Volunteers are the backbone of (DE-FI). As a volunteer-led organization, our events and fashion experiences thrive because of the dedicated individuals who give their time and talent. Learn how you can get involved and make an impact.
As a product tester for our designer incubator, you'll play a vital role in shaping the final outcome of emerging collections. By providing honest, hands-on feedback on fit, functionality, style, and overall design quality, you help designers refine their work for real-world success.
Retail buyers gain exclusive access to independent designers featured in (DE-FI)-produced fashion experiences. Whether you're sourcing for a boutique or seeking fresh, standout looks, this is your opportunity to discover emerging talent and be a part of their success story before they hit the mainstream.
The Boutique Support System connects small boutique owners with designers from our incubator for hands-on support and collaboration. From in-store internships to light sewing tasks and garment adjustments, this volunteer-based program enhances your customer experience while serving as a real-world learning environment for emerging talent.
The fashion world is calling, and this is your chance to step behind the curtain and make your mark. (DE-FI) Global INC is seeking the next generation of trailblazers to power some of the most influential fashion experiences in the industry. Whether you’re an aspiring industry leader or just someone with a passion for making things happen, volunteering with us offers exclusive, hands-on exposure to the creative chaos that fuels the runway.
(DE-FI) Global INC has quickly become one of the most influential fashion and design organizations in the world offering opportunities for talented individuals interested in significantly developing their skills and gaining exposure to real world applications in fashion. From A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance to Dayton Fashion Week: The Collections and Fashion Week of Cincinnati, we’re looking for hard-working, dedicated individuals ready to dive in, work as a team, and contribute to a legacy of innovation and success.
Volunteers are the powerhouse behind the (DE-FI)
Why Volunteer?
This isn’t just any volunteer opportunity—it’s a front-row ticket to the action:
Who We’re Looking For
We need bold, stylish individuals with a passion for excellence, a strong work ethic, and a love for fashion. You’ll be the face of (DE-FI) Produced Experiences, ensuring every guest, designer, and participant feels part of something extraordinary.
Volunteer Opportunities
1. Front of the House Ticket Sales
Are you a natural salesperson? Assist with wristbands, distribute credentials, organize Will Call, and answer guest inquiries—all while showcasing your charm.
2. Front of the House Greeter
Love making first impressions? Welcome guests with warmth, sell drink tickets, assist vendors with setup/breakdown, and create a seamless guest experience.
3. Usher/Stage Attendant
Love giving directions or guiding others? Help seat guests, answer questions, and ensure a seamless flow during events.
4. Media/Photography Attendant
Got an eye for detail? Help media and photographers get the shot by managing credentials and ensuring they are in the right places at the right times.
5. Backstage Attendant
Organized chaos your specialty? Assist designers with load-in/out, prepare garments to designer specs, and keep the backstage humming with efficiency.
6. Floater
Can’t pick just one role? Be the ultimate multitasker and assist wherever needed. Flexibility is key, and your versatility will shine here.
What’s Expected
Ready to Lead the Charge?
Volunteering with (DE-FI) Global INC is your exclusive chance to make your mark on the fashion world while developing skills, building connections, and creating unforgettable memories.
Whether you're helping designers backstage, guiding guests to their seats, or ensuring photographers capture magic moments, you’re an essential part of what makes these events extraordinary.
Join us, and let’s create something unforgettable together. Apply to become a volunteer HERE.
This is your chance to help shape the future of independent fashion. At (DE-FI) Global INC, we don’t just create fashion; we craft experiences, and we need your unique perspective to elevate our designs to the next level. Join our exclusive Product Testers and Development Program and play a pivotal role in helping designers refine their creations before they hit the runway.
We’re not about mass production or following trends. This program is your backstage pass to the development of authentic, bold, and innovative fashion. While there’s no monetary payment, we’ll say thanks with complimentary tickets to our high-profile fashion experiences—an offer as exclusive as the designs you’ll test.
About the Program
As designers prepare for Dayton Fashion Week: The Collections, your feedback will be critical in shaping the final products. Imagine being part of a process that ensures runway-ready perfection and helps independent designers thrive.
This isn’t just product testing—it’s about giving voice to your style instincts and becoming a key part of the creative journey. Your opinions on design, fit, feel, and functionality will guide our designers toward building pieces that stand out and resonate with their audience.
How It Works
1. APPLY
If you live for bold fashion, meet these basic criteria:
2. QUALIFY
Fit into one of the available product sizes, and our team will match you to the perfect test opportunity based on your profile.
3. ACCEPT
Receive an email invitation and confirm your participation.
4. RECEIVE
The test product will arrive at your door with clear instructions.
5. TEST
Use the product for a minimum of 6 weeks, incorporating it into your life or attending specific events as instructed.
6. RETURN
Send back the product using a provided return label for evaluation.
7. FEEDBACK
Share your thoughts and experiences through a quick online questionnaire.
Why Join?
Be a Trendsetter: Your voice will directly influence cutting-edge designs and help emerging talent shine.
Exclusive Access: Complimentary tickets to our fashion experiences, connecting you with the world of independent fashion.
Shape the Industry: Support independent designers and make a real impact on slow, ethical fashion.
This isn’t just product testing; this is style in action. Apply today and help us create bold, disruptive fashion that leaves fast fashion in the dust. Your feedback matters—your voice is the future of fashion.
