Chicago isn’t typically perceived as a fashion capital, despite being the city that raised Law Roach, a stylist synonymous with high-fashion (Zendaya is an anchor client); Virgil Abloh, the late artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear ready-to-wear line; and Cynthia Rowley, who sold her first collection when she was a student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
John Leydon, founder of Chicago Fashion Week, wants to change that.
“I saw an opportunity and a gap,” said Leydon, a hospitality entrepreneur who owns Ruby Room, Gold Star Bar and Grace & Leavitt Tavern. “We are a world-class city that didn’t really have a strong voice in the world of fashion. Other events focus on exclusivity; we’re making it more accessible. Depending on your interest, there’s different shows you can visit. It’s not all about runway.”
Now in its second year, this year’s annual series kicks off Thursday and runs through Sunday, Oct. 19, with 60-plus shows, talks and shopping markets located in venues from Hyde Park to Highland Park. All are open to the public, with some requiring registration or a paid ticket.
With a packed schedule, there’s something for everyone to experience. Here’s a guide to help you get the most out of Chicago Fashion Week.
What to know before you go
Chicago Fashion Week (CFW) won’t feel or look like the other global markets, which is the point. New York City, Paris, and Milan are tailored for trade audiences, fashion editors, and celebrities — not general market consumers. Chicago Fashion Week is designed to speak to Midwest shoppers..
“They’re showing looks for the season ahead,” says Leydon. “Ours is more consumer-focused, and the garments are for this season. What you see at CFW is available for purchase now.” Various designers will have their wares for purchase at shows and there will be standalone market events that include vintage items and high-fashion.
Can’t-miss moments
Ease your way into the week with the College of DuPage Fashion Studies: Exhibition of Student Work at Yorktown Mall on Oct. 10. The free event is set to include student work exhibitions alongside runway presentations of student garment designs.
On Oct. 12, start the afternoon off in Evanston for the Cloth+Home Threaded Stories show, where 12 indie designers, including Andrea Reynders and Parron Allen, will showcase their work and share the stories behind their creations (tickets from $81). It’s the perfect event for the person who dresses with intention. The runway show will be emcee’d by David Sanchez, founder of 10MGMT modeling agency.
From there, it’s back to the city for the City of Confidence Fashion Show, a Navy Pier show by Robin Harris of Model Atelier, which is garnering buzz.
“Navy Pier traditionally doesn’t host large fashion events,” said Leydon. “This one is high-profile with a lot of production, interactive activities, and fashion in celebration of Chicago.”
The City of Confidence Fashion Show is ticketed at $85 for general admission or $150 for VIP. The VIP ticket includes priority seating and access to a private patio with food from celebrity chef Art Smith.
But if runway shows aren’t your thing, head to the Streetwear Expo on Oct. 12 in Pilsen between noon and 6 p.m. for a market of 40+ Chicago brands and designers from neighboring states including Michigan and Indiana (tickets are $3).
For those looking for a little more art and a little less market, Fleurotica, held at the Garfield Park Conservatory on Oct. 16, has generated a wave of anticipation throughout the industry. The event features 15 local designers creating stylish looks that incorporate botanical elements from head to toe. The event is already sold out, but will be livestreamed on the Garfield Park Conservatory’s YouTube account.
And for those who want a night on the town with like-minded creatives, the Shadow and Silk Fashion Gala (When Urban Streetwear meets Dandyism) on Oct. 17, is for you. Held in the historic Gold Ballroom of the Congress Hotel, a location known for its Gilded Age design, the event promises to be a throwback to classic elegance and modern style (tickets from $44).
Designers to watch
Shernett Swaby, founder of Swaby, has been in business for more than 10 years, and the longevity of her brand is the cornerstone of Chicago’s fashion community.
“She offers a guarantee that is really unheard of in the industry,” says Leydon. “If you buy a garment from her, you can come back and have it refitted and repaired for its lifetime.” Her “Braided Opulence” show is on Oct. 11 at her West Town atelier ($100 for general admission).
In a time of fast fashion’s sustainability concerns, Production Mode and KoneRanger stand out. Jamie Hayes, a former labor rights organizer, is the owner of Production Mode, a company specializing in ethical labor and slow fashion. KoneRanger was founded by Konrad and Kevin Eiring, two brothers, who upcycle discarded materials into Western-themed unisex streetwear.
Production Mode will throw a styling party on Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. at its storefront at 3860 N. Lincoln Ave. KoneRanger hosts a runway show at 11 a.m. on Oct. 11 at the Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club (1750 N. Milwaukee Ave.), followed by a clothing sale.
Quirky and cool niche detours
- Bridalwear gets its own showcase at the St. Regis on Oct. 10 with a Champagne sabering ceremony at 5 p.m.
- Edgewater’s Belfry Tower will play host to an exhibit on Isabella Bow, the magazine editor credited with discovering Alexander McQueen, on Oct. 11 (free).
- A panel featuring Melissa Beste, CEO of women’s luxury brand AKRIS, and Jacques Agbobly, designer and a semi-finalist in the highly competitive LVMH Prize Network competition, delve into the business of fashion in Chicago on Oct. 14 during a free panel at the Driehaus Museum.
- Rock N Rags, a Highland Park brand for young women, is bringing fashion to the old-school Chicago diner Michael’s Grill on Oct.16 (tickets from $25).
- And the over-the-top whimsical world of quinceñeras is celebrated at the Chicago History Museum on Oct. 19.