EMERGE

Creative Career Path - created, run and presented by INTERFORM - develops fashion designer talent in the area and attracts visionaries from other regions to collaborate, train, and learn from the regional creative community. EMERGE focuses on identifying talent based in the region and providing opportunities via mentorships and workshops with leading thinkers in the fields of fashion, sustainability, manufacturing, and creative design among others. The program engages varius experienced Designer in Residence, and a select amount of local designers. Our ultimate goal is to support the growth of the existing local talent, foster greater levels of creative production, and contribute industry knowledge to the community.

PROGRAM FOCUS

Each season, the program engages one experienced Designer in Residence and a select number of local designers. Our ultimate goal is to support the growth of the existing local talent, foster greater levels of creative production, and contribute industry knowledge to the community. Each season takes place biweekly over a four-month period and focuses on a different program area. The program culminates in a capstone project related to the specific topic of the season.

We want to see our designers succeed and that means supporting them every step of the way. We work to give designers a place to come to for all of their needs – whether it be help with marketing, a sounding board for the creation of their collection, or a mentorship in production. If we don’t have the resources  they need at the time, we find it through our network of industry professionals who range from fashion brand founders to merchandising consultants to technical designers and beyond.

We build relationships of support beyond our educational programming to ensure designers have resources as they enter the entrepreneurial retail market. Helping create connections with developers to assist them build an online presence, with inventory management strategies, merchandising, and more. Additionally we create select opportunities for designers to retail their products directly from our storefront in Downtown Springdale.

Season One of Emerge focused on high end design work, increasing designer skill level, and conceptualizing a collection. 

Season Two of Emerge on manufacturing, sourcing, and production for clothing brands. Designers learned about sustainability and minimum viable products. 

Season Three of Emerge focused on a fashion label and designer identity. The program culminated with runway shows at the Momentary in Bentonville AR in March 2022.

Season Four & Five of Emerge launched in Spring 2022 and culminate in a project in collaboration with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in relationship to their upcoming ‘Fashioning America’ exhibition. 

2021 RUNWAY

View the full collections for 2021.

2022 RUNWAY

View the full collection for 2022.

INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING? REQUEST INFO NOW!

EMERGE SEASON ARCHIVES

SEASON SIX

SEASONS 4 & 5

SEASON THREE

SEASON TWO

SEASON ONE