At (DE-FI) Global INC, we’ve shattered the mold and built an exclusive platform where retail buyers meet the next wave of groundbreaking fashion talent. Imagine a forum where designers, bloggers, agents, and producers converge—fueling collaborations, sparking trends, and connecting you to the most innovative minds in fashion.
When you step into our world, you’re not just attending an event; you’re immersing yourself in a curated experience designed to amplify your business and give you access to the future of fashion.
Why (DE-FI) Is Your Next Big Opportunity
Exclusive All-Access Pass
As a retail buyer, you’ll receive complimentary VIP access to all runway experiences during Fashion Week. Our meticulously crafted events showcase collections from Dayton Fashion Week Designer Incubator, Cincinnati Fashion Incubator, and the most innovative independent designers featured at Cincinnati and Dayton Threads and across (DE-FI) runway productions.
One-on-One Connections
Say goodbye to the chaos and pressure of traditional fashion trade shows. At (DE-FI), we prioritize meaningful interactions in a stress-free environment. You’ll have the opportunity to:
Retail-Ready Confidence
Unlike other platforms, (DE-FI) ensures that every designer is primed for retail. You’ll gain peace of mind knowing the collections you invest in are supported by experienced professionals and backed by our proven incubator success model.
The Perks of Being a (DE-FI) Retail Buyer
1. Discover the Future of Fashion
Meet headlining designers before the world does. Supplement your existing assortment with fresh, innovative, and trendsetting collections that can’t be found anywhere else.
2. Elevate Your Brand
Cross-promote your store and collections via (DE-FI) Global INC, its subsidiaries, and our designers’ social media channels. Your logo will be prominently displayed on our platforms, connecting you with our engaged, fashion-savvy audience.
3. Tailored Networking
Build lasting relationships with designers ready to elevate your retail offerings. Schedule curated meetings tailored to your brand’s needs, ensuring you leave with collections that align with your vision.
4. Innovation Meets Profitability
Leverage exclusive deals, secure distribution rights, and be the first to feature bold, one-of-a-kind designs from the fashion world’s next household names.
Submission Process for Retail Buyers
Your invitation to (DE-FI)’s fashion experiences is your gateway to discovering emerging designers primed for retail success. Whether you’re scouting the latest collections or finalizing partnerships, you’ll have unparalleled access to:
Be the First to Tap Into Fashion’s Best Kept Secret
The future of retail is here, and it starts with (DE-FI). Don’t just keep up with the trends—be the trendsetter. By supporting the designers in our incubators and on our runways, you’ll gain access to game-changing collections that will revolutionize your offerings and solidify your position as a leader in fashion retail.
Ready to redefine what’s possible for your business? Apply now and secure your place in the most innovative retail buyer experience the industry has ever seen.
As a retail buyer attending one of our exclusive (DE-FI) fashion experiences or scouting the work of designers from our incubators, you gain unmatched access to the future of fashion.
During this showcase, you’ll connect directly with the newest emerging designers and most innovative independent brands on our runways. Every designer featured is meticulously prepared and retail-ready, ensuring your investments meet the highest standards of creativity, craftsmanship, and professionalism.
Don’t just discover fashion—shape its future. Secure your spot today!
At Cincinnati Threads and Dayton Threads, we’re re(DE-FI)ning boutique fashion by connecting independent boutiques with the next generation of creative talent. As part of our Boutique Support Program, you’ll have direct access to designers from the Dayton Fashion Week Designer Incubator and Cincinnati Fashion Incubator, giving your boutique a distinctive edge in a market saturated with sameness.
This program is about more than just clothes—it’s about experiences, relationships, and standing out.
What’s in it for You?
1. Exclusive Hands-On Designer Support
Our program pairs your boutique with designers eager to gain real-world experience. From managing boutique operations to learning customer interactions, our designers volunteer their time for this educational opportunity. Think of it as having a dedicated intern with a fresh perspective and cutting-edge creativity—offering their talent for experience or commission.
2. On-Site Alteration Services
Need a button fixed, a zipper replaced, or a hem sewn? Don’t toss those garments! Through our collaboration with the Dayton Garment & Textile District, we provide affordable, negotiable alteration and tailoring services, giving your boutique yet another value-added feature.
3. Cross-Promotion for Your Boutique
Get ready to boost your boutique’s profile. Our program facilitates cross-promotional marketing with the goal of booking appointments with designers who align with your boutique’s aesthetic and clientele.
4. Exclusive Fashion Week Perks
Participating boutiques enjoy reserved seating for the biggest fashion events in the region, including Dayton Fashion Week: The Collections, Fashion Week of Cincinnati, and A Weekend of (DE-FI)ance—free of charge. Stay ahead of the curve by previewing the Fashion Week Line-Up before the shows.
Why Choose (DE-FI)?
This isn’t just about selling clothes—it’s about creating boutique experiences that stand out. By connecting with the region’s best up-and-coming designers, your boutique will offer one-of-a-kind products and establish itself as a destination for independent fashion. With our support system, you’ll gain:
Be part of a network of local and national boutiques championing independent designers, providing hands-on opportunities for emerging talent, and delivering unparalleled fashion experiences to customers.
The future of fashion is independent, bold, and personal. Make your boutique the center of that future. Join the Boutique Support Program now.
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Dayton Fashion Week is unlocking access. The (tentative) schedule is live, the energy is rising, and the doors are just beginning to open. Ready to step into something exclusive? Request your invitation today.