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"Success comes to the underdog who doesn't let sleeping dogs lie...
...AND INSTEAD SHAKES UP THE MARKET BY DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY" ~Sir Richard Branson
#BeDisruptive #RockTheBoat #BeDEFIant
(DE-FI) Global INC: Bold.Disruptive.(DE-FI)ant.
The Problem
If you’re an aspiring, emerging, or established fashion professional looking for meaningful, experiential, and intentional opportunities, as well as workshops, tools, and resources to grow your fashion brand, business, and skills, then the lack of space, access, support, networking, affordability, resources, opportunities, and more for aspiring, emerging, and established fashion professionals in the greater Cincinnati and Dayton present additional barriers to your success.
The journey in your Fashion Experience is not glitzy and it's not glamorous...the fashion incubator journey:
1) IS HARD WORK
2) REQUIRES LONG HOURS
3) IS NOT FUN! (Yes, it has its moments, typically after an event/project is over and you can finally relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor, but that break is always short lived.)
4) IS NOT GLAMOROUS (Again, yes, it has its moments, but it's only about 5% of the industry.)
5) IS COMPETITIVE (Resources are limited, only the best of the best receive those resources. If you want to be the best, you'll need a competitive edge.)
6) IS SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST
7) A CONSTANT LEARNING EXPERIENCE
8) WILL MAKE YOU CRY
9) WILL MAKE YOU DOUBT YOURSELF
10) IS A BUSINESS (...and a rewarding one at that.)
You need a support system and all the tools and resources that you can gain access to. Then once you’re where you need to be professionally, you realize that you aren’t where you need to be location wise due to the lack of understanding that the fashion industry is a $1.57 Trillon dollar a year industry and the nation’s 3rd largest employer and should be invested in by small market cities like Cincinnati and Dayton as an economic game changer.
The Solution:
The (DE-FI) Global INC Fashion Experience and the Fashion Pipeline. Yeah, we know, the word "experience" is officially overly used by basically everyone now, however, our Crown Jewel, the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC coined the term in 2013; we are the original "Fashion Experience". Nobody does it like us nor has any other regional fashion organization developed or produced the same level of success stories from the ground up via their programming or influence as (DE-FI).
The term "The Fashion Pipeline" was coined by the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) in 2014 as a way of providing a visual context of how we operate; the work that we do; how our talent navigates or moves through that process from aspirational to professional; and the networks that are leveraged along the way.
(DE-FI) Global INC is the first-of-its-kind one stop fashion incubator that re(DE-FI)nes what it means to put community first, live out your wildest dreams, and supporting the needs of aspiring, emerging, and established fashion talent as a whole at the same damn time.
For over a decade, we have been THE go to source for regional fashion. An organization so influential in its practices, strategy, and proven results that it has reshaped how regional fashion organizations around the world operate. Our vigor has been a hub for innovation and creativity that has often been imitated yet our formula for success has never been duplicated.
The (DE-FI) Fashion Pipeline includes:
(4) Showcases with (12) Signature Experiences:
- A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance
- Dayton Fashion Week: The Collections
- (DE-FI) Fashion Week: The No Shows Fashion Week
- Fashion Week of Cincinnati
(3) Fashion Incubators-
- The Cincinnati Fashion Incubator
- The Dayton Fashion Week Designer Incubator
- A Generation of (DE-FI)ance Youth Incubator
(2) Fashion Publications-
- (DE-FI)ance Magazine
- (PARENTHETICALLY) Speaking Newsletter
(1) Boutique
(1) Workspace
The Disruption:
What's that saying? "You either win with us, or you watch us win."
When we launched in 2013, we wanted everybody to be a witness to the newest city experiencing the evolution of emerging fashion. Our goal was to serve as a springboard for Dayton area talent to connect with other fashion weeks and opportunities across the country and help transform all of the abandoned factories left behind by the closing of General Motors, Delphi, Chrysler, and more into thriving garment manufacturing hubs.
However, making that connection wasn’t as easy as we had hoped and found that those other outlets weren’t interested in sharing the spotlight. Locally, we found ourselves being dismissed, ignored, blocked, mitigated, gate-kept, and even sabotaged by the various small business owners, local government agencies, even community leaders who were uncomfortable with our rapid success, continued growth, outside the box operations, refusal to conform, and our in your face (DE-FI)ant attitude.
So, we gathered our supplies, instead of fighting for a seat at the table, we built our own table and in doing so, we also built a sense of community, we curated ideas, we disrupted the status quo, we identified the problem then we initiated change. We've (DE-FI)ed all odds, every naysayer, every critic, every doubt, every fear, every rejection, and made the next level our floor. We did not re-invent the wheel, we changed how the wheel was used, blazed our path and legacy.
Now those who tried to stop us and/or refused to acknowledge us, copy and paste directly from our blueprint that ultimately put a global spotlight on Southwest Ohio's emerging and advancing fashion industry and talented work force.
