It was nearly 12 years ago when the Toronto Fashion Center for the Promotion of Fashion Design (the official title of TFI) was born. The fashion industry in Toronto was losing talents to other fashion centers and manufacturing firms were moving to regions that could offer lower costs.

The mandate for TFI: To save the fashion industry by attracting talented people Toronto and provide support for them. TFI opened its doors! It was the first facility of its kind in North America. A decade later, other countries followed Toronto's example. Today, there are facilities in the United States and Japan similar to the TFI.

TFI's success could also be measured by its long line of success stories: Serena Deparis, David Dixon, Noel Crisostomo, Ewa Majak, Anna Staffiere, Crystal Siemens, Joeffer Caoc to name a few.

So how does the TFI do it? According to Susan Langdon, TFI's Executive Director, "TFI provides a support group to the designers. We're like family. Everyone shares the facilities and has to pitch in with cleaning up and maintaining work stations. By sharing equipment and space, young designesr are able to defray start-up costs."

With 6,200 sq.ft of studio space, offices and production facilities, the TFI helps smooth the transition of young talents from design student to self-supporting designer. The TFI's resource center makes available to its residents and outreach members trade publications, newsletters and other fashion industry resources which normally will be out of reach to them due to high costs.

One very important aspect of TFI's work is the bi-annual New Labels Fashion Show wherein up and coming designers are featured. Residents and outreach members can showcase their collection at the New Labels Fashion Show which is attended by thousands of fashion buyers and media representatives.

To be a resident of the TFI, you have to be:

• A graduate of an accredited Fashion Program in Canada
• Or have industry or work experience
• Must submit a three-year business plan
• Must have a portfolio of your work
• Must have proof of financial support

The Outreach Program is open to fashion entrepreneurs who operate their business "outside the walls" of the TFI. This annual membership program offers access to all of the services, equipment and facilities in the Centre, Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All of the factory equipment and office services operate on a fee per service basis to offset the cost of repairs and maintenance. Sewing machines, industrial irons, sergers, buttonhole machines etc. are rented on an hourly basis, while photocopies, faxes and courier shipments are calculated from direct costs. Cost to become an Outreach member is just $120.00/year + tax. Virtually, almost anyone can be an Outreach Member

For more information about TFI, call (416)971-7117
or you can visit their website at: www.fashionincubator.on.ca