The Chicago Tribune reported today that the 2008 Chicago Fashion Week—a private event run by MW Productions that is not to be confused with the city's Fashion Focus Chicago event in the fall—has been canceled. According to The Tribune, Chicago Fashion Week director Mackett Hidalgo sent a mass email last Thursday explaining that the shows were off due to low ticket sales (though rumors circulated earlier this month that first-time show sponsor MasterCard had backed out).
The local (and fledgling) designers who had planned to show their wares throughout the week and at tonight's marquee fashion show are the most affected, having already hired makeup artists, models, and photographers. Four of the designers have joined forces to plan their own free, open-to-the-public show, which will take place tonight at 7 p.m. at Navy Pier. The designers each chipped in to cover the venue costs, which they had hoped to keep at about $2,000.
The local (and fledgling) designers who had planned to show their wares throughout the week and at tonight's marquee fashion show are the most affected, having already hired makeup artists, models, and photographers. Four of the designers have joined forces to plan their own free, open-to-the-public show, which will take place tonight at 7 p.m. at Navy Pier. The designers each chipped in to cover the venue costs, which they had hoped to keep at about $2,000.
