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"Success comes to the underdog who doesn't let sleeping dogs lie...
First Flight, Now Fashion: Bold Beginnings, Limitless Impact
Welcome to Our FAQ: Your Front Row to Transparency and Transformation. This is the engine behind our revolution. We've created the runway for thousands of careers to soar and have shaken up regional fashion in the process. Ready to see how we’ve done it?
#WhatDoYouDEFI
(DE-FI) operates as a multi-layered, entrepreneurial pipeline for fashion professionals. While some parts of our operations may go inactive based on needs, our mission to support talent and align programs with your goals is always active. Here’s the big picture:
In 2022, following a CFDA Connects seminar with fashion attorney Douglas Hand, we updated our strategic plan and legal structure. (DE-FI) Global INC became the umbrella organization for the fashion pipeline.
- Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC (2012): Manages administrative operations for (DE-FI) Global Inc.
- Dayton Fashion Week: The Designer Incubator (2016): Focuses on business and career development.
- Cincinnati Fashion Incubator (2023): Expanding (DE-FI) entrepreneurial approach in Cincinnati.
Our Fashion Pipeline
- Cincinnati Threads and Dayton Threads (2017): Test markets where designers connect with their target audience and refine their craft.
- A Generation of (DE-FI)ance (2014): A hands-on, youth-focused initiative introducing students to the fashion industry.
- (DE-FI)ance Magazine (2013): An editorial platform highlighting industry game-changers redefining independent fashion.
- House of (DE-FI)ance (2017): A co-working hub for brand-building, workshops, and workforce development.
Key Programs
- Fashion Week of Cincinnati (2023): The capstone event for the Cincinnati Fashion Incubator.
- (DE-FI) Models (2020): A boutique modeling agency developing talent for global opportunities.
- The Art of (DE-FI)ance (2014): A tax-exempt nonprofit organization supporting fashion talent and employers (currently inactive).
At (DE-FI), we don’t just nurture talent—we build thriving, self-sustaining fashion ecosystems. With every event, collaboration, and program, we’re creating the future of fashion, one career at a time. Join us.
At (DE-FI), we get it: the fashion industry isn’t all glitz and glam. It’s tough, unpredictable, and overwhelming, especially when you’re starting out without a support system. That’s why our approach starts where others don’t—by building your foundation.
Before diving into the creative and business sides of fashion, we focus on equipping you with the tools to navigate the not-so-pretty side of the industry. Success in fashion takes more than talent and good looks; it requires resilience, self-awareness, and preparation.
In our incubators, we work with you to develop and fine-tune the following key areas:
- Inner beauty: Confidence that starts from within.
- Knowing your worth: Understanding your value and standing firm.
- Goal setting: Crafting a roadmap to success.
- Support systems: Building your network of allies and mentors.
- Coping with rejection: Turning “no” into a stepping stone.
- Managing stress: Staying level-headed in high-pressure environments.
- Proper nutrition, health, and wellness: Keeping your mind and body in peak form.
- Work-life balance: Thriving in your career without burning out.
Our unorthodox yet intentional approach ensures that when you step into the world of fashion, you’re ready to face it head-on. With (DE-FI), you’re not just joining an incubator—you’re gaining a community that has your back every step of the way.
Please note that (DE-FI)'s designer incubator is NOT an accelerator program. Not only do we not do fast fashion, we also do not rush the development of our talent either, many of whom only came to us with nothing more than a dream. This is a real-time, 2.5-year process designed to nurture raw talent and transform them into industry professionals.
Stage 1: Foundation Building (1 Year)
Designers focus on refining goals, conducting personal assessments, and building foundational skills. This introspective stage pushes them out of their comfort zones and includes learning storytelling, blogging, and contributing to the Parenthetically Speaking newsletter.
Stage 2: Team Building (90 Days)
Designers activate the House of (DE-FI)ance: A Fashion & Design Co-working Experience for collaboration with photographers, models, stylists, writers, and more. The focus is on forming strong teams and brands while fostering business-to-business and customer relationships.
Stage 3: Strategic Planning (90 Days)
Designers define their target market, create budgets, plan collections, and develop marketing strategies. This stage introduces partnerships, investor connections, and initial production of their designs.
Stage 4: Behind the Scenes (90 Days)
Designers’ lines are in full production, and they begin testing target markets through Cincinnati and Dayton Threads. They'll host casting calls, plan editorial shoots for (DE-FI) Magazine, and participate in events like A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance and the Shoot Your Shot Pitch Competition to headline Dayton Fashion Week: The Collections or Fashion Week of Cincinnati.
