Get paid to make your own fashion collection!
Apply to be part of the Chicago Public Library Radical Fit Fashion Incubator. Boost your design skills with Chicago-based fashion designers Sky Cubacub of Rebirth Garments and Vieve of Vulpinic Vestements and create a fashion capsule collection to showcase at the Queer Radical Fair in July. Sky is a Chicago based fashion designer and chainmaille artist that creates wearables for queer and trans disabled folks of all sizes and ages. Vieve’s Vulpinic is an exploration in the infusion of silicone and fabric into wearable art, custom made for any body, gender and ability.
Radical Fit Fashion Incubator Details
When: January through July, Queer Radical Fair in July
There are two incubator cohorts this year, see below for additional details.
Where: Northside - Portage-Cragin (5109 W Belmont Ave), Saturdays, 2-4pm
Lead Teaching Artist: Sky Cubacub (they/xey)
Expertise Areas: Patternmaking, stretch fabrics, swimwear, gender affirming garments, Chainmaille, embroidery, found objects
Website/Instagram: rebirthgarments.com IG: @rebirthgarments
Assistant Teaching Artist: Morgan Hill (they/he)
Expertise Areas: Corsets, historical dress, delicate materials, gowns, fantasy costuming, drag costuming
Where: Southside - West Lawn (4020 W 63rd St), Saturdays, 2-4pm
Lead Teaching Artist: Vieve White (they/them)
Expertise Areas: Silicone, non-traditional materials, mold making
Website/Instagram: vulpinicvestements.com
Assistant Teaching Artist: Calla May Bordie (any/ all pronouns)
Expertise Areas: DIY, upcycling, thrifting, patternmaking, stretch fabrics, non-stretch fabrics, zippers, hems
Students will:
- Receive up to $150 in supplies.
- Be paid hourly at $16.20.
- Keep all the garments they make during the program.
- Receive professional development in fashion design, branding and small business development.
Final designs will be exhibited at the Queer Radical Fair at the Chicago Park District in July. Students must not miss more than 3 sessions and must debut their project at the final event in order to receive payment for participation.
Submission Guidelines
Who: High school students between the ages of 13-19 who live in Chicago.
What: Submit a portfolio of 3 to 10 original works along with a statement of interest.
When: Submit your portfolio between October 14th through October 27th.
Portfolio submissions must contain 3 to 10 original creative works that reflect your interest in fashion and style. Submissions can include fashion, fashion design, styling, make-up, accessory or jewelry design. Acceptable submissions should include finished pieces and designs but can also include process works such as drawings, fabric swatches, mood boards, look-book photographs or works-in-progress.
Your artist statement should give insight into you, your work and your interest in fashion using 500 words or less. Please address the following:
- Discuss your relationship to fashion and style.
- Describe the collection you would like to create during the Fashion Incubator. Please include materials and processes you would like to learn about and work with during the mentorship sessions.
- Describe what you would like to learn during the Fashion Incubator and how this will help you with your career goals.
