Imagine this scenario: Mayor Michael Nutter stands between a designer and her freshly sewn, boundary-pushing garment. He crosses his arms and purses his lips before peering skeptically over his glasses to say, "Make it work." OK, back to reality. Our esteemed mayor may be no Tim Gunn, but he did just break big style news when he announced the unveiling of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator, a collaborative effort between the city, Macy's and the City Center District that hopes to foster young local design talent.

Here's how it works: Four slots are open for intrepid fashion designers to take part in a yearlong artist-in-residence project in a converted gift-wrapping room in Macy's. During this time, the participants will spend 35 to 40 hours a week working on their collections and attending workshops to learn about everything from line development to effective product marketing. Mentors include local fashion and business experts like Philadelphia Style editor in chief Kristin Munro and Center City District VP Tony Pipitone.

Alums from Moore, Drexel and Philadelphia University will snag three of the openings; the coveted fourth spot is open to anyone who plans to start or has already started a local fashion biz in the past three years. The Fashion Incubator's focus is heavy on business and job creation, so you've got to want it more than those jokers on Project Runway — and you've got to do it Philly-style. Oh, and you've got to get your application in by Jan. 20 — or you're out. 

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