Youth Fashion Incubator

(DE-FI) Global INC's Youth Fashion Incubator

A Generation of (DE-FI)ance: Bridging Fashion, STEM, & Ag for the Next Generation of Midwest Talent

The Youth Fashion Incubator, known as A Generation of (DE-FI)ance, empowers the next wave of fashion leaders in Dayton, Cincinnati, and across the Midwest. Designed for aspiring designers, models, stylists, and fashion entrepreneurs ages middle school through college, our program blends hands-on industry training with mentorship from (DE-FI) Global INC’s network of professionals. Participants gain access to real-world fashion production, sustainable design practices, and the business skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive industry. By fostering talent at a young age, we are building a pipeline that connects Midwest creativity to the global fashion stage.

A Generation of (DE-FI)ance, where young creatives learn, engineer, produce, and disrupt fashion. Rooted in the innovative infrastructure of the House of (DE-FI)ance: A Fashion & Design Co-working Experience, this youth incubator merges design, business, and science into one immersive journey that ignites passion, purpose, and professional pathways.

Divided into two age-specific peer groups, the program delivers tailored, hands-on experiences that grow with each participant:

Junior Cohort (Ages 6–12): Focused on play-based learning, creative discovery, and early exposure to fashion careers
Senior Cohort (Ages 13–18): Focused on leadership, technical training, portfolio building, and career exploration

The Experience

Through the lens of fashion, students in our youth incubator dive deep into design, innovation, and impact. They won’t just learn about fashion, they'll explore career clusters including:

Creative (design, styling, illustration)
Business (marketing, entrepreneurship, law, journalism)
Production (photography, runway management, event planning)
STEM & Sustainability (textiles, natural dyes, AR/VR, 3D printing, and fashion agriculture)
Participate in STEM Atelier and Farm to Fashion sessions, gaining early exposure to science, material innovation, and the business of sustainable design
Build skills in public speaking, leadership, and teamwork
Produce and support fashion showcases like Dayton Fashion Week and Fashion Week of Cincinnati
Lead community-based projects that center fashion as a tool for economic and social change

Our Work

At (DE-FI), we believe youth deserve real-world, real-time experiences. That means:

Working directly with local and national designers
Shadowing stylists, photographers, and creative directors
Assisting with fashion magazine shoots and digital content
Contributing to local manufacturing and textile development efforts
Learning how to turn an idea into a brand and a sketch into a runway collection

A Generation of (DE-FI)ance goes beyond exposure; it’s an invitation to lead.

Our Fashion Pipeline

A Generation of (DE-FI)ance isn't a one-off workshop. It's a career-building pipeline that begins with creativity and ends with opportunity. Here’s how:

From sketchpad to storefront: Students create capsule collections that may evolve into market-ready brands
From learners to leaders: Graduates have the opportunity to mentor younger participants
From interns to influencers: Alumni help shape the direction of Dayton Fashion Week,
Fashion Week of Cincinnati, and our broader (DE-FI) Global INC network.

Why Join?
A Generation of (DE-FI)ance's youth incubator is a launchpad and our second most successful program, only behind our nationally recognized Model Incubator. In fact, 100% of our designer success stories began their journeys in the A Generation of (DE-FI)ance Senior Cohort, proving that when young talent is cultivated with intention, the results speak for themselves. These designers have gone on to graduate from FIT, design for Ulla Johnson and White House Black Market, work with A-list celebrities, and be featured in Vogue turning early exposure and education into nationally recognized careers. This is a space for your child to explore their passions, build real-world skills, and envision a future in fashion. By the end of the program, participants leave with a solid foundation, a clearer sense of purpose, and tools to confidently take their next steps.

Get Involved
Whether you're a parent, educator, designer, or potential strategic partner, there's a role for you:

Enroll your child: Students ages 6–18 are eligible
Volunteer your time: Be a mentor, workshop facilitator, or event helper
Partner with us: Sponsor a student, donate supplies, or host a career talk
Join our Network: Help us build the most comprehensive fashion-based career incubator in the country

Media Highlights

Our youth have:
• Assisted with professional photo shoots and fashion campaigns
• Produced student-led fashion showcases
• Participated in statewide innovation fairs
• Designed sustainable prototypes for local exhibits

Resources
Every student in A Generation of (DE-FI)ance receives:
• A customized learning plan based on their age and goals
• Monthly skill-building workshops
• Access to sewing machines, design software, and 3D printers at the House of (DE-FI)ance
• Exposure to material science through Farm to Fashion and STEM Atelier initiatives

Contact Us

Got questions? Ready to support? Want to bring this program to your school?

