Designers Named for San Francisco Incubator at Macy’s
The first batch of designers headed for the new “Designers in Residence” program, housed inside the Macy’s at Union Square in San Francisco, has been named.
The six designers, who all live in San Francisco but come from spots around the world, will be the first lucky ones to take part in the just-launched Fashion Incubator San Francisco, an incredible program that starts in March.
The designers get workshop space inside Macy’s offices, where they can create new lines and showcase their collections to store owners and other buyers. Experts in the San Francisco fashion and economic-development communities will lead training sessions and workshops for the designers. Topics will range from business planning, brand marketing and image creation to line costing and design critiques.
The executive director of Fashion Incubator San Francisco is Jeanne Allen, co-founder of the Jeanne-Marc apparel design company, which operated between 1973 and 1997. Allen is working with fellow FISF board members Diane Green, fashion department chair at City College of San Francisco, and Amy Williams, fashion design chair at California College of the Arts, to create a curriculum for the program.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the talent and motivation of our first class of Designers in Residence,” Allen said. “Each brings a unique set of skills and experiences inspired by people and places around the globe. We’re eager to help them put their individual stamp on the world of fashion and establish their businesses here in San Francisco.”
Macy’s initiated the program and offered to house it in its flagship store in the heart of San Francisco. The incubator hopes to turn budding fashion designers into successful entrepreneurs and employers. The program was started because fashion apparel was, 20 years ago, the second-largest industry in San Francisco, after tourism. Today, fashion designers struggle to stay afloat in the city.
The six people named to the first class are Justin Jamison, focusing on progressive urban wear for men; Tamara Jaric, focusing on women’s outerwear; Bethany Meuleners and Sabah Mansoor Husain, working together on bohemian and luxe womenswear; Tony Sananikone, designing womenswear; and Paloma Von Broadley, embracing slow fashion through sustainable processes.—Deborah Belgum
