Mission

The DC Fashion Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting the fashion business community in the Washington, DC area through educational programs, workforce training initiatives, and networking and mentoring opportunities. The Foundation strives to:

• Develop entrepreneurs’ business skills and workforce preparedness that receives grant, sponsorship and/or strategic partnerships to organizations, institutions, or individuals for charitable purposes for fashion arts and culture
• Improve the quality and availability of fashion industry opportunities helping fashion arts and culture businesses
• Strengthen the connections and networks that form the foundation of the Washington, DC fashion community

History

The DC Fashion Foundation originated from the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce (GWFCC), a Washington, DC-based trade association for the fashion industry. Founded in 2007, the GWFCC began developing Washington, DC into a global fashion capital. The GWFCC influenced legislation to bring fashion-related business to the area; established youth and adult arts education programs; and formed the first Congressional Apparel Manufacturing and Fashion Business Caucus on Capitol Hill.

In 2009, the DC Fashion Foundation launched with a mission to serve established and emerging designers as well as design students transitioning to full-time positions in the creative economy. The DC Fashion Foundation also continues initiatives that the GWFCC began, including arts education, fashion industry advocacy, and research.

Since its inception, the Foundation has made a wide-reaching impact on the DC community and:

• Taught approximately 1,000 youths through its summer program, Camp Runway
• Trained about 500 aspiring and established professionals through its small business technical assistance program, Fashionably Business
• Developed approximately 50 designers through its DC Fashion Incubator at Macy’s and its Public Program
• Attracted hundreds of attendees to each of its Fashion Showcase events, including about 300 guests at its most recent installment

Programs

A sampling of programming that the DC Fashion Foundation has offered to fashion industry professionals, students, and enthusiasts in the Washington, DC area includes:

DC Fashion Incubator at Macy’s Metro Center

The premier program of the DC Fashion Foundation, the DC Fashion Incubator is a residency in a glass-enclosed design and learning space at Macy’s Metro Center. This application-only program offers space to work and showcase designs, seminars on business development, access to mentors and networking, and specialized consulting. Classes consist of up to ten Designers-in-Residence.

Designer-in-Residence Events

Our Designers-in-Residence regularly host events to share their creative process and showcase their designs. Throughout the year, you can visit group pop-up shops, fashion showcases, and more. Check out our “Events” page for upcoming opportunities to met our creatives.

Speaker Series

Experts in business management, fashion design, global trade, and more guide our Designers-in-Residence and public guests through the basics of running a fashion business. Our “Events” page shows prior and upcoming speakers. (Please note and follow any RSVP requirements listed with each speaker event.)

Macy’s Red Dress Collection at New York Fashion Week

Macy’s has considered and selected our Designers-in-Residence to dress celebrity models in its annual New York Fashion Week show. Brands from our Incubator such as Amanda Casarez and Dur Doux have designed gowns for supermodel Veronica Webb and actress Elisabeth Röhm.

Leadership

Board of Directors

Kesha Hamlin | Chair
Chonita Dixon | Treasurer
Noral Mostafa | Secretary

Executives and Staff

Christine Brooks-Cropper | President, CEO, and Founder
Bailey Sessoms | COO / Project Director- MelaninPreneurs

Stephanie Spears | Youth Programs / Project Director- Camp Runway

Henry Tucker | CFO / Auditor
Chidi Onukwugha, General Counsel

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