Lookbooks

For young American designers, there is no better place to set up shop than the CFDA {FASHION INCUBATOR}. Every two years, the Council of Fashion Designers of America chooses 10 up-and-coming fashion and accessories designers in New York City to move their studios to 209 West 38th St where the organization will help the brands to grow and sustain over the course of the next 24 months. During the Fashion Incubator open house on June 7, I got to see all of the newly appointed studios and chat with the extremely talented designers that will learn and grow together during the next two years.

"To say it's a prestigious honor to be here is sort of an understatement," Luis Fernandez, NUMBER:Lab designer said. "Every aspect of the experience is great. From the space to the community and being in the presence of all these designers, plus the mentorship and all of the programming associated with it. It's been incredible." 

It's difficult to play favorites in such an inspiring environment, but Fernandez knows what women want too. "I was in Daniel Vosovic's space yesterday looking at all the clothes like 'Oh my god, this is what the NUMBER:Lab guy's girlfriend would be wearing.' There is that athletic influence in his work as well, so he is one of my favorites."

Walking into Daniel Vosovic's space, the first thing you notice is a stunning rain drop print on the first few garments hanging on the front rack. "We produce all of our own prints, and this one was born from the idea of making out with your significant other in the back of a car," Vosovic said. "So we waited for the perfect rainy day, rented a Zipcar, photographed out the windshield, brought the photo back, convert it and used it throughout the Fall 2012 collection."

If you hop across the hall from Daniel V, you'll come across a design duo who also develop their own vibrant prints. Inspired by travel, especially to India and other eastern destinations, the Burkman Bros. studio is a vision of rugged exotics, furnished with a repurposed wood wall and eye-catching cactus in the corner. Like many of the designers I spoke to at the Incubator, they are inspired by the talent surrounding them. "We've gotten to know so many new people, and everyone who is part of the Incubator really nurtures and supports each other," Ben Burkman said. "You couldn't ask for anything more. I feel like we all borrow from and encourage one another by giving references for factories or a great graphic designer we work with. We share all of our information and knowledge."

The assortment of designers in the Fashion Incubator is what's truly inspiring. From sporty menswear to lingerie, the CFDA chose a diverse group to occupy the space. Upon entering womenswear designer Christian Cota's studio, you're met with bright, flowing garments that clearly have been influenced by the natural and organic. "I am inspired a lot by travel, nature and painting," Cota explained while going through a few seasons of collections. "My inspiration is always changing, but the way fabrics move and make a garment come to life is always uplifting."

Jewelry is also in the mix at the Incubator, and I bonded with designer Emanuela Duca when I realized my family is from the same region of Italy as her. She spoke about how being a part of the Incubator is going to help her move from fine arts into the fashion industry. "I applied to this program so I could introduce myself and my work to the fashion world, as I used to sell mostly to fine jewelry galleries," Duca said. "I figured in order to take that step, I would definitely need some help. Working with the CFDA advisor has been really wonderful."

To learn more about the CFDA {FASHION INCUBATOR} and get an insider peek at the designers and space, visit cfda-fashionincubator.tumblr.com.