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                     New York City Supports Young Designers

   by Bernard Shusman

   Many see young designers as the lifeblood of the fashion industry.  The
   city of New York is hoping to maintain its billing as a top fashion
   capital of the world by encouraging young designers through a program
   of fashion incubators.
   On one floor of a non-descript building in New York, there are 10 small
   designer labels from all over the United States.  These fashion
   creators, selected from more than 100 applicants, are hoping their
   designs will become the next big thing.
   For two years, the New York City Economic Development Corporation
   provides them with considerable support, like bargain rental space.
   Daniel Vosovic is one of the designers.
   "It could be legal help, it could be I want to launch my own online
   store.  It could be I am having production issues," he said. "And they
   team you up with mentors with the industry to help guide for advice,
   but no one owns part of our company.  There's no cash involved, there's
   no investments. It's just support."
   Vosovic, who was a finalist in Season 2 of the television show Project
   Runway, has a following.
   He's been developing a celebrity base.  This past year his customers
   included Mila Kunis, Emma Stone and Elizabeth McGovern.  But, to get to
   the next major level, becoming the celebrity designer, takes more than
   inspiration.  He knows it takes good advice and help from mentors like
   Malcolm Carfrae of Calvin Klein and April Uchitel, formerly with Diane
   von Furstenberg.
   "I'm a small label and there's only so much I can support.  It's
   really, it's important for the city to understand labels like us," he
   said. "We need their help before we can grow to become the Ralph
   Laurens, the Donna Karans and become those powerhouse designers."
   "I think that any entrepreneur will tell you that it's about having
   people who've had success in their own business and, you know, you have
   to remember that these are businesses that are comprised of just a few
   individuals, so having people who've really been there and done that,
   when it comes to starting and growing businesses, is an invaluable type
   of resource to be able to offer them," said Eric Johnson, who directs
   the Fashion Incubator program for New York City.
   Vosovic does all of his manufacturing in New York. It gives him greater
   control and allows him to personally oversee most steps of production.
   He also believes in a long-term approach to business planning.
   "One collection is not going to make a career," he said. "You will
   slide down if the clothes aren't great.  If you ship late, you're going
   to burn bridges.  So to me, success is longevity.  It's loyalty and
   personal fulfillment."
   Vosovic does have a growing worldwide Internet customer base and he is
   seen in boutiques throughout the United States.  His label is growing
   and much credit, he says, belongs to the fashion incubator program.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/new-york-city-supports-young-designers/1864255.html