Stage 5: The Blitz (90 Days)
It’s showtime, folks! Everything the designers have worked for is put to the test in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Teams go all-in to prove they’re industry-ready. Designers pitch their lines during the Shoot Your Shot Pitch Competition to secure a spot headlining either Dayton Fashion Week: The Collections or Fashion Week of Cincinnati. After that, it’s a full-court press to prepare for the runway.
Stage 6: The Collections (90 Days)
This stage is straightforward: countdown to the runway. Designers and their teams finalize their collections and prepare to showcase their work on the biggest stages of their careers.
Stage 7: Continued Professional Development and Career Support System (Ongoing)
If you haven’t noticed, we don’t just focus on the runway. Yes, runway shows can be thrilling, but the real question is, what happens next? How do designers manage and scale their growth to meet customer demand? Stage 7 ensures that designers have access to the resources and support they need to thrive long after the spotlight fades.
(DE-FI) is the only fashion incubator developing talent from the ground up with a proven track record. It’s more than a process—it’s an opportunity to transform dreams into reality.
When we launched the House of (DE-FI)ance in March 2021 and became a founding member of the CFDA Connects program ater that year, we made it our mission to be intentional with our audience and attendees. The goal is simple: by the end of the incubator process, our talent will be industry-ready.
In the early days of the House of (DE-FI)ance, we found ourselves distracted by individuals who were curious hobbyists—people who wanted to explore sewing or attend workshops for fun but who weren’t seriously pursuing a career in the fashion industry. While these activities are related to fashion, they didn’t align with our mission to develop professional designers and industry leaders. Somewhere along the way, we lost focus on our base: the aspiring and emerging talent who have dreamed of becoming fashion designers. We were catering to a broader audience than we ever intended, planning sewing classes and general workshops, and ultimately straying from our core purpose, and most of that was due to our very public location, inside of a mall.
To get back on track, we adopted an invitation-only model, aligning with the practices of major fashion weeks like New York, Paris, and Milan, which are predominantly invitation-based. While some designers, like Christian Siriano, allow ticket sales, entry to his shows costs thousands of dollars to ensure his audience can support his brand by purchasing his designs.
Similarly, (DE-FI)'s invite-only approach ensures our events are filled with:
- Key industry professionals who can elevate and support our talent.
- Aspiring and emerging talent genuinely interested in pursuing a fashion career.
(DE-FI) operates in a niche market, and we’re not trying to appeal to everyone. That’s intentional. Our mission is to serve those truly dedicated to fashion as a profession, not just as an interest or hobby.
That doesn’t mean we’ve completely closed the doors to fashion enthusiasts. We reserve a limited number of invites for those who love fashion and want to experience the industry’s glitz and glamour firsthand.
Every (DE-FI) event is designed as a networking opportunity, connecting aspiring, emerging, and established fashion professionals. Invited guests can purchase tickets, but only if they’ve requested and received an invite.
It’s about more than exclusivity—it’s about ensuring every moment aligns with our mission and creates spaces where meaningful connections and opportunities thrive.
We won't sugarcoat it—fashion is one of the dirtiest industries in the world. We’re talking about environmental pollution, unethical practices, and waste on a global scale. And we won’t deny it. The industry has a reputation for being physically, metaphorically, and literally toxic. But here’s the thing: we don’t want to be part of the problem—we’re building to be the solution.
When we started discussing bringing fashion manufacturing jobs to this area in 2012, we envisioned transforming the abandoned plants left behind by the closures of GM, Delphi, and other auto manufacturers. However, as the industry and our community’s needs evolve, so does our vision.
Our focus? Small-batch production, sustainability, and preserving the agricultural heartbeat of southwest Ohio.
We’re planting the seeds of change—literally. Instead of expanding polluting manufacturing, we’re leaning into the agricultural side of fashion, focusing on hemp fibers, cotton, silk, natural dyes, and other sustainable materials. These aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the foundation of a new, environmentally conscious fashion industry. By growing and producing these resources locally, we’re eliminating the hazards associated with global supply chains while leveraging Dayton’s position at the intersection of I-70 and I-75 to export high-quality, sustainable goods.
We’re not here to tear down the old and rebuild the new—we’re here to build up and work with the infrastructure we already have, revitalizing spaces and industries without sacrificing the farmland and soil that sustain our community. Agriculture isn’t just important to us—it’s central to everything we do. Fashion doesn’t have to be destructive. By growing our own, producing our own, and eliminating waste, we’re proving that an industry infamous for its negative impact can be reimagined for good.
Fashion is broken, and we’re not afraid to admit it. But the future we’re creating in Dayton and Southwest Ohio? That’s where solutions grow.
(DE-FI) is for the driven, not the dabblers—serious careers, not casual pastimes.
