(DE-FI) Global INC
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  • More
    • Home
    • About
      • Our Why
      • Mission and Vision
      • Impact & Audience
      • Alumni Success
      • Annual Reports
      • The Story Behind (DE-FI)
      • Meet The Team
      • Testimonials & Reviews
      • Contact Us
    • The House
      • House of (DE-FI)ance
      • Membership
    • Programs
      • Farm to Fashion
      • STEM Atelier
      • Workforce Development
      • The Garment District
      • The Fashion Incubator
      • Youth Fashion Incubator
      • Model Incubator
      • Threads Boutiques
      • Fashion Design School
    • Events
      • Upcoming (DE-FI) Events
      • The Fashion Calendar
      • Fashion Week
      • The Signature Experience
      • Invitation Requests
      • FAQ
    • Press
      • (DE-FI)ance Magazine
      • Press Room
      • Newsletter
      • Blog
      • Videos
    • Engage
      • Ways to Get Involved
      • Become A Partner
      • Our Strategic Partners
      • Fashion Directory
      • Vetted Industry Resources
      • The Art of (DE-FI)ance
      • Style Boss Honors
      • The (DE-FI) Guild Honors
      • (DE-FI) Gives Back
(DE-FI) Global INC
  • Home
  • About
    • Our Why
    • Mission and Vision
    • Impact & Audience
    • Alumni Success
    • Annual Reports
    • The Story Behind (DE-FI)
    • Meet The Team
    • Testimonials & Reviews
    • Contact Us
  • The House
    • House of (DE-FI)ance
    • Membership
  • Programs
    • Farm to Fashion
    • STEM Atelier
    • Workforce Development
    • The Garment District
    • The Fashion Incubator
    • Youth Fashion Incubator
    • Model Incubator
    • Threads Boutiques
    • Fashion Design School
  • Events
    • Upcoming (DE-FI) Events
    • The Fashion Calendar
    • Fashion Week
    • The Signature Experience
    • Invitation Requests
    • FAQ
  • Press
    • (DE-FI)ance Magazine
    • Press Room
    • Newsletter
    • Blog
    • Videos
  • Engage
    • Ways to Get Involved
    • Become A Partner
    • Our Strategic Partners
    • Fashion Directory
    • Vetted Industry Resources
    • The Art of (DE-FI)ance
    • Style Boss Honors
    • The (DE-FI) Guild Honors
    • (DE-FI) Gives Back

An Independent Fashion Magazine: (DE-FI)ance The Covers

Dayton based (DE-FI)ance Magazine is a fashion publication by (DE-FI) Global INC

(DE-FI)ance Magazine: Midwest Fashion's Independent Voice

About (DE-FI)ance Magazine

(DE-FI)ance is a fashion magazine and editorial publication platform providing opportunities for industry game-changers to re(DE-FI)ne the future of independent fashion and design. (DE-FI)ance is a pivotal part of The Fashion Pipeline.

Building the Fashion Professional

(DE-FI)ance Magazine helps participants in our incubators and independent fashion professionals from around the country to:

  1. Identify their target market
  2. Develop marketing campaigns for their work
  3. Learn the art of storytelling
  4. Develop a complete look from hair to toenails and understand how it all photographs
  5. Organize casting calls
  6. Create multi-page editorial content

A Global-Minded, Award-Winning Publication

A meticulously designed, award-winning, independent fashion, art, and lifestyle publication, (DE-FI)ance is curated for a global-minded audience and has sold in 13 different countries.


Created to give voice and career advancement to aspiring and emerging fashion-based talent, the magazine continues to grow in influence well beyond the Midwest. Our style is confident and authoritative, yet conversational and at times, controversial.


Our voice is both insider and outsider: the trusted friend in the business, and the black sheep who refuses to conform... the “(DE-FI)ant one.”

The Essence of (DE-FI)ance

We are the accessible voice and inspiration for confident, creative individuals who love fashion but reject pretension.


We are the still, non-attention-seeking presence in the room whose quiet confidence commands respect.


Our work may be dismissed or overlooked, not for lack of merit, but because we discarded the rule book and built our own. Yet when we move, the industry pays attention, takes notes, and levels up.

Our Readers

Our readers are smart, strategic, and hardworking. They see themselves as business leaders more than fashionistas. They own every room they walk into.


They are mentors unafraid to share their failures, to admit mistakes, and to lead with grace and humor. They have no interest in popularity or validation. They stand confidently and (DE-FI)antly, knowing they’ve overcome more than critics will ever understand.


They find happiness in the little things, lessons in failure, wisdom in silence, power in their voice, and success through purpose, not accolades.

Our Mission

We are committed to elevating fashion, couture, style, and fashion professionals across the country. (DE-FI)ance Magazine raises awareness of world-class talent and expands opportunities for designers, models, and creatives to grow their market and client base.


