Fashion
Explore the philosophy behind the Miami Fashion Incubator, a launchpad for designers dedicated to blending creativity with sustainability. Learn how the program helps aspiring brand owners move from concept to a ready-to-sell collection in just 90 days, drastically reducing common startup mistakes.
Updated 03:23 pm EST, November 19, 2025
Published 03:14 pm EST, November 19, 2025
Photo Credits:
Fashion Designer: Sapia Simone
Fashion Styling: Karo Delgobbo, Pietra Delgobbo
Hair & Make-up: Tatiana Zabora
Model: Jenny Cruz
Photography: Flávio Iryoda
Explore the philosophy behind the Miami Fashion Incubator, a launchpad for designers dedicated to blending creativity with sustainability. Learn how the program helps aspiring brand owners move from concept to a ready-to-sell collection in just 90 days, drastically reducing common startup mistakes.
Updated 03:23 pm EST, November 19, 2025
Published 03:14 pm EST, November 19, 2025
Photo Credits:
Fashion Designer: Sapia Simone
Fashion Styling: Karo Delgobbo, Pietra Delgobbo
Hair & Make-up: Tatiana Zabora
Model: Jenny Cruz
Photography: Flávio Iryoda
The future of fashion isn’t just about what you design; it’s also about how cleanly you launch. And the Miami Fashion Incubator is a launchpad worth watching. Created by Sapia Simone, a Fashion Educator and Creative Director of Sapia Simone, her own resort-wear label, it’s a program for designers dedicated to blending fearless creativity with sustainability, slashing the time and drastically reducing the common, costly startup mistakes that kill creativity with a clear environmental mandate. They understand the necessity of balancing a powerful creative vision with logistical realities, ensuring ethical practice is shaped into the business model.
The name reflects exactly what we do: just like a business incubator, we provide support , resources and services to fashion designers and fashion start ups , but with a sustainable mindset. Miami needed one , since it represents diversity, creativity and energy.
I wanted to create a launchpad where aspiring brand owners and designers , could move from idea to action without feeling overwhelmed and mostly without making mistakes. My goal was to shorten the gap between concept/ idea to ready to sell products.
I wanted to prove that with the right guidance and partners, visions can move quickly, mostly for Fashion start ups that are not familiar with the product development process yet. We believe that 90 days is enough time to build something strong and meaningful while keeping high quality and while applying sustainable methods.
The main reason was realizing that a lot of talents give up before even starting, just because the industry sometimes feels intimidating and competitive. I also remembered my own struggles and thought that it would have been wonderful for me to help others with the same journey.
It’s about valuing both sides equally. Creativity is the heartbeat and systems/logistics keep it alive long term. I make sure clients dream and have the vision, while I build the structure underneath that will help their dreams stay strong.
Sustainability is part of my values, also in my daily life. I have always believed Fashion should look good without harming the environment. By embedding sustainable methods and practices from the very start, we are helping brands set a foundation that respects both people and the planet.
One of my favorite stories is of a young designer who had never imagined they could see their clothes in the stores. Thanks to Miami Fashion Incubator, they launched in 89 days and today their collection is selling well and inspiring others.
For me success isn’t just about visibility or profits. It’s when we see we have created brands with a ethical and strong voice, strong foundation, and confidence to keep building.
I start my day with meditation and journaling. It helps me enter each session with calmness and purpose.
They have taught me resilience. Every client comes with unique challenges, and seeing how they overcome them , reminds me why I started this journey.
Teaching and incubating are interconnected. While with students I plant seeds, with Fashion start-ups I help them bloom. Both roles remind me that knowledge and experience should always be shared.
I hope Miami Fashion Incubator is starting conversations about making Fashion more inclusive and sustainable while celebrating Miami’s unique cultural diversity.
I see it growing into a larger community, with hubs in major cities, offering more resources and continuing to mentor the next generations of designers who will shape the industry.
I would whisper: “Start with what you have, trust your vision, and remember that small steps usually lead to something extraordinary”.
Fashion Designer and Professor, Mena believes that fashion completely transcends the surface and the most important is how one feels rather than anything else. Fashion is really about how empowered one becomes by it. She channels vibrant flares of vintage fashion and dreams of contemporary twists, inspired by her own life and travels.
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