Myntra's fashion incubator fans dreams of industry aspirants

For all you budding fashion designers who dream of owning a fashion label or brand, here is an opportunity presented by the collaboration between Myntra and Talenthouse. The two agencies have launched an unique initiative called the Myntra Fashion Incubator (MFI). “Through MFI, we will support entrepreneurship in the business of fashion. We give young entrepreneurs and designers a chance to turn their fashion designs and ideas into a sustainable business venture,” says Abhishek Verma, senior vice president, Myntra Fashion Brands. Verma explains that the incubator will mentor young talent and give access to industry expertise, capital, supply chain and distribution platforms. “All of this will empower them to create sizeable indigenous fashion brands in the long-run,” he says.  

Talenthouse, an international platform that links aspiring talent with leading artists and brands will reach out to its 10,000+ registered fashion community. “Our team of artists relations are working behind the scenes to engage the fashion fraternity and promote the Incubator programme,” informs, Arun Mehra, CEO, Talenthouse India, adding that the outreach team will connect with over 100 fashion institutes to tap into new artists through on-ground collage contact programmes. 

MFI's year-long Designer in Residence (DIR) programme will be based out of  the Myntra office in Bangalore. Interested participants can upload their portfolio and details on  www.myntrafashionincubator.com. Design graduates need to ensure their application is permitted by their educational institute. “This programme is open to designers in fields of clothing, footwear and accessories,” informs Verma adding that selected candidates will receive infrastructure and financial support to create merchandise for one full season and get an opportunity to retail their merchandise on the Myntra platform.

There is a strict procedure in place when it comes to selection of candidates for the DIR programme. Post evaluation of applications, around 25-30 applicants would be selected for the next round, where they will present their work before the jury. In the end, as many as 10 candidates would get the chance to become ‘Designers in Residence’. The key criteria for selection will be based on uniqueness, creativity and scalability of their brand/business idea. “The first batch is expected to roll out in January 2015 and selected participants are expected to occupy the design space by January 15 and work full-time on their brand/ business,” informs Verma. 

Participants will be required to attend the full educational curriculum workshop where acclaimed designers and fashion experts like Rohit Gandhi, Rahul Khanna, Rahul Mishra, Wendell Rodricks, Rina Dhaka, Paras and Shalini, Shantanu and Nikhil and Ami Patel will mentor and guide them. “The programme would cover essentials like branding, consumer behaviour, product design/development, pricing, inventory planning, retailing, financials etc,” concludes Verma.

MFI is for candidates who are: 

Permanent residents of India

Are above the age of 21 years as on the date of application

Hold a degree/ diploma in fashion or design from a recognised institute 

Established designers having retailed their brand for less than three years are also eligible to apply.

Foreign applicants residing outside India need to be above 21 years.

Foreign applicants who are qualified under Indian laws to set up business in India are also eligible. Such participants should also be permitted by their municipal laws to establish such business in India. 

The one year DIR programme is offered FREE for participants of MFI.