580 Calumet Ln, Dayton, OH 45417
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580 Calumet Ln, Dayton, OH 45417
"Success comes to the underdog who doesn't let sleeping dogs lie...
Youth Fashion Incubator – Dayton & Cincinnati’s Next Generation
(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.
Copyright © 2025 (DE-FI) Global INC - All Rights Reserved.
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The Fiber Forum's Trashion Show Applications Are Live!
Applications are now open for designers interested in showcasing their work in the Trashion Show during (DE-FI) Fashion Week’s Fiber Forum on September 16th in Strategic Partnership with the Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub. If you're ready to turn trash into couture, submit your application by August 30.