#1 Fashion & Retail Event
Stars of the international fashion community converge in Chicago for the student fashion show and gala. Elle fashion news director Anne Slowey served as M.C at this year’s event, which honored designers Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte. Other notable guests have included designer Jason Wu and J. Crew creative director Jenna Lyons. Next: Spring 2014
#2 Fashion & Retail Event (up from #3)
Chicago’s fashion week includes runway shows in Millennium Park and other locales. There are also citywide affairs including trunk shows and in-store parties. This year, the event included new pop-up shops in the park. Next: Fall 2014
#3 Fashion & Retail Event
Open to trade only, StyleMax takes place at the Merchandise Mart and displays women’s apparel and accessories from more than 2,000 lines. The event is held each season. Next: February 1-3, 2014
#4 Fashion & Retail Event (up from #8)
Held at Hilton Chicago Hotel and Towers and a highlight on local socialite calendars, the prestigious fashion show highlights local retailers; it also has a unique competition segment that lets guests act as judges. Fashion industry bigwigs such as Monique L'huiller and Wes Gordon have attended, and retailers including Neiman Marcus have sponsored. Next: September 19, 2014
#5 Fashion & Retail Event
The charitable show displayed fall and winter trends to a crowd of 2,500 this year. Held at the massive Grossinger Auto Complex, the event offered restaurant tastings, spa services, and an after-party at Japonais. Reality TV star Kristin Cavallari hosted. Next: Fall 2014
#6 Fashion & Retail Event
With performances by Sheryl Crow and Cirque du Soleil, this year’s event included a fashion show featuring fall trends from designers like Calvin Klein. The after-party on the Harris Theater rooftop had sponsor activations from brands such as American Express. Next: August 2014
#7 Fashion & Retail Event
Held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, the event draws more than 1,300 guests. It includes a raffle, a champagne reception, and a designer fashion show. Next: November, 2014
#8 Fashion & Retail Event
Now in its 87th year, the event is the longest continuously running charitable fashion show in North America. This year, it took place at the Palmer House Hilton and featured notable Chicagoans walking the runway in looks from 11 retailers, including Chalk and Ralph Lauren. With 700 guests, the event raised $500,000 for lung cancer research. Next: October 2014
