Supported through WOAH’s satellite program making underutilized retail space available to arts initiatives at no-to-low cost, the HIP (Houston Incubator Project) Pop-Up marked Houston’s first concept store dedicated to showcasing emerging designers. Through HIP’s services, the not-for-profit aims to grow and sustain the business of participating fashion designers by developing the skills needed to thrive and survive in a competitive industry.
Animating a 500 sq ft. storefront, HIP displayed designers’ collections at no-cost in addition to providing mentoring and networking opportunities through workshops, seminars, and fashion shows. Accessible and professional, the HIP Pop-Up provided exposure to real-life retail challenges of reaching target-audiences and managing a store within a commercial center.
Under founder and veteran designer Toni Whitaker’s curation, HIP met a roster of support—landing on ABC, FOX, and varied print features. Generating attention to the city’s next leading entrepreneurs through creating opportunities to test the ready-to-wear market, the HIP Pop-Up introduced audiences to the first iteration of the incubator project.
November 2013 – March 2014
West Oaks
1000 West Oaks Mall, Houston, TX 77082
