Kliment Halsband Architects Hosts Tours of CFDA {FASHION INCUBATOR}

As part of the 9th annual openhousenewyork Weekend (October 15-16), Kliment Halsband Architects will lead free behind-the-scene tours of the CFDA {FASHION INCUBATOR}, a business development program for emerging fashion designers in New York City. Tours will be given on Saturday, October 15, every half hour between 1 and 5pm. Reservations required; email [email protected] to reserve a time. For more information, call 646.786.1726. Located in the heart of New York City’s Garment District at 209 West 38th Street, the {FASHION INCUBATOR} provides individual low-cost studios for the participating fashion designers as well as a centralized professional space. The {FASHION INCUBATOR} space was designed by Kliment Halsband Architects. Twelve glass-front studios open onto a central boulevard extending the length of the floor, which can be used for events, collaborations, and runway shows. The boulevard’s diagonal lights, which are echoed in the diagonally patterned polished concrete floor, create an impression of movement and energy. Each studio is equipped with track lighting and a moveable partition to allow for flexible configuration of showroom and workroom space. The simple palette of materials – exposed brick walls and ductwork, terra cotta block column, polished concrete floors, and sheetrock dividing walls – was inspired by the existing industrial nature of the space. Flexibility of use, a clear circulation system, and simplicity of design were key factors in selecting materials and organizing the space to allow the designers to create their own individualized showroom. Current participants in the {FASHION INCUBATOR} program are an eclectic group of clothing and accessory designers, including Waris Ahluwalia of House of Waris, whose handcrafted jewelry recaptures Old World artisanship; Prabal Gurung, whose clothing designs have been worn by Michelle Obama, and Alice Ritter, who describes her signature style as French romantic meets Annie Hall. This year’s openhousenewyork Weekend is Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16, 2011. For complete information, visit www.ohny.org.