Five new fashion start-ups have joined The Runway fashion incubator in downtown Lansing, with their designs set on achieving levels of success similar to a recent alumnus.
The five new tenants will bring a host of new services, products and innovation to the Greater Lansing Region. New designers include:
- Jon Lewis, Project I: A Fashion venture capital firm from New York City
- Ashton Keys of the Ninety6: A streetwear line that connects with creativity and energy
- Tyler Mehigh of Northern Etiquette: A northern-themed prep apparel company
- James Eisenbeiser: A line of totes and fashion accessories
- Stephane Awuro of 4ace: A menswear line
"It's exciting to see so much new creative energy coming to downtown Lansing through The Runway," says Joe Carr, startup innovation manager at the Lansing Economic Area Partnership and director of The Runway. "We are excited to work with these designers to develop and refine their brand and further solidify The Runway's reputation as the premiere fashion incubator in the State of Michigan."
Carr added that Project I will bring a new capital investment to the region, further positioning metro Lansing as a leader in the fashion industry. The Runway also reports that alumnus Lawrence Hunt has secured a second brand ambassador with New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shephard. The wide receiver joins Detroit Tigers James McCann in donating 200 Lawrence Hunt shirts to students and veterans who are preparing for new careers.
Launched from The Runway, Lawrence Hunt Dress Shirts is best known for designing high-quality professional dress shirts that keep the wearer cool in the heat or during high stress situations.
Founder Jeff Schattner says The Runway was a critical force in the development of the company.
"The Runway was such a great experience and really helped us get our footing and foundation in place," says Schattner. "I talk about it all the time as part of our development."
The Runway Lansing was created in 2014 as Michigan's premiere fashion incubator, and helps aspiring designers produce and move collections to market by providing essential resources like creative space, education and programming. The Runway is funded by the Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) and is located in downtown Lansing in the Knapp's Centre, 300 S. Washington Square, Suite 100.
Source: Joe Carr, Director of The Runway
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
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