If you have walked through downtown Raleigh lately, it is hard to miss the new space that has popped up at 131 Wilmington St. Inside might look like a retail space not unlike the shops around the corner, but the building is home to so much more. 

It is home to Raleigh Emerging Designers Innovation or REDii, a nonprofit that provides a space for up-and-coming fashion designers and entrepreneurs. Their goal is to offer guidance from business mentors who understand the fashion industry

REDii has a “Six Steps to Success” program that helps entrepreneurs from the time they have an idea for a business all the way through to the commercialization of that idea. It is all about helping fashion entrepreneurs create, launch and operate their businesses. 

Find out more about REDii and how to join

To help launch this exciting venture, REDii is holding a Launch Party Fashion Extravaganza and Fundraiser at Solas on Wednesday, May 23. The party, which runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., will feature beer, wine and light appetizers. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. All ticket sales will help to fund and support emerging local fashion designers.