This is business, and if you know nothing else about us, know this: we are about our business. Contracts are not just paperwork—they are the backbone of professionalism, clarity, and protection for everyone involved. Here's why agreements are non-negotiable when working with (DE-FI) Global INC:
- Mutual Protection: Contracts ensure that both your interests and ours are protected. They clearly outline expectations, deliverables, and commitments on both sides, eliminating confusion or misunderstandings.
- Transparency: We don't just hand you a contract and expect you to sign it on the spot. On this very website, we’re telling you upfront that there will be agreements in place.
- Advance Review: Agreements are sent to you a full week before orientation to allow for review. During orientation, we walk through the agreements verbatim to ensure everything is clear. Afterward, you’ll have an additional two weeks to consider, negotiate, or request changes.
- Industry Standards: The fashion industry generates over $2 trillion annually. Success at this level doesn’t happen without agreements in place. Every agency, talent representative, and reputable organization requires contracts. (DE-FI) is no different.
- Proven Success: Everyone who has come through our incubator or walked our runways has signed an agreement—and the results speak for themselves. Compare that to organizations that don’t require contracts and ask them about their success rates.
If an organization doesn’t use contracts, that’s their choice—but contracts are non-negotiable for us. They are not personal—they’re business. Because at (DE-FI), we don’t just create opportunities; we create results. Point blank, period.
Model Submissions: Open Year-Round
At (DE-FI), we’re always on the lookout for fresh talent to join (DE-FI) Models Agency or to walk in our Signature Experiences.
Here’s how it works:
- If we’re interested in representing you via (DE-FI) Models Agency, we’ll reach out via email with the next steps.
- If not, don’t worry—your name and images will remain in our database.
- When our designers complete the incubator process and start casting, they’ll handpick models from our database. Selected models will receive exclusive, private invites to attend casting calls.
- Participation in an incubator-related event does not mean you are signed to the (DE-FI) Model Incubator or (DE-FI) Models Agency. Each opportunity is separate, and representation with (DE-FI) Models is handled independently.
For models submitting specifically to walk in incubator-related events, keep an eye on your email for details about in-person or request an invitation for that specific event here on our website.
Ready to step onto the runway?
Request Your Invitation HERE and let’s redefine the standard together.
Absolutely! We’re the gold standard. To have (DE-FI) on your résumé signals to the industry that you’re ready to conquer. We’ve built a rock-solid reputation through the unparalleled success of our models who've participated in incubator events, earning respect from agencies worldwide.
Your Gateway to Opportunity
Submissions are accepted year-round for both (DE-FI) Models Agency and our Signature Experiences ("Incubator Events"). However, participating in a (DE-FI) Incubator event does not mean you’re signed to the agency—it’s a separate opportunity to showcase your talent.
Here’s the deal:
- If we want to sign you, we’ll reach out with next steps.
- If not, you stay in our database for designers to cast you in future shows.
When our incubator designers are ready to launch their collections, they handpick models from our database, and we send exclusive private invitations to casting calls.
Room for Every Contract
Whether you’re signed to an agency or not, we’ve got space for you:
- Signed outside Ohio? You can still join (DE-FI) Models Agency.
- Regional contracts? You can be signed with (DE-FI) and a local agency at the same time.
Understanding your contract is key, especially if you’re being paid for one of our events. We need to know where the check goes—directly to you or through your agency. That’s why we ask, "Are you signed?"—it’s business, and we do it right.
Powerful Partnerships
Our events don’t just launch careers—they attract major agencies from New York, Miami, Chicago, and L.A. These agencies don’t just watch—they collaborate, scout, and sign models they meet through (DE-FI). Whether you’re signed or participating in an incubator event, (DE-FI) puts you in front of the decision-makers who matter.
The (DE-FI) Model Experience
We’re here to teach you the industry from the ground up. Whether you’re signing with us or walking in our events, (DE-FI) provides the education, exposure, and empowerment to take your career to the next level. This isn’t just a chance—it’s your runway to the top.
Ready to Take Off?
Request Your Invitation Today. Because with (DE-FI), the world isn’t just watching—you’re in the spotlight.
We’re here to amplify your opportunities, not limit them!
While (DE-FI) Global INC proudly produces the headlining showcases for both Dayton Fashion Week and Fashion Week of Cincinnati, we firmly believe in fostering a thriving, inclusive fashion community.
Everyone is welcome to apply and produce their own events, regardless of affiliation with (DE-FI). This is your stage, your vision—let’s make it happen.
From Vision to Victory: The 7-Stage Incubator Journey
The Dayton Fashion Week Designer Incubator and the Cincinnati Fashion Incubator take designers through a transformative 7-stage program lasting approximately two years. This journey equips designers with the skills, structure, and insight they need to thrive in the competitive fashion industry.
