Sew exciting! For over a decade, fashion lovers have hoped to see the city shine more of a spotlight on our talented designers and, today, in the Four Seasons Hotel’s Lakeview Ballroom, Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with event organizers, announced the dream will become a reality come October. Prepare for CHICAGO FASHION WEEK, October 9 – 20.
During this time frame, more than 50 fashion events will be happening all over the city, with most being free to the public. Maggie Gillette, CFW co-founder with John Leydon, announced an exciting lineup that’s still in formation.
Event highlights thus far will include a 50th anniversary gala for the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum; The Curio’s Opening Night Runway Show; Runway Latinx at Cine City Studios; Fulton Street will be closed down for a fashion show; the 4th Annual Asian Fashion Show; 16th Annual Surround Sounds of Fashion; a special one day vintage market from the Randolph Street Market team and special programming from fashion destinations including 900 N. Michigan Shops, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as events and activations at dozens of fashion boutiques throughout the city.
“Over the next few months we will be announcing shop and sip neighborhood experiences, educational programming, special partnerships with other Chicago event experiences, and much, much more,” said Gillette.
Mayor Brandon Johnson was on hand to lend his support, laughingly acknowledging himself as a “fashionista.” He shared, “Chicago really has a vast staple of world-class fashion designers, but unfortunately, they have not gotten the attention they deserve. That’s about to change…The time has come for fashion to take its place alongside sports, architecture, theater, music, the culinary arts and gain the national attention it deserves.”
Rich Gamble, Choose Chicago Interim CEO, and Melissa Gamble, Professor of Fashion Studies at Columbia College. (Photo Candace Jordan)
Mayor Brandon Johnson cheerleading for Chicago Fashion Week. (Photo Candace Jordan)
Designer Sheila Rashid and friend. (Photo Candace Jordan)
Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director Illinois Office of Tourism. (Photo Candace Jordan)
Chic guests at Chicago Fashion Week announcement. (Photo Candace Jordan)
The podium awaits the Chicago Fashion Week announcement. (Photo Candace Jordan)
7 designers showcased their looks at the Chicago Fashion Week announcement on 5/28. (Photo Candace Jordan)
Maria Pinto was one of the seven designers who showed a look at the Chicago Fashion Week announcement 5/28. (Photo Candace Jordan)
Cute guests at Chicago Fashion Week announcement. (Photo Candace Jordan)
The gorgeous lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, where the event for Chicago Fashion Week was held May 28. (Photo Candace Jordan)
Rich Gamble, Choose Chicago Interim CEO, and Melissa Gamble, Professor of Fashion Studies at Columbia College. (Photo Candace Jordan)
Mayor Brandon Johnson cheerleading for Chicago Fashion Week. (Photo Candace Jordan)
Designer Sheila Rashid and friend. (Photo Candace Jordan)
Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director Illinois Office of Tourism. (Photo Candace Jordan)
Chic guests at Chicago Fashion Week announcement. (Photo Candace Jordan)
The podium awaits the Chicago Fashion Week announcement. (Photo Candace Jordan)
7 designers showcased their looks at the Chicago Fashion Week announcement on 5/28. (Photo Candace Jordan)
Maria Pinto was one of the seven designers who showed a look at the Chicago Fashion Week announcement 5/28. (Photo Candace Jordan)
Cute guests at Chicago Fashion Week announcement. (Photo Candace Jordan)
The gorgeous lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, where the event for Chicago Fashion Week was held May 28. (Photo Candace Jordan)
Other speakers included Rich Gamble, Choose Chicago Interim CEO; designer Sheila Rashid; Chicago Fashion Week producers Ian Gerard, John Leydon and Maggie Gillette and Ciara Merouan from The Four Seasons Chicago. The presentation also including a short fashion show featuring the designs of 7 local designers- GREYVI, I Am Studios, Koush, Maria Pinto, Production Mode, Sheila Rashid and Sujata Gazder.
For more info and to follow along on developing events, click here: chicagofashionweek.com