The city has announced the full lineup for this year’s Fashion Focus, and we reproduce it here, in entirety, hype-ful prose and all.
OCTOBER 1-8: FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Fashion Focus Chicago, a weeklong celebration of Chicago’s thriving
fashion industry, returns for a fourth year in 2008. Running from
Wednesday, October 1 through Wednesday, October 8 Fashion Focus Chicago
showcases some of the city’s top designers, and features five runway
shows in Millennium Park, fashion installations, shopping events,
student designer events, and industry seminars.
F=Free WC=Wheelchair Accessible
RUNWAY EVENTS
GEN ART’S FRESH FACES IN FASHION PRESENTED BY BLACKBERRY & T-MOBILE
FEATURING A SPECIAL PRESENTATION BY CLANDESTINE INDUSTRIES HOSTED BY
PETE WENTZ
Wednesday, October 1; Pre-Show Reception 6 pm, Runway Show 7:30 pm
Millennium Park – Chase Promenade North
Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
www.GenArt.org/312.229.1701 (reservations required, limited space)
Admission: VIP $85-$135 (includes Pre-Show Reception, Runway Show
Seating, After-Party); Standing Room $60-$70 (includes Pre-Show
Reception, Runway Show Standing Room, After-Party); Details online
One night only! Get in on this oh-so-popular runway event with emerging
Chicago-based designers. This year, Clandestine Industries-the lifestyle
brand championed by hometown musician and Fall Out Boy lead man, Pete
Wentz-is honored to partner with Gen Art Chicago as a special addition
to the runway presentation. Wentz’s commitment to Chicago talent
matches Gen Art Chicago’s dedication to promoting local artists. Gen
Art’s Fresh Faces in Fashion is renowned for showcasing the brightest
emerging stars in the fashion industry and launching the careers of many
successful fashion labels.
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WORLD FASHION CHICAGO PRESENTED BY CHICAGO SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL
Thursday, October 2, 7:30 pm; After-Party 9-11 pm
Millennium Park – Chase Promenade North
Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
www.ChicagoSisterCities.com/312.744.8074
Admission: After-Party (location/price details online); Millennium Park
Runway Show FREE (reservations required, limited space)
Representing Chicago’s 27 sister cities, high-end international
designers based in Chicago and abroad rock the runway with their
most-coveted fashions. A testament to the city’s burgeoning fashion
industry, this show debuts internationally based designers to the local
fashion scene. This year in a fashion-forward, world-premiere
collaboration between TOYOTA concept creators and Chicago-based fashion
designers, you’ll be the first in America to see the latest in
personal mobility design (TOYOTA i-REAL) and fashion. Designers
representing sister cities Warsaw, Poland; Milan, Italy; and Shanghai,
China bring it all to life with i-REAL-inspired, concept fashions.
There’s a whole new creative buzz in Chicago. Plan on joining the
fashionable crowd for the after-party.
DRESS CODE
CHICAGO DESIGN SCHOOLS’ SHOW
Friday, October 3, 7:30 pm
Millennium Park – Chase Promenade North
Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
www.ChicagoFashionResource.com (reservations required, limited
space)/312.744.2400 (information)
Catch the next rising stars’ runway debut at this showing of top
students from Chicago’s fashion design schools: Columbia College
Chicago; The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago; International Academy
of Design & Technology Chicago; and the School of the Art Institute of
Chicago. Creativity abounds in these award-winners’ styles,
representing their best work and original spin on fashion. Also, the
five finalists of the Mario Make Me A Model search walk in the show,
where the winner will be announced.
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A FASHION PERFORMANCE
Sunday, October 5, 7 pm
Chicago Cultural Center – Claudia Cassidy Theater
77 E. Randolph Street
www.AliceBerry.com/773.384.7279 (reservations required, limited space)
Designer-artist Alice Berry
explores the tension between personal
artistic expression and the business of fashion. This special
presentation features live models, projection, poetry and three of her
collections: the Color Work; Green; and Fall 2008-9.
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THE ALLURE OF COUTURE
Monday, October 6, 7:30 pm
Millennium Park – Chase Promenade North
Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
www.ChicagoFashionResource.com (reservations required, limited
space)/312.744.2400 (information)
High style dominates this runway event offering some of the best
high-end, contemporary collections. Created by a selection of
Chicago’s elite fashion-forward designers, these looks are so new
and different you will leave pondering what defines fashion. A
pitch-perfect evening for the independently stylish and collectors of
fashion and art!
