1. Stylemax

#1 Fashion & Retail Event
The event is well-known as being the Midwest’s largest apparel and accessories trade show. Now in its 18th year, the must-attend show for buyers happens four times per year and offers a variety of brands in many categories from contemporary to activewear. Some of the industry-only perks include cocktail parties, informative seminars, and buyer giveaways. Next: October 21-23, 2018
The event is well-known as being the Midwest’s largest apparel and accessories trade show. Now in its 18th year, the must-attend show for buyers happens four times per year and offers a variety of brands in many categories from contemporary to activewear. Some of the industry-only perks include cocktail parties, informative seminars, and buyer giveaways. Next: October 21-23, 2018
Photo:Â Barry Brecheisen
2. Children's Service Board of Lurie Children's Hospital's Gold Coast Fashion Awards Show

#2 Fashion & Retail Event
The 63rd annual event, held at Revel Fulton Market, featured a fashion show presented by Neiman Marcus along with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, tasting stations, and dancing. The stylish signature fund-raiser of the Children’s Service Board, an affiliate of Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, raised more than $1.2 million in support of the Department of Family Services. Next: Fall 2019
The 63rd annual event, held at Revel Fulton Market, featured a fashion show presented by Neiman Marcus along with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, tasting stations, and dancing. The stylish signature fund-raiser of the Children’s Service Board, an affiliate of Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, raised more than $1.2 million in support of the Department of Family Services. Next: Fall 2019
Photo:Â Sean Su
3. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago Fashion Show

#3 Fashion & Retail Event
The popular fashion show and exhibition at Venue Six10 in the Spertus Institute showed off some 200 innovative looks from 83 students from the world-renowned School of the Art Institute. Designers Cynthia Rowley and Creatures of the Wind are notable alumni. Next: Spring 2019
The popular fashion show and exhibition at Venue Six10 in the Spertus Institute showed off some 200 innovative looks from 83 students from the world-renowned School of the Art Institute. Designers Cynthia Rowley and Creatures of the Wind are notable alumni. Next: Spring 2019
Photo:Â James Prinz
4. St. Jude's Dream a Little Dream Luncheon and Fashion Show

#4 Fashion & Retail Event
The “Dream a Little Dream” event raises money to fight childhood cancer. In 2018, the fashion show will return to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center with guest Jason Schwartz, a physician scientist at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and a survivor of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Next: November 18, 2018
The “Dream a Little Dream” event raises money to fight childhood cancer. In 2018, the fashion show will return to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center with guest Jason Schwartz, a physician scientist at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and a survivor of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Next: November 18, 2018
Photo: Courtesy of St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital
5. Driehaus Awards for Fashion Excellence

#5 Fashion & Retail Event
The fashion event held at Chicago Vintage Motor Carriage welcomed 350 guests in 2018, raising $130,000 to support fashion in Chicago. The runway show features local design students with the winner taking home a cash prize and the opportunity to showcase their apparel at Neiman Marcus. Next: Spring 2019
The fashion event held at Chicago Vintage Motor Carriage welcomed 350 guests in 2018, raising $130,000 to support fashion in Chicago. The runway show features local design students with the winner taking home a cash prize and the opportunity to showcase their apparel at Neiman Marcus. Next: Spring 2019
Photo:Â Kasia Jarosz