We are the go-to publication for industry insiders seeking a networking tool, continuing education, and a platform to shine.

What We Cover

Our focus is on the talent driving the industry featuring diverse disciplines such as designers, models, photographers, hair and makeup artists, stylists, and more.


Our readers include fashion insiders, business professionals, and supporters of the creative economy.

Our brand recognition continues to grow exponentially.

During The 2025 A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance, 7 Models Participated in the Cover Model Shoot for (DE-FI)ance Magazine. Who Will Land the Cover?

Group Shot of the 2025 (DE-FI)ance Magazine Cover Model Finalists.
Layna Schueler, 2025 DE-FI)ance Magazine Cover Model Finalist.
Ibrahima Jarjou, 2025 DE-FI)ance Magazine Cover Model Finalist.
Ibrahima Jarjou, 2025 DE-FI)ance Magazine Cover Model Finalist.
ReAnna Shaw, 2025 DE-FI)ance Magazine Cover Model Finalist.
Thunderhawk Shaw, 2025 DE-FI)ance Magazine Cover Model Finalist.
Jairus Burrows, 2025 DE-FI)ance Magazine Cover Model Finalist.
Donise Coleman, 2025 DE-FI)ance Magazine Cover Model Finalist.
Grant Gwinn, 2025 DE-FI)ance Magazine Cover Model Finalist.

Behind the Lens: The Making of (DE-FI)ance Magazine

(DE-FI)ance Magazine: De Kooning Picasso

Behind the scenes of the (DE-FI)ance Magazine shoot featuring  (DE-FI) Model alum-turned-White House Black Market designer, Sa-Shai  Daniels, in the parking lot of Creative Images Cosmetology School featuring photographer Misti Leigh.

(DE-FI)ance Magazine: Chaos to Creation

Step behind the scenes of (DE-FI)ance Magazine photoshoot—a whirlwind of creativity and chaos! With four photographers and 40  models, we pulled off an unforgettable shoot in just two days. Running  behind schedule was all part of the magic, capturing raw, defiant energy  that defines us. 

(DE-FI)ance Magazine: Behind the Scenes: Navigating Challenges with Grace and Professionalism

This footage offers a candid look at a (DE-FI)ance Magazine photoshoot where not everything went as planned. Despite a videography team violating agreed-upon terms and stepping out of line, the show went on. Behind the scenes, we handled the situation professionally, ensuring our standards were upheld while keeping the focus on the talent.


Hear from the models, who remained unaware of the challenges and shared their incredible experiences with (DE-FI). This is a testament to  resilience, professionalism, and maintaining love and positivity in an  industry where not everyone plays by the rules

(DE-FI)ance Magazine: Behind the Scenes with John Flynn and Cloverstorm Photography

This shoot was a (DE-FI) family reunion, bringing back makeup artists, welcoming models turned HMUAs, and packing two days with pure  magic. Of course, the ambitious plan to shoot 40 models in just two days  was totally John Flynn’s idea—at least that’s the story Caressa likes to  tell (wink, wink). In reality, the bold vision was all Caressa, but hey,  John’s faith in our ability to deliver didn’t hurt. Ambition, artistry,  and a little playful blame—it’s all part of the (DE-FI)ance spirit!" 

(DE-FI)ance Magazine: The Art of Perfection

Creating that one perfect image takes more than just a camera click—it’s a symphony of hair, makeup, missing looks, and countless moving pieces. Shooting a magazine in just two days requires weeks and months of preparation, including 80-90 hours spent meticulously crafting spreadsheets, detailing logistics, and organizing every aspect of the shoot.


This behind-the-scenes look showcases the teamwork, laughter, fun, and  constant communication that make it all come together. From styling  chaos to creative camaraderie, witness the magic that fuels the (DE-FI)ance spirit

(DE-FI)ance Magazine: The Cover Model Reveal

Innovation meets anticipation with one of our favorite magazine reveals  to date! The audience had to text a number to unlock the big reveal—Linxin Li as the stunning 2018 cover model for (DE-FI)ance Magazine. This interactive moment brought the crowd to life, adding a unique twist to an unforgettable milestone. 

(DE-FI)ance Magazine | Independent Fashion Publication

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Fashion Week of Cincinnati...You're on Deck!

The inaugural Fashion Week of Cincinnati is here and we’re doing things differently. This isn’t a traditional runway-heavy fashion week. This is the foundational year that's taking a bold, unorthodox step toward amplifying Cincinnati’s incredible fashion talent and laying the groundwork for what’s to come.

We’re building bridges, elevating voices, and weaving together the fabric of the industry one designer, collaboration, and one moment at a time.

Invitation requests are now open. Space is limited, and this is where it all begins.

Be part of the foundation.  

Be Part of Fashion Week