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MACY’S PRESENTS THE DESIGNERS OF CHICAGO
Tuesday, October 7, 7:30 pm
Millennium Park – Chase Promenade North
Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
www.ChicagoFashionResource.com (reservations required, limited
space)/312.744.2400 (information)
Stay ahead of the trend with this amazing preview of Spring 2009
collections. Macy’s has covered the city in search of the next great
American designer, presenting the best at this runway exclusive. Meet
some of the names-you-need-to-know. Macy’s will also carry some of
their lines at its State Street store.
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INDUSTRY SEMINARS
THE CENTER FOR PATTERN DESIGN PRESENTS UK DESIGNER JULIAN ROBERTS
Friday, October 3, 2-4 pm
Millennium Park Runway Tent – Chase Promenade North
Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
www.ChicagoFashionResource.com/312.744.2400 (information)
An incredible opportunity for fashion designers and students! Learn the
innovative “Subtraction Cutting” technique from UK designer Julian
Roberts. Currently the creative director of Julianand, a visiting
lecturer at the Royal College of Art in London and a fashion consultant
to the BBC, Roberts has shown collections at London and Paris fashion
weeks, and taught design and creative pattern cutting throughout Europe
and Asia.
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CHICAGO FASHION FOUNDATION PRESENTS “GETTING CONNECTED AND GROWING
YOUR ONLINE BUSINESS” PART I
Sunday, October 5, 10:30 am-Noon
Chicago Cultural Center – 5th Floor Washington Room
78 E. Washington Street
www.ChicagoFashionFoundation.com (reservations required, limited
space)/312.882.1366 (information)
Explore online fashion retailing. This panel of Chicago companies, with
established fashion-related Internet businesses, covers topics such as
Internet Marketing and Optimization, Shopping Cart Customization, Online
Selling and Establishing a Retail Community. Also, hear important first
announcements related to Chicago Fashion Foundation’s (CFF) second
annual scholarship competition. This two-part series is presented by
CFF.
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CHICAGO FASHION FOUNDATION PRESENTS “GETTING CONNECTED AND GROWING
YOUR ONLINE BUSINESS” PART II – FEATURING A KEYNOTE ADDRESS FROM
THREADLESS.COM
Sunday, October 5, Noon-1:30 pm
Chicago Cultural Center – 5th Floor Garland Room
78 E. Washington Street
www.ChicagoFashionFoundation.com (reservations required, limited
space)/312.882.1366 (information)
Threadless.com’s management team reveals how the company grew its
business to include a community of more than 700,000 members (the force
behind idea generation, marketing and sales forecasting) and more than
$30 million in T-shirt sales. This consumer-driven, Internet-based,
T-shirt design company was founded in Chicago by Illinois Institute of
Art – Chicago students. Also, hear important first announcements related
to CFF’s second annual scholarship competition.
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PRODUCTION IN CHICAGO: WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN AND HOW
Sunday, October 5, 1:30-3 pm
Chicago Cultural Center – 5th Floor Washington Room
78 E. Washington Street
www.ChicagoFashionResource.com (reservations required, limited space)
Receive answers to some of the most challenging questions facing
Chicago-based designers. Who should produce my line? What exactly will
they produce for me? Where do I find them? When can they finish my
pieces? How do I start my relationship with them? Designers and
contractors will provide valuable insights. Presented by the Mayor’s
Fashion Council Chicago.
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YOUR PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
Sunday, October 5, 3-4:30 pm
Chicago Cultural Center – 5th Floor Garland Room
78 E. Washington Street
www.ChicagoFashionResource.com (reservations required, limited space)
Learn how to use images to sell your line. From choosing the right
photographer to deciding on the style of the shoot, quality images are
essential to your business. Presented by the Mayor’s Fashion Council
Chicago.
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MEET THE DESIGNERS AND LEARN HOW THEY DID IT
Wednesday, October 8, 5:30-7:30 pm
Apparel Center Lobby
350 N. Orleans Street
www.AIBI.com/312.836.1041(reservations required, limited space;
information)
Chart a clearer path toward success in Chicago’s apparel industry.
Join designer and manufacturer members of the Apparel Industry Board,
Inc. (AIBI) who share their varied experiences, challenges and lessons
learned. Meet Caroline DeVillo of Caroline DeVillo Couture Bridal, Ellie
Thompson of Ellie Thompson & Co., Lauren Lein-Santos of Lauren Lein Ltd.
and Tennille White of Tennille White. Presented by AIBI.
