Meet CFDA's 2012-2014 Incubator Class

In a previous post, The Fashion Grid covered the 2012 graduating class of the CFDA Incubator program. Now TFG would like to welcome the incoming Incubator class and encourage its readers to keep an eye out for the following emerging designers, who are the future faces of American fashion.

Antonio Azzuolo- Menswear. A native Canadian, Antonio Azzuolo has already been recognized by the CFDA after being nominated for the Swarovski Award for Menswear this year. His approach to menswear is a bit rebellious in detail yet sleek in the overall look. TFG particularly loves the designer's layered look and juxtaposition of the feminine with the masculine. 

Daniel Vosovic- Womenswear. If Vosovic looks familiar to you, it's because he was a finalist on Project Runway. Having attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, today the designer is focusing on his own line, which he launched in 2010. His aesthetic is sophisticated, edgy, and timeless. TFG is enamored with this emerging designer, not just because of the integrity with which he approaches his work, but because of his structured yet soft pieces that capture the essence of what women look for in their fashion. 

Arielle Shapiro of Ari Dein- Lingerie.  A 2007 graduate of Dickinson College, Shapiro received her bachelor’s degree in Fine Art and Art History and studied fashion design in Florence at the renowned Istituto di Polimoda. Shapiro finds inspiration in art deco and her lingerie pieces are an architectural balance of the soft with the bold and a brilliant union of luxury with comfort. 

 

Doug and Ben Burkman of Burkman Bros- Menswear. Burkman Bros is the creative partnership of two brothers, Doug and Ben Burkman. Their masculine, rugged sensibility honors classic American menswear. The brother honed their design skills and learned about sourcing unique materials when they both worked at Gap Inc. in the men’s design team. TFG loves the designer's sleek and creative take on the Marlboro Man, outdoor aesthetic, reminding us how good men look in solid, relaxed basics. 

Christian Cota- Womenswear. Born and raised in Mexico City, Christian Cota graduated from Parsons School of Design in 2005 with a degree in Fashion Design. The designer then started work as a design assistant at Angel Sanchez before establishing his own line, Christian Cota, in February 2007. In July of 2010, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and Vogue nominated Christian Cota a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalist. The designer's elegant pieces and textured fabric choices are a sartorial serenade that speak to TFG's heart. 

Emanuela Duca- Jewelry. Born in Rome Italy, Duca received her degree from the School of Art in Rome and the European Institute of Design. Her pieces are an interplay between movement and sculpture, incorporating earthy, almost primal textures that give her jewelry line a hardened beauty. TFG finds her work to be unique and edgy. This is one designer whose pieces we plan on stockpiling. 

Rick Hendry and Marc Daniels of Isaora- Menswear. A sportswear brand launched in 2009, the designers of Isaora use advanced materials and construction, seeking to add value and functionality to each garment. TFG is particularly drawn to the modern simplicity of the designs that give men a sleek look without compromising on comfort. 

 

Luis Fernandez and Greg Lawrence of Number:Lab- Menswear. Number:Lab is the brainchild of an established architect, Luis Fernandez, and serial entrepreneur, Greg Lawrance. The brand's goal is to fill a void in men's apparel market by offering a collection of essentials for the athletic side of the discerning man. The pieces are utilitarian yet sophisticated and are sure to win men over.  

Reece Solomon of Reece Hudson- Handbag and Belts. The Reece Hudson collection was founded in 2009 by Reece Solomon, a graduate of Parsons School of Design, who aimed to bridge the gap between luxury products and street style. TFG is absolutely obsessed with the textured leather of her handbags and the designers ability to create modern pieces that are also timeless. 

 

Timo Weiland and Alan Eckstein of Timo Weiland- Womenswear and Menswear. Timo Weiland is the result of the genius collaboration between Timo Weiland and Alan Eckstein. Between the two designers' upbringing in Nebraska, Florida, and New York, Timo Weiland's influences reach from the urban to the pastoral. This dichotomy manifests itself in their mix of floral dresses with leather jackets for women and plaid print jackets with sleek trousers for men. The designs are modern, dapper, and timeless and speak to TFG's sartorial sensibilities.  

Whitney Pozgay of WHIT. Womenswear. Whitney graduated from The University of Texas in Austin with a degree in  theatre, concentrating in costume design and honed her design skills at Parsons School of Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology. The niece of Kate Spade, Whitney began her career in fashion in her aunt's office, starting off as a receptionist and working her way up to junior designer. In 2007, Whitney became lead women’s wear designer at Steven Alan and eventually launched her line in Fall 2010. WHIT's signature is her eye for color, vintage, and classic designs that brilliantly showcase whimsical femininity.