Reach out through our Contact Page or follow us on Instagram @defiglobalinc

Together, let’s raise a Generation of (DE-FI)ance who are unafraid to question the norm and bold enough to lead the industry.

Request Your Child's Invitation

Rising Rebels: Empowering the Next Generation of (DE-FI)ance

Designing Confidence: Crafting Runway Dreams

In this behind-the-scenes look at A Generation of (DE-FI)ance fashion camp, instructor Melissa guides camper Jamiah as she creates a structured skirt for her runway debut. Together, they explore the Threads Boutique, examining different skirt styles, their structure, and the fabrics that shape them.

Melissa explains how fabric choices impact garment fit, silhouette, and how different designs can enhance or alter body shapes. This hands-on learning experience empowers young talent like Jamiah to understand the artistry and technicality behind fashion, preparing them to step confidently onto the runway.

First Steps in Fashion: Crafting Voices and Shaping Futures

In this sneak peek of our very first A Generation of (DE-FI)ance fashion camp, campers share their honest opinions about the process, their design goals, and the overall experience. Encouraged to be transparent, the kids didn’t hold back, giving us valuable insight as they worked through deconstructing and reconstructing garments to create their first fashion line.

While the camp was a success, we learned a lot—including the importance of separating age groups to avoid the 'little sister vs. big sister' dynamic. Jocelyn captured the fun chaos perfectly, sharing hilarious moments like Barney sing-alongs and kids just being kids.

This inaugural camp was our guinea pig group, and it laid the foundation for future camps, teaching us how to refine the program while fostering creativity and teamwork.

Navigating Anxieties and Unlocking Creativity: A Generation of (DE-FI)ance Junior

This clip from the A Generation of (DE-FI)ance Creative Youth Exploratory Boot Camp showcases the impactful work of our Junior program, designed for ages 6 to 12. Recognizing the immense pressure many kids face, we created a space where creativity becomes a vital outlet for self-expression and stress relief.

In this session, the kids moved beyond their initial project—tote bags—and focused on crafting their own sleep shirts and robes. This was also our first time working with children from various school districts, and we encountered the unique challenges of navigating diverse school and parental schedules. From differing school year calendars to spring and holiday breaks, it became clear that flexibility and adaptability are essential to our programming.

Much like the fashion industry’s seasonal changes, we’ve realized our youth programs need to evolve every six months to stay fresh and effective. This insight has shaped how we approach programming, ensuring we continue to empower young creatives while meeting their needs and schedules.

Voices and Creativity: Meet the Participants of A Generation of (DE-FI)ance

In this clip from the Creative Youth Exploratory Bootcamp, we introduce the participants from the Junior age group as they share their unique talents and interests. Part of our program's goal is to let kids explore and choose their creative path—whether it's sewing, knitting, painting, or even creating fragrances.

But for this video, make sure to turn up your volume! Alex, one of our participants, shares his incredible singing voice. While he’s shy about being seen singing, he’s perfectly okay with letting you hear his talent. It’s a testament to the supportive and empowering environment we strive to create, where kids feel free to explore, express, and shine in their own way.

Flagged for Greatness: TJ’s Big Moment at the Fairgrounds

In this heartwarming and hilarious clip from the A Generation of (DE-FI)ance Creative Youth Exploratory Bootcamp, we share the exciting news that TJ, a camper with a passion for flags, gets a special opportunity to repair the tattered flag at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.

TJ, ever the perfectionist, was ready to issue a citation for the state of the flag, but instead, he gets to showcase his skills and give it new life. Amid the excitement, Caressa reminisces about her Girl Scout days and starts singing "Taps"—a moment you may want to turn the volume down for. (We’re not liable for any ear damage caused by Caressa’s not-so-stellar vocal performance!)

This clip captures the spirit of the bootcamp—combining creativity, leadership, and a touch of humor to inspire the next generation.

Flag Redemption: T.J. Saves the Day and Old Glory

A Generation of (DE-FI)ance Creative Youth Exploratory Bootcamp, T.J. proudly raises the repaired flag at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. With help from two volunteers, including an Armed Forces veteran, T.J. showcases his handiwork and proves his flag-fixing skills are top-notch.

Special thanks to the Montgomery County Fairgrounds and Lori Page for giving T.J. this opportunity to shine. After ensuring the flag was restored to its former glory, T.J. graciously tore up the citation he was ready to issue. Fairgrounds, you’re officially back in good standing with the flag police!

This clip highlights leadership, creativity, and the power of giving young people the chance to leave their mark—literally and figuratively.

Youth Fashion Incubator – Dayton & Cincinnati’s Next Generation