Fashion statement

THURSDAY, OCT. 9 – It might look retro but everything about The Runway is stylish, new and fashion-forward

The fashion and design incubator brings back the retail roots to the former Knapp’s department store in downtown Lansing. The Runway is the first tenant to open in the newly renovated historic structure. It’s located on the Washtenaw Street side of the building.

As the first fashion incubator in Michigan, according to Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, the mission is to keep promising designers in the area so they don’t want to move to Los Angeles or New York.

“To have a space that is state of the art with all of this equipment and then having the retail space as well is a huge platform and opportunity,” said Jeff Henry a business consultant for The Runway. “ The response across the state of Michigan has been incredible.”

The Runway has a retail floor and a workspace/office space floor. It has room for up to 12 designers who can run their business within the facility.

Some designers currently in residence are, Lawrence Hunt, Swim Lively, Our Own, Tiny Human Apparel Co., Beauhawk, Freshwater Apparel, LE&O, Bad Latitude, Alex & Jayde Designs and North Promontory.

Designers are given 24/7 access to the building, an office, supplies and support that it takes to create and expand their brand. The associate level access gives designers use of equipment and software but not a full office.

The Runway also offers opportunities for photographers, aspiring models and those looking for some retail therapy.

A 3,000-square-foot retail showroom offers shoppers a chance to peruse as well as purchase everything from menswear to swim suits to baby gear.

Mindy Biladeau, executive director of Downtown Lansing Inc., said The Runway “is our catalyst that will allow us to grow and attract retailers to our area.  Retail is back in downtown Lansing."