For over a decade the self-funded (DE-FI) Global INC has transformed into a gate busting, door holding, accepts you as you are and where you are kind of organization that has built a solid reputation for developing world class talent and producing uniquely immersive fashion experiences with a style that is raw, in your face, open, honest, transparent, and (DE-FI)ant. A style that paved the way for fashion professionals to live out their dreams throughout various stages of life.
Who We Are:
The black sheep...the "good trouble" makers re(DE-FI)ning the status quo...who's not for sale, not interested in being a part of your clique, nor are we interested in winning any popularity contests. (DE-FI) Global INC is owned and directed by Dayton,Ohio native, resident, and former model Caressa L. Brown, who after working behind the scenes of NYFW and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week with the Council of Fashion Designers of America CFDA's volunteer team from 2013-2018.
In 2021, under Caressa's leadership, (DE-FI) was selected as a founding member of the CFDA Connects Program, a collective of 12 regional fashion organizations from around the country including Dayton, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Saint Louis, Miami, Chicago, Nashville, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and more worked to strengthen American Fashion while serving as official affiliates and associates regionally for the CFDA. Caressa, along with (DE-FI) designer alum Aceani Michelle Bigbee sat on the Executive Leadership Committee and are current voting members of the CFDA Fashion Award's Guild. And we do it all as a volunteer led community outreach initiative; see (DE-FI) Gives Back.
We are NOT your polished, stereotypical, posh, seddity, or face giving fashion organization...and we've done it all by building a solid foundation in one of the least likely cities you'd ever expect to find a successful and thriving fashion community, Dayton Ohio; and in 2022, we began our expansion into Cincinnati.
What We Do:
By bringing the fashion industry and community together, (DE-FI) Global INC has served as THE resource that provides fashion and the business of fashion-based talent with educational tools, access, opportunity, and programming to help further their growth and development.
(DE-FI) Global INC:
- Develops aspiring fashion professionals. Whether your goals are to become a designer, model, or dream of working behind the scenes as a creative or in the business of fashion, (DE-FI) helps dreamers navigate the fashion industry via a series of engaging workshops, unique networking opportunities, intentional travel, hands-on experiences with editorials, the business of fashion, and runway collections.
- Connects fashion talent with like-minded individuals to build their teams, brands, and support system throughout the process of their career advancement.
- Provides opportunities for fashion talent to reach new markets.
- And so much more!
While no experience is required, we only select high potential applicants, our incubators provide the tools needed to succeed and sustain growth through one-on-one education, access, and opportunities. We do NOT operate with tunnel vision, nor do we wear blinders, we are a big picture organization whose focal point is fashion, talent, media, and events. We develop and support individuals and their teams’ seeking careers in fashion.
Why We Do It:
Our "Why?" is two-fold. With a focus on removing barriers, particularly the financial barriers that prevent many from succeeding in the fashion industry, our work is inspired by the struggles that (DE-FI) Global INC's Owner/Director Caressa L. Brown faced in her one time promising career as a model who signed her first modeling contract at the age of 12 after overcoming low self-esteem resulting from bullying. However, shortly after she signed her first contract, her mother was diagnosed with Multiple-Sclerosis which resulted in strained finances. Over the course of decade, Caressa, went on to receive additional contracts from top modeling agencies including Elite and Factor, unfortunately, due to the lack of a support system and family obligations, her dreams did not come into fruition. As a result, Caressa is committed to providing the required support system that she didn't have while pursuing her dreams. See her full story HERE!
The 2nd part of our "Why?" is because according to the 2020 census, the median household income in Dayton was $32,540 for Cincinnati it's $45,235; 30% of Dayton's residents live in poverty, for Cincinnati it's 24.7%; and out of 248 cities in Ohio, Dayton ranks 12th for childhood poverty, Cincinnati is ranked 28th; Montgomery County ranks 19th out of 88 counties for childhood poverty, Hamilton County was in the top 1/3. Our communities could really use better paying jobs and a more diverse economy.
According to U.S. Joint Economic Committee, the U.S. apparel manufacturing industry employs more than 144,000 people. While occupations such as sewing machine operators, tailors, and textile machine operators still earn lower wages; higher paying garment manufacturing occupations such as market research analysts and marketing specialists earn an average of $59,750 annually, garment manufacturing computer based professionals earn $67,110/yr., and other production stages such as fabric and apparel pattern-makers earn an average of $53,800 annually. The output of U.S. textile manufacturing (measured by value added) totaled $18.79 billion in 2019.
While producing world class talent has been the pinnacle of our success, growing Dayton's market to benefit from the economic powerhouse that is the Fashion Industry has been met with challenges. Most notably the lack of support from our local government and government agencies. The governments of Midwest cities like Columbus and St. Louis are actively working to retain their fashion based talent; the St. Louis government is paying $50,000 for designers to move to St. Louis; Columbus has invested over a half a million dollars to retain fashion designers in their city since 2020.
