#1 Fashion & Retail Event (up from #2)
The Midwest’s largest apparel and accessories trade show takes place each season at the Merchandise Mart. This year, the show had new features including an easier-to-navigate layout, new categories and brands, and added amenities such as daily lunches, cocktail parties, and informal modeling. The show is industry-only and is covered in major industry publications such as WWD. Next: January 22-24, 2017
#2 Fashion & Retail Event (up from #3)
The 61st annual Gold Coast Fashion Awards returned to Revel Fulton Market this year, raising some $1.1 million and drawing 900 guests. The evening included a cocktail reception with chef’s tasting stations, an after-party, and a fashion show that let the audience vote for their favorite emerging fashion designer. This year, eveningwear designer Michael De Paulo was the winner. Next: September 2017
#3 Fashion & Retail Event (up from #6)
The country’s longest-running charitable fashion show celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2016. The show took place at the United Club at Soldier Field and featured a fashion show and a cocktail reception. Its guest list also grew, from 650 guests in 2015 to more than 780 guests this year. The night raised more than $500,000. Designer Adam Lippes was in attendance. Next: Fall 2017
#4 Fashion & Retail Event
This year, the fashion show moved from Millennium Park to the Garfield Park Conservatory. It featured a runway show with student designs that drew some 300 guests; there was also a fashion exhibit that was open to the public throughout the weekend. Next: Spring 2017
#5 Fashion & Retail Event
In 2015, the 12-year-old St. Jude patient Mary Browder was the guest of honor at the emotionally stirring event. Held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, the event drew some 1,300 guests and raised $455,000. This year, the event celebrates its 22nd year, and will include a raffle, a champagne reception, a luncheon, and a fashion show. Next: November 20, 2016
#6 Fashion & Retail Event (up from #7)
Benefiting the Driehaus Design Initiative, the event features designs from local students. The runway show is judged by industry pros; the winner receives prizes such as cash and a garment display at Saks Fifth Avenue. This year’s event drew 400 guests and raised $170,000. Next: April 2017
