Ready to wear

Thursday, Dec. 5 — When it opens in February, the newly renovated Knapp Building in downtown Lansing will be home to Michigan’s first fashion and design incubator. The incubator, called The Runway, opened its application process this week for its new designer-in-residence program. There will be a meet and greet event for the public 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17. 

The facility will provide space for 12 artists to launch collections at low overhead costs. The price for a studio will range from $350 to $475 per month. This price includes the design space, costs of furnishing, Internet and equipment access. It also offers secured access to the facility at all times.

The designer-in-residence program will provide designers with the opportunity to launch collections, develop sales, market materials and formulate businesses. The program will provide access to new equipment, technology and software for designers to make this possible.

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership will provide management to the incubator.

“Startups in the Lansing region are diverse, ranging from technology to fashion to wet lab ventures,” Bob Trezise said, LEAP’s President and CEO. “By offering an incubator space for each of these industries allows the companies to thrive in a safe, supportive environment.”

The meet and greet event will be held at LEAP’s office on 1000 S. Washington Ave. in Lansing from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 17. The event will provide information to the public on the project and how designers and businesses can get involved.

For information on The Runway’s incubator, go to runwaylansing.com.