Chicago is rapidly turning into a diverse and thriving fashion capital with over 250 fashion designers, four fashion design colleges and with world-class boutiques and department stores, to boot.
At a media reception earlier this month, six fashion designers in residence were announced for the inaugural year of The Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy’s on State Street. Among the chosen designers was Glenn Mallory, the African American creator of 6ACE.
The 6ACE fashion line specializes in modern urban wear made from synthetic and natural leathers, exotic skins and organic fibers that offer a sexyûyet classicûmix of textures and artistry. Mallory and the other five designers will have the opportunity to learn the economics, marketing and merchandising of fashion from industry professionals and mentors from Macy’s and the fashion community.
The Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy’s on State Street provides the up and coming designers with the resources, workspace, curriculum and mentoring, needed to help launch their careers in fashion. CFI is part of Mayor Richard M. Daley’s Fashion Initiative, which supports and promotes fashion designers living and working in Chicago through events, seminars and city programs.
“This is another important step toward developing the next generation of design talent in our city,” Daley said about the program.
“By partnering with a major retailer like Macy’s, we’re providing local designers with the opportunity to develop their skills and learn more about the fashion business.”. Born and raised on the South Side, Mallory earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the International Academy of Design and Technology in 2004.
He is a protégé of worldrenowned designer Barbara Bates, who also began her career in Chicago. Mallory’s work has been featured in several high profiled fashion shows in Chicago, including the Annual Barbara Bates Foundation Fashion Show in May 2004 and the Catwalk is On Fire fashion show at the House of Blues in June 2004.
His line was also featured in the Heard The Inner Voice fashion show at Excalibur nightclub in February 2005. “We want to empower these six designers with the retail tools that they need to succeed in the business of fashion,” said Ralph Hughes, Vice President of Corporate Communications of Macy’s.
“Macy’s, in partnership with the City of Chicago, will provide a rich learning environment while simultaneously elevating the visibility and status of Chicago’s fashion industry. Other designers in residence include Kate Coxworth, Agga Raya, Lidia Wachowska, Yana German, Kristin Rosynek Hassan.
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