Chicago, renowned for its sports, architecture, and deep-dish pizza, is set to redefine its cultural landscape with the upcoming Chicago Fashion Week. This 12-day extravaganza, scheduled from October 9 to October 20, aims to spotlight the city’s burgeoning fashion scene.
Organizers announced the event on Tuesday, detailing a lineup that includes fashion shows, award ceremonies, marketplaces, gala celebrations, and educational programs. With more than 50 events planned across the city, Chicago Fashion Week will partner with local fashion organizations, retailers, and neighborhood business associations, showcasing a diverse array of designs from streetwear to formal wear.
In a departure from other major fashion weeks, 95% of Chicago Fashion Week events will be open to the public, with many being free of charge. “This October, all of Chicago becomes a runway,” declared John Leydon, co-founder of Chicago Fashion Week.
During a press conference at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, organizers highlighted Chicago’s status as a shopping destination home to groundbreaking designers and prestigious fashion schools. Ian Gerard, co-founder of Chicago Fashion Week and fashion events group The Curio, emphasized the event’s goal to highlight local talent and provide a platform for the city’s fashion enthusiasts. “For too long, Chicago’s fashion talent has fallen off the radar of many,” Gerard stated, adding that the event will showcase the city’s unique talent and passion for fashion.
Mayor Brandon Johnson echoed these sentiments, noting Chicago’s longstanding reputation for creativity and innovation. “Amplifying Chicago fashion events through Chicago Fashion Week creates an opportunity to elevate our city’s status as a fashion capital,” he said.
The city has previously hosted fashion events like Chicago Fashion Focus Week, which ran from 2005 to 2014 at Millennium Park. However, the upcoming Chicago Fashion Week will be a privately produced event with city support. Gerard highlighted the event’s decentralized model, which allows for events across various neighborhoods, ensuring broader community participation. “This is a fashion week for everyone,” he affirmed.
The announcement featured a mini-fashion show by seven Chicago designers, including Maria Pinto, Sheila Rashid, GRÉVYI, I Am Studios, Koush, Production Mode, and Sujata Gazder. Pinto, known for dressing Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey, and Rashid, famous for her unisex streetwear worn by celebrities like Chance the Rapper and Zendaya, were among the highlights.
Notable events for Chicago Fashion Week include:
An opening night runway show by The Curio on October 9, featuring local designers such as Pinto and Rashid.
A Chicago Fashion Coalition show on October 11, which will feature local designers and celebrate the city’s 40th anniversary of house music.
The Fulton Market Outdoor Fashion Show hosted by the West Central Association on October 11, and “Couture for the Cause” by the Oak Street Council and Oak Street SSA.
The Asian Fashion Show Chicago on October 12, showcasing collections from Asian American and Pacific Islander designers.
Surround Sound of Fashion on October 12, blending fashion and music with talent from the Midwest.
A Vintage Fashion Marketplace presented by the organizers of Randolph Street Market on October 13.
A fashion photography exhibition at NoMI Gallery at the Park Hyatt starting October 16.
The Chicago Fashion Showcase by Minted Media Productions on October 17, focusing on BIPOC designers.
Runway Latinx on October 19, featuring local Latinx designers and talents from South America.
Chicago Fashion Week promises to be a transformative event, aiming to place the Windy City firmly on the global fashion map.