Stage 5: A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance
This pivotal event is where everything the designers have learned and developed during the first five stages comes to life. Think of it as an immersive fashion open house meets pitch event, showcasing:
- Photoshoots
- Mini-runway presentations
- Business structure and strategy
Here, designers are evaluated by industry professionals and receive critical feedback to refine and elevate their collections ahead of their grand debut.
Fashion Week: The Grand Finale
Following A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance, designers step into the spotlight during the Fashion Week showcases in Dayton and Cincinnati. These events bring the high-energy, glitz, and glamor you expect from a (DE-FI) Fashion Experience.
Guests will witness the designers’ measurable growth as they unveil their fully developed lines—proof of their dedication, resilience, and transformation throughout the incubator journey. This is fashion at its finest, where hard work meets high style.
The Cincinnati Fashion Incubator: Bridging Fashion and Opportunity
The Cincinnati Fashion Incubator is an integral part of the fashion pipeline, designed to bridge the gap between economic development, mentorship, resources, and access for fashion professionals.
Fashion Week of Cincinnati serves as the capstone of this groundbreaking incubator—a highly competitive program that transforms concepts into retail and industry-ready collections. Culminating in high-energy runway showcases, it’s where vision meets execution and talent takes the spotlight.
Mark Your Calendars!
Applications for Dayton Fashion Week open January 2, 2025. Stay tuned for the official dates of Fashion Week of Cincinnati, coming soon! Don’t miss your chance to be part of these groundbreaking fashion experiences.
Host Your Own (DE-FI) Experience: Three Dynamic Ways to Shine
1. Coffee with a Designer
Start small, think big. This intimate and creative format is perfect for easing into hosting. Choose a location—be it a cozy coffee shop, a buzzing co-working space(The House of (DE-FI)ance wink...wink), or a unique public venue—and engage in meaningful conversations. Whether it’s a one-on-one meetup or a small group of 12-15, this casual yet impactful setting is ideal for morning or early afternoon events.
2. Studio Crawl
Take attendees behind the scenes of the fashion world with an organized Studio Crawl, curated by (DE-FI) advisors. This fan-favorite format brings participants into the heart of selected studios, offering them a unique glimpse into the creative processes that make fashion tick. Expect this to be a must-attend experience for fashion enthusiasts.
3. Create Your Own Event
Unleash your creativity and design your own original programming. Whether it's a runway experience, an insightful workshop, a thought-provoking panel discussion, or a keynote session with an industry expert, the possibilities are endless. The most successful events are those that offer attendees valuable takeaways or feature well-known speakers who inspire and engage.
Ready to Take the Lead?
Whatever format you choose, hosting an event with (DE-FI) Global INC puts you at the center of innovation and creativity. Let’s create unforgettable moments together.
Your Event, Your Rules
Hosts have full control to ticket their events however they see fit. Whether it’s free or premium access, the choice is yours!
Amplify Your Reach with Press Coverage
Yes, we have an extensive press list and will notify them of all participating exhibitors. If you have additional press contacts you'd like to invite, email us at info@defiglobalinc.com. Let’s get your story out there!
Got Space? Let’s Collaborate!
If you’re offering your venue as a resource, contact us at info@defiglobalinc.com. Our events team can connect hosts in need of a venue, but please note: (DE-FI) Global INC does not negotiate terms between hosts and venues. Let’s make the magic happen together!
Let’s be honest—vendor events can be so boring. That’s why at (DE-FI), vending with us is a privilege, not a given. If you’re looking to set up shop at our events, be ready to bring your "A" Game because we’re playing in the big leagues.
Our events draw the Who’s Who of the fashion industry, with leaders, disruptors, and tastemakers watching every move. Simply sitting at a table trying to push products won’t cut it. Guests crave engaging, hands-on, interactive experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Think you’ve got what it takes to captivate, inspire, and stand out? Apply HERE to join us and redefine what it means to vend in style.
Contrary to popular belief, the "INC" in (DE-FI) Global INC doesn’t stand for incorporated. (DE-FI) Global INC is an LLC, with "INC" representing Incubator Networking Collaborative—a bold declaration of our mission to cultivate, connect, and disrupt the fashion industry.
Copyright © 2024 (DE-FI) Global INC - All Rights Reserved.
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A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance: Launch of Dayton Fashion Week
(DE-FI) the Norm. Join the Elite. A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance is your exclusive pass to disrupt the regional fashion scene, March 20-23, 2025. This isn’t for everyone—it’s for the visionaries, the innovators, the rule-breakers. Tickets are limited. Request your invitation now to claim your place in the movement.