Dayton Threads is an immersive fashion and retail experience established in 2017 by the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC. and after years of planning, we are officially set to open our doors on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at our new home located inside of the Dayton Mall.

Specializing in high quality, independent and emerging designer clothing, accessories, homeware and more;  we give our customers direct access to the next big thing in fashion and design. Like our parent company (DE-FI), we're disrupting the fashion industry and re(DE-FI)ing mundane ideas of what it means to shop small and supporting independent designers and artisans, each of whom have been carefully selected from across the country. 

Dayton Threads also serves as the 6th Component of the (DE-FI) Incubator providing an opportunity for designers to launch and sale their line after Dayton Fashion Week  as well as providing and educational opportunity for Incubator Designers to solidify whether they have reached their target market,  learn to scale their business, and adjust or make corrections to their brand,  portfolio, or business plan ahead of Ohio Market Week. 

In conjunction with our sister company The House of (DE-FI)ance: A Fashion & Design Co-working Experience and The Dayton Garment and Textile District, we are a unique retail and showroom business that creates an innovative online and brick and mortar creative shopping experience for our customers while promoting and supporting the finest independent fashion and design talent from across the country.  

Over the years, we've found that after each (DE-FI) produced event whether a Runway or a Professional Development Experience, the demand for participating designers grew as well as their needs and the request for our services. It was evident that more needed to be done.

Dayton Threads was established as the next level in (DE-FI)'s quintfecta incubator approach assisting independent and emerging designers in reaching their goals.  

We work to promote and empower emerging talent, while showcasing a curated selection of their products in a stylish yet ethically and environmentally conscious fashion community. We also offer micro-manufacturing at our store front location giving designers hands on quality control over their products. Customers can also receive alterations on site if a look doesn't quite fit right, as well as having customized pieces made just for you!

Fashion, design, and beauty are multi-billion dollar a year industries.  It's time that you build your own table and get your piece of the pie; Dayton Threads is here for you providing the tools, support, and access!   

Our forward thinking fashion and design boutique has created a shopping experience like no other.  Dayton Threads is where independent designers come to thrive and you are a part of their success stories! 

Like you, we are tired of being bombarded with social media ads for the latest designs that are often misleading or sales the exact same product from the exact same vendor.  We know that there is more to supporting and being an independent designer than just screen printed t-shirts or pillow that were purchased in bulk. We are trend setters and we're ready to make the world our runway and our house a home! 

 With a focus on supporting independent and emerging designers, the majority of the designs available in Dayton Threads are made to order meaning, our shoppers are planning ahead for a special occasion, vacation, event, or they simply just have a unique style of their own and are preparing to update their wardrobe! On average, from the time of the initial consultation with the designer takes place, it will take 4-6 weeks to deliver the finished product. #SlowFashion is the name of our game...and as you know...good things come to those who wait!  Yes, we do have a few items that you can walk in, buy, and take home that day and we are working on expanding the availability of those items too. Until then, how focus is ensuring a quality experience with quality products. Quality wins out every day over quantity.

We celebrate artist that create and manufacture their creations right here in the U.S.A. using ethical practices and livable wages. Yes, we even offer our own micro-manufacturing services to support these creators, the Dayton Threads Houseline, Threads of (DE-FI)ance and the custom designs that any customer can have created just for them.

Dayton Threads is committed to bringing you nothing but high quality and unique styles from emerging designers.  Plus we're making a conscious effort to vet our designers, their products, and brand to ensure that every transaction is open, honest, and transparent.   All designs and products sold via Dayton Threads is entirely made in our designer’s studio and/or by an artisan team of 10 people or less selected by the designer.

Our parent company the Dayton Emerging Fashion Incubator (DE-FI) LLC has never been one to shy away from controversy and have dealt with controversial issues head-on in our communication such as Human Trafficking.  We make sure that employees/support of each brand sold via Dayton Threads is paid a living wage and that no child labor or human  trafficking is involved in the production of the collection.  You will know where your product is made giving you a better insight into your consumption decisions. We're changing the retail landscape for the better   

Our retail model re(DE-FI)nes the "fashion experience" a term that was coined by (DE-FI) in 2013 and refocuses on longevity in the age of fast-fashion. Designs sold at Dayton Threads will stand the test of time, are made in small production runs with enduring materials. We're not interested in trends.  All of the emphasis is on the designer,  plus if you don't find what you are looking for, we can custom make a look just for you bringing your style story and uniqueness to life.