According to Indeed the top paying jobs and careers in the fashion industry are:
1) Design Director, $136,685/yr
2) Creative Director, $109,013/yr
3) Product Manager, $106,480/yr
4) Sourcing Manager, $94,485/yr
5) Art Director, $76,447/yr
6) Brand Manager, $72,453/yr
7) Marketing Manager, $71,618/yr
8) E-Commerce, $68,794/yr
9) Account Executive, $68,516/yr
10) Editor-in-Chief, $64,205/yr
11) PR Manager, $62,039/yr
12) Buyer, $59,700/yr
13) Merchandising Manager, $58,093/yr
14) Fashion Designer, $43,056/yr
15) Wardrobe Stylist, $29, 419/yr
When We Do It:
Access and entry into our fashion incubators is by invitation only. We accept Invitation Requests from aspiring and emerging fashion talent once a year.
Invitation Request are currently being accept for:
- Aspiring and emerging fashion designers to participate in (DE-FI) Fashion Week, the required per-cursor to participate in 2025 Class of The Cincinnati Fashion Incubator and Dayton Fashion Week: The Designer Incubator.
- (DE-FI)ance Magazine's Cover Model Search
- A Generation of (DE-FI)ance
- Featured Speakers
- Interactive and Immersive Vendors
- Runway Models for A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance
How We Do It:
As a privately held and largely self-funded fashion incubator; for over a decade, (DE-FI) has helped to make dreams come true. We have NEVER turned anyone away due to their inability to pay; in fact, we provide everyone ways to make money from (DE-FI) via commission when we produce ticketed events.
Our programming supports aspiring and emerging fashion professionals through promotion, business support, resources and member privileges whose influence alone will amplify your mission as a designer; expand your reach as a brand; increase your awareness of the fashion industry; and strengthen your business connection, commerce, media, and trade in the American fashion industry and globally. We amplify influence and opportunities by promoting mentorship, entrepreneurship, collaboration, team building, community, grants and scholarship.
Learn how you or your organization can become a Strategic Partner in helping us to make dreams become a reality! But don't get it twisted, everyone's money and involvement are not welcomed. If there's no alignment in vision, mission, goals, core values, ethics, and support for the community, we will continue to stand on our own.
Straight Facts, No Chaser:
#TheEvolutionOfDEFI has always been unapologetic building on the legacy of the (DE-FI) brand's "crown jewel", the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC who has long been recognized for its commitment to the growth and development of fashion based talent; and fostering a viable, nurturing, independent, and self-sustaining fashion community.
(DE-FI) Global INC is the first-of-its-kind one stop organization that re(DE-FI)nes what it means to put community first, live out your wildest dreams, and supporting the needs of emerging fashion talent as a whole at the same damn time. We are NOT your polished, stereotypical, posh, seddity, or face giving fashion organization... and we've done it all in one of the least likely cities you'd ever expect to find a successful and thriving fashion community.
For over a decade now, (DE-FI) Global INC, affectionately known simply as (DE-FI) and pronounced "defy" has been THE go to source for regional fashion. An organization so influential in its practices, strategy, and proven results that it has reshaped how regional fashion organizations around the world operate. Our vigor has been a hub for innovation and creativity that has often been imitated yet our formula for success has never been duplicated.
We Told You So:
It's never business as usual for us and you'll never have the same experience twice. (DE-FI) Global INC's events and programming are tailor made to provide participants, contributors, and patrons alike a distinctive and captivating opportunity to witness tomorrow's fashion stars at the birth of their careers, follow them throughout the process, and at the culmination of their fashion career, you'll have the chance to say, "I knew them when...". So if we tell you to #RememberTheirName; believe us, take notes, sit back, and just watch. No other regional fashion organization has developed and produced the number of success stories as (DE-FI) Global INC, making the Southwest Ohio region The Fashion Capital for the development and success of fashion based talent across multiple disciplines.
So where can you find (DE-FI) alum?
Started from the bottom, now we're here!
Here's the short list:
- On the runway for Versace
- In ad campaigns for Saint Jesus
- On the runway for Saral Zens
- In ad campaigns for Savage x Fenty
- Featured in Vogue
- In ad campaigns for Kohl's
- In ad campaigns for Michael Kors
- In ad campaigns for ASOS
- In ad campaigns for When Smoke Clears
- In ad campaigns for Marc Jacobs
- On the Executive Board for CFDA Connects
- Designing for Ulla Johnson
- Designing for Calvin Klein
- Featured in Women's Wear Daily
- Featured in InStyle Magazine
- Styling for Shape Magazine
- Designing for Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Edition
- Featured in Ebony Magazine
- Interning for Ross Dress for Less
- Executive at L Brands
- Named to Forbes Under 30 Fellows
- Styling at The Grammy's
- Styling at The Oscars
- Featured actors on Broadway
- Styling for HBO
- Designing for White House Black Market
- Designing for CB2
- Designing for Marchesa
- Featured actors on Hallmark
- Dancing for the Rockettes
Just to name a few...