#1 Fashion & Retail Event
The prestigious school hosted its annual fashion show and benefit, the Walk, at Millennium Park this year. Showcasing avant-garde fashion from 80 sophomore, junior, and senior designers, the event comprised a sold-out dress rehearsal, an evening show, and an after-party with fashion-inspired snacks. Some 2,000 guests attended throughout the day, and the affair raised $500,000 for student work and scholarships. This year’s honored guest was fashion blogger Diane Pernet; past honorees have included fashion-industry stalwarts Jason Wu and Jenna Lyons. Next: Spring 2016
#2 Fashion & Retail Event (up from #3)
Devoted to women’s apparel and accessories, the industry-only trade show takes place each season at the Merchandise Mart. It spans 100,000 square feet of exhibit space and typically showcases wares from some 300 exhibitors. Organizers reported a double-digit increase in buyer attendance this year. New features next year will include a new floor layout, added floor events and amenities, and new niche categories. Next: January 24-26, 2016
#3 Fashion & Retail Event (up from #4)
For its 60th anniversary, the 1,000-guest event took place at a new venue: Revel Fulton Market. It also had a new format. In previous years, the event had been a luncheon with a runway show; this year, it was an evening affair. The fashion show featured looks from designers such as Marc Jacobs and Donna Karan, and the event raked in $1.1 million—a significant boost from the $750,000 raised in 2014. Next: September 2016
#4 Fashion & Retail Event
Chicago’s fashion week celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2015. This year, the event gained national attention via a new partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The prestigious council sent reps to the city to participate in a “Look Book Review” and attend various events. Held in locations throughout the city, the nine-day happening offered shopping and runway events, along with professional development workshops for rising fashion pros. Next: Fall 2016
#5 Fashion & Retail Event (up from #7)
The 12-year-old St. Jude patient Mary Browder was the guest of honor at this year’s emotionally stirring event. Held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, the event drew some 1,300 guests and raised $455,000. The luncheon is in its 21st year, so organizers devised a “champagne bubbles” theme. Next: November 2016
#6 Fashion & Retail Event (up from #8)
Now in its 89th year, the affair is billed as the country’s longest continuously running charitable fashion show. This year’s event took place at Morgan Manufacturing and had a fashion show featuring prominent community members and their children as models. Some 650 guests attended, and the evening raised $500,000. Next: Fall 2016
#7 Fashion & Retail Event (new to the list)
Benefiting the nonprofit Driehaus Design Initiative and showcasing designs from local students, the award event is now in its 14th year. The runway show is judged by industry pros; the winner receives cash, a garment display at Saks Fifth Avenue, and a mentor program coordinated by the retailer. This year’s event drew 400 guests and raised $170,000. Next: Spring 2016
