining historically-inspired silhouettes with intense textile construction
• Company: Heartless Revival
• Kaitlyn Doherty
• Academic Partner: Philadelphia University
• Focus: Women’s wear inspired by architecture explored during her travels abroad 
• Company: Kaitlyn Doherty
• Melissa D’Agostino
• Academic Partner: Moore College of Art & Design
• Focus: Embracing the “slow fashion movement” with hand-made, hand-dyed print designs and technique
• Company: D'Agostino Fashion Textile Design
• Latifat Obajinmi & Moriamo Johnson (Sister designer duo)
• Open Call Selection
• Focus: African-inspired women’s wear incorporating wax print fabrics
• Company: Aso Damisi

Designs from (L to R) Autumn Kietponglect, Melissa D'Agostino, Latifat Obajinmi & Moriamo Johnson,  Kaitlyn Doherty

Each DIR brings a unique background and inspiration which is reflected in the designs in a diverse range of style and experience level. No doubt, it will be interesting to follow the success of these selected designers.