Yesterday, NYC showed just how much we love emerging designers with the opening of the CFDA Fashion Incubator. While it sounds like some sort of crazy scientific experiment (cloning Coco Chanel maybe?), it's actually a full-floor space smack in the middle of the Garment District where designers can score two-year leases way, way below market price. The twelve lucky tenants include Alice Ritter, Prabal Gurung, Bibhu Mohapatra, Subversive's Justin Giunta, Alice Ritter, and Waris Ahluwalia, among others. The spaces can be customized for each designer, with some choosing to house everything from sales to actual manufacturing. And, who says arts funding is dead? The New York City Economic Development corp pitched in $200,000 towards the Incubator, guaranteeing that the Big Apple stays fashion-fresh. If you happen to find yourself near 209 West 38th Street, we recommend stopping in. It's a little bit cooler than the Mall of America. (WWD)
Above, from left, Alice Ritter, Justin Giunta
Above, Prabal Gurung