1. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago Fashion Show
#1 Fashion & Retail Event
The highly produced show displays 300 student designs and has had high-profile honorees such as Cynthia Rowley and Ikram Goldman. Next: Spring 2013
The highly produced show displays 300 student designs and has had high-profile honorees such as Cynthia Rowley and Ikram Goldman. Next: Spring 2013
Photo: Sara Condo
2. Fashion Focus
#3 Fashion & Retail Event
The weeklong event highlights the work of local designers and comprises around 30 free and ticketed events including runway shows in Millennium Park. Next: October 15-21, 2012
The weeklong event highlights the work of local designers and comprises around 30 free and ticketed events including runway shows in Millennium Park. Next: October 15-21, 2012
Photo: Meg Bradley/Stephen Green Photography
3. Macy’s Glamorama
#4 Fashion & Retail Event
Glamorama includes a fashion show and headline performance followed by a massive after-party with over-the-top brand activations. This year’s event has a British theme and takes place at a new venue, the Harris Theater. Next: August 10, 2012
Glamorama includes a fashion show and headline performance followed by a massive after-party with over-the-top brand activations. This year’s event has a British theme and takes place at a new venue, the Harris Theater. Next: August 10, 2012
Photo: Adam M. Bettcher for Macy's
4. Akira’s Garden of Eden Fall Fashion Show
#5 Fashion & Retail Event (new to the list)
The show displays more than 100 looks from the local fashion house and has bars and pop-up shops on-site; last year the event moved to the Grossinger Auto Complex to accommodate a whopping 3,000 guests. Next: September 23, 2012
The show displays more than 100 looks from the local fashion house and has bars and pop-up shops on-site; last year the event moved to the Grossinger Auto Complex to accommodate a whopping 3,000 guests. Next: September 23, 2012
Photo: Sebastian Biedron Photography
5. St. Jude’s Dream a Little Dream Luncheon and Fashion Show
#6 Fashion & Retail Event
Last year, the show sold out with 1,540 guests and showcased a holiday collection from Project Runway’s Peach Carr. Next: November 11, 2012
Last year, the show sold out with 1,540 guests and showcased a holiday collection from Project Runway’s Peach Carr. Next: November 11, 2012
Photo: Courtesy of St. Jude Dream a Little Dream Fashion Show
6. Rush University Medical Center’s Fashion Show
#7 Fashion & Retail Event
Now in its 86th year, Rush University Medical Center’s Fashion Show is the longest continuously running charitable fashion show in North America. In 2009, it moved to the Palmer House Hilton and got a splashy new look. Next: October 18, 2012
Now in its 86th year, Rush University Medical Center’s Fashion Show is the longest continuously running charitable fashion show in North America. In 2009, it moved to the Palmer House Hilton and got a splashy new look. Next: October 18, 2012
Photo: Bob Carl
7. Lurie Children’s Hopsital’s Gold Coast Fashion Award Show
#8 Fashion & Retail Event
The event showcases fashion from local boutiques, major retailers, and designers; it also has a competition segment that lets guests act as judges. In the past, big name fashion folks such as Monique L'huiller have attended. Next: September 28, 2012
The event showcases fashion from local boutiques, major retailers, and designers; it also has a competition segment that lets guests act as judges. In the past, big name fashion folks such as Monique L'huiller have attended. Next: September 28, 2012
Photo: Robert F. Carl
8. Fashion Columbia
#9 Fashion & Retail Event (new to the list)
The annual showcase for Columbia College’s student designers had sponsorship from Mercedes-Benz this year and was chaired by Johnson Publishing C.E.O. Desiree Rogers. Big-name industry folks, including Ikram Goldman, attended. Next: June 2013
The annual showcase for Columbia College’s student designers had sponsorship from Mercedes-Benz this year and was chaired by Johnson Publishing C.E.O. Desiree Rogers. Big-name industry folks, including Ikram Goldman, attended. Next: June 2013
Photo: SB Media Inc.
