In December 2011, Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced details about The Philadelphia Fashion Incubator at Macy’s Center City, a new fashion design initiative devoted to supporting and promoting emerging fashion designers and encouraging local designers to keep their businesses in Philadelphia.

“I think the initiative of having a fashion incubator in the City of Philadelphia is long overdue.” says Cheryl Wadlington, Style Director of Evoluer Image Consultants, Founder of The Evoluer House, and author of The DivaGirl’s Guide to Style and Self-Respect. “Aside from the vast amount of talented individuals in Philadelphia, if there are no outlets that can promote and support them, and encourage them keep their businesses in Philadelphia, why would a designer want to maintain their fashion house in the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection?”

“The Philadelphia fashion community is growing so fast and so abroad!” says, celebrity fashion Stylist, Anthony Henderson and Founder of 17 Days of Fashion. “I am so happy for the city of Philadelphia because it now has the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator. Designers will now have the opportunity to be spotlighted and gain the education they so need.”