Fashion Incubator: (DE-FI) | Midwest Designer Development
The Fashion Incubator Pipeline: Nurturing Midwest Fashion Talent in Two cities with one vision.
From raw potential to refined production: (DE-FI)'s dual-city incubators offer distinct yet connected journeys for designers and fashion professionals across Southwest Ohio.
The Fashion Incubator, empowered by (DE-FI) Global INC, is a launchpad for aspiring and emerging designers in Dayton, Cincinnati, and throughout the Midwest. We combine runway showcases, business curriculum, mentorship, and hands-on production training to transform creative vision into sustainable fashion careers. Explore how to apply, engage with our programs, or support Midwest fashion growth.
Two Incubators. One Pipeline.
Whether you're just getting started or ready to scale, (DE-FI) Global INC has intentionally developed two powerhouse incubators that meet designers where they are, mentally, creatively, and professionally. Our fashion incubator network provides a full-circle experience, nurturing beginners through foundational education in Dayton, and accelerating growth through advanced infrastructure and production support in Cincinnati.
The Fashion Incubator of Dayton
Developing Raw Talent and Building Creative Foundations.
This is where it begins. The Fashion Incubator of Dayton is a foundational program designed for aspiring and self-taught designers with big ideas and limited access.
We focus on:
- Skill-building in design fundamentals and garment construction
- Mentorship and industry exposure
- Business development (retail math, marketing, branding)
- Emotional intelligence and leadership training
- Real-world challenges and hands-on experience
- Access to equipment, workshops, and the House of (DE-FI)ance: A Fashion & Design Co-working Experience
Please Note: This is NOT an accelerator program. Not only do we not do fast fashion, we also do not rush the development of our talent. This is a real-time, 2.5-year process designed to nurture raw talent and transform them into industry professionals.
The Fashion Incubator of Dayton is anchored by seven essential stages that shape the designer journey:
- Stage 1: The Deconstruct (3-months)
- Stage 2: The Blueprint (3-months)
- Stage 3: Calculated Moves (3-months)
- Stage 4: The Assembly (6-months)
- Stage 5: Behind the Seams (3-months)
- Stage 6: The Blitz (1-year)
- Stage 7: Legacy Building (on-going)
- Dive deeper into each stage HERE
Ideal For: College students and anyone entering the fashion industry for the first time.
Outcome: Designers are prepared to develop full collections and showcase them professionally, most notably in Dayton Fashion Week: The Collections.
The Cincinnati Fashion Incubator
Scaling Designers. Strengthening Infrastructure.
This is where growth happens. The Cincinnati Fashion Incubator supports emerging and established designers, brands, and fashionpreneurs who already have a working product or small collection, and are ready to scale operations, increase visibility, and enter new markets.
We focus on:
- Advanced business strategy, sourcing, and manufacturing
- Brand refinement, media placement, and investor readiness
- Regional supply chain and workforce development
- Peer collaboration and strategic partnerships
- On-demand production and micro-manufacturing support
- Access to retailers, showrooms, and professional networks
Ideal For: Designers with 1–3 years of active brand development, boutique owners, and creative entrepreneurs with product-market fit.
Outcome: Designers grow sustainable businesses, expand production, and are positioned to lead in Fashion Week of Cincinnati and beyond.
The Designer Journey: Full Circle Pipeline
Start Here: Fashion Incubator of Dayton →
Build Here: House of (DE-FI)ance →
Scale Here: The Cincinnati Fashion Incubator →
Shine Here: Dayton Fashion Week + Fashion Week of Cincinnati and beyond
Why Join Our Incubator: Bridge the gap between design ideation and market-ready fashion
Build. Grow. Disrupt.
No matter where you are in your fashion journey, (DE-FI)'s incubator network meets you where you are, and takes you where you’re meant to be.
Request your invitation to join the Fashion Incubator of Dayton HERE.
Request your invitation to join The Cincinnati Fashion Incubator HERE.
Designer in Residence: Fashion Incubator of Dayton
Developing the Future of Fashion, One Vision at a Time
The Fashion Incubator of Dayton is a two-year, immersive experience that goes far beyond fashion shows and photo ops. It’s a rigorous, intentional journey of personal and professional growth, skill development, and brand cultivation. While our 2023 cohort began with six promising designers, the program is designed to challenge and refine talent, not simply celebrate it. Only the most committed continue forward.
Today, we proudly spotlight our current Designer in Residence:
Danielle Simpson – Founder of Thrash by D.O.D.I.
Edgy. Elevated. Evolved.
Danielle Simpson is building a cultural movement. As the sole remaining designer in the 2023–2025 cohort, Danielle has embraced every phase of the incubator experience with unmatched resilience and drive. From mastering the technical foundations of sewing to networking and learning from top-tier industry professionals, Danielle has pushed herself beyond the aesthetics of fashion into its business, production, and purpose.
Her brand, Thrash by D.O.D.I., fuses hip hop’s pulse with high fashion’s sophistication. With a focus on emotion-evoking design and self-curated luxury, she’s re(DE-FI)ning what it means to wear identity.
Danielle is currently interning with independent boutique Other by Imi to gain firsthand retail and merchandising experience. She will officially begin building her team through the (DE-FI) Brain Dayton Experience in 2025, preparing to scale her brand and establish its place in the fashion ecosystem.
About the Brand: Thrash by D.O.D.I.
“The most luxurious experiences are the ones we create for ourselves.”
Born from the rhythm of Hip Hop and the boldness of Dayton’s creative spirit, Thrash by D.O.D.I. is a lifestyle brand grounded in culture, quality, and innovation. It transforms beats into threads, movement into fashion, and self-expression into wearable art.
Mission:
To bridge the gap between Hip Hop and luxury fashion, making the culture’s influence tangible, elevated, and accessible.
Core Values:
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Cultural Ownership
- Simplicity
- Resilience
Brand Personality:
- Edgy but refined
- Trend-forward yet timeless
- Driven by music, rooted in story
Support System
Danielle is supported by a tight-knit team of mentors and creatives who believe in her vision and hustle. That’s the power of the (DE-FI) Global INC network. Want to see where her journey goes next? Stick with us. Because the future of fashion is already being stitched together, right here in Southwest Ohio.
Get Involved: Become A Product Tester
You don’t have to wait until 2026 to be part of the journey. Support Danielle by joining our Product Tester Network where you get to try emerging designs and give feedback that helps shape future collections. Learn More!
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.