On Friday, ASOS.COM launched its new initiative ASOS Inc (short for incubator). The initiative is a long-term scheme that will encourage emerging designers to develop their businesses by introducing new product lines.

According to Vogue, ASOS will manage the new category through the sampling and product stages, without impacting on any mainline collections.

The first designer to be a part of Asos Inc. will be Thomas Tait. With Asos Inc., Tate will be able to wholesale his new line to other retailers globally and has the option of taking control of the product development and production.

Asos buying director Caren Downie told Vogue “A project like this feels long overdue; it has the flexibility to support designers at whatever level of development their business has reached and provides exciting opportunities to expand product ranges beyond their normal boundaries.”