CFI Opens Its Doors to the Public

Thank you for all who came out and joined us at our open house, it was a real success!
CFI started the day with our monthly board meeting and then opened the doors to the public to show off the space and the amazingly talented 2010 Designers in Residence.
Thanks again POP CHIPS, FUZE, KIND SNACKS, and SMART WATER for poviding us and our guests with snacks for the afternoon.
For those of you who were unable to attend or are out of town, please stay tuned for our website launch in mid August at http://www.chicagofashionincubator.org/

ABC 7 Gives Shout to CFI Alum

Thank you ABC for highlighting our CFI Alum, Anna Hovet and Evil Kitty, and their t-shirts!

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources&id=7562658

Nonnie Threads in the Spotlight

Nicole Briese interviews 2010 DIR Jonnie Rettele for New City's style blog, Boutiqueville.com.
Read Jonnie's profile here and learn more about her line, Nonnie Threads.

CFI Alum at Sidewalk Sale

Come out and support our local Chicago talent!  Shop local designer collections including pieces from some of the CFI DIR and Alumni!  Sponsored by Fashion Focus Chicago this is the fourth annual sidewalk sale and is a part of the Mayor's Fashion Initiative which helps to support the over 400 local designers here in Chicago.  To learn more about the local fashion industry and the sidewalk sale visit http://www.chicagofashionresource.com/

Reminder CFI Open House 7-21-10

Chicago's Small Business Expo

While at first glance the Chicago Fashion Incubator might seem to be just a haven for designers to create beautiful garments, there is actually much, much more happening here.  The designers are learning the essential components to developing a successful company.

Lucky for us, we are in a city who embraces our small businesses.  Chicago's office of the City Treasurer is hosting its ninth Small Business Expo which will give a number of workshops to cover topics important to local entrepreneurs such as our Designers in Residence.

If you were unable to attend, follow their website to still access the pdf's from the lectures!  What a great resource!

http://www.chicagocitytreasurer.com/smallBusinessExpo/smallBusinessExpo.htm

Party at The Loft!

The 2010 DIR and the City of Chicago had a blast on Friday night at the final night of a three-evening event at the pop-up Don Julio Loft at 1956 W. Grand Ave.  Don Julio provided three featured drinks for the evening including their "Can't-Pass-Up Ginger Margarita!"  The designers displayed their designs which were inspired by the different bottles of Don Julio!  Amazing!

The DIR also had the opportunity to showcase their collections in a fashion show complete with Spanish-inspired runway music, gorgeous Ford models, and the unseen organized chaos of backstage!

        

Shiny Toy Guns gave a rockin' performance and have quickly become a Chicago favorite in the fashion scene.  Upstairs, guests waited in line to take their costumed group photo in the free photo booth and eagerly waited for their on scene screen printed t-shirt from Black Market Caviar while they shopped CFI alum's, Anna Hovet t-shirt line.

A special thank you to all involved, Don Julio's Loft was a complete success!

Join CFI for the CS Don Julio Loft 7/7 and 7/9!