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MORE FASHION HIGHLIGHTS
MACY’S DISTINCTION IN DESIGN COMPETITION
Wednesday, October 1, 10 am-2 pm
Macy’s on State Street
111 N. State Street
www.Macys.com
If you’re a designer hopeful, present your sketches and samples at
this eighth annual competition. Receive feedback and direction from
Macy’s buyers and trend managers. The Best of Show-winning designer
receives a cash prize. No reservations required. Anticipate a wait.
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FASHION ILLUSTRATION DEMONSTRATION
Thursday, October 2, 1:30-3:30 pm
Columbia College Chicago – Hokin Annex
623 S. Wabash Avenue
312.369.7557 (reservations required, limited space)
Sketch a professional runway model wearing student designs, while
Columbia College Chicago fashion-design faculty assist with the drawings
and answer questions. Materials provided.
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THE HAPPY HATTER
Friday, October 3, 11 am-2 pm
Water Tower Place
835 N. Michigan Avenue
312.777.8640
Develop an appreciation for that hat you throw on when you’re leaving
the house. Find out what it takes to craft and design such a fashionable
and functional accessory. The faculty from Illinois Institute of Art –
Chicago will demonstrate.
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T-SHIRT FRENZY
Saturday, October 4, 11:30 am-2:30 pm
Blick Art Materials
42 S. State Street
312.980.9298
Screen-print a T-shirt using stencils of your choice with guidance from
International Academy of Design & Technology Chicago students.
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STRIKE A POSE
Saturday, October 4, 3-5 pm
Blick Art Materials
42 S. State Street
312.980.9298
Take home a skillful sketch, starring you, by instructors and students
from the International Academy of Design & Technology Chicago’s
Fashion Design Department.
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NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPPING
CHICAGO-BASED DESIGNER COLLECTIONS AT MACY’S ON STATE STREET
Ongoing
Macy’s on State Street
111 N. State Street
www.Macys.com
Shop 22 Chicago-based designer collections including Joelle Nadine,
Maddie Powers, Michelle Tan and Zola Jones. Find accessories, including
jewelry and handbags, to suit your every whim from Diego Rocha, Elyse C.
Bec, Lee Allison and Company, The Tie Bar, Twist, CC Bella, Objets d’
Envy, K.Amato, Kathleen Miller and Bead Designs by Dana and Jules.
Choose from some of the best contemporary women’s ready-to-wear in the
city by Elise Bergman, Anna Fong, Yana German, Lara Miller, Horatio
Nieto, 5p1t and Tennille White.
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FASHION LAB
Wednesday, October 1-Wednesday, October 8; Daily, 9 am-7 pm
Saturday, October 4
Gallery Talk noon-1 pm; Shopping with Student Designers 1-4 pm
72 E. Randolph Street
www.ChicagoFashionResource.com/312.744.2400 (information)
One-of-kind pieces that you can own! Stop by this fabulous showcase of
work by students from Columbia College Chicago, International Academy of
Design & Technology Chicago and School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
They’ll be on hand to discuss their work during Saturday’s Gallery
Talk. Purchase pieces on-site Saturday, or by contacting the student
designers directly throughout the week.
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SHOPWALK
Friday, October 3-Wednesday, October 8
Choose the Time and Place when reserving.
www.ChicagoShopWalk.com/773.255.7866 (reservations required, limited
space; information)
Admission: $40 per person and up
Tour one of the city’s hippest neighborhoods (Bucktown, Lincoln Park
or Southport) with a personal shopping stylist. Visit unique boutiques
underscoring designers on the rise and the latest trends. Also included,
Chicago designer updates and perks and pampering such as complimentary
coffee drinks, champagne toasts and discounts at the hottest boutiques.
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SHOPPING HAPPY HOUR
Friday, October 3, 5-7 pm
TBD
www.UrbanShopGuide.com (reservations required, limited
space)/312.533.1256 (information)
Admission: $20 per person
Happy Hour turns stylish with this two-hour guided tour to some of the
best and newest, Chicago neighborhood boutiques. Find discounts, special
offers, cocktails, snacks and designer trunk shows. Receive fashion tips
from in-store stylists, visit interesting galleries, come across hot
restaurants and hear brief neighborhood histories as knowledgeable
guides highlight participants’ individual interests. Rain or shine!
GEN ART’S SHOP CHICAGO
Saturday, October 4; VIP Shopping 1-2 pm, Public Shopping 2-6 pm
Millennium Park – Chase Promenade North
Randolph Street, Between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive
www.GenArt.org/312.229.1701 (RSVP required for General Admission)
Admission: VIP $40 (includes VIP Lounge Access, VIP Shopping Hour, Gift
Bag); General Admission w/RSVP FREE
Snag the best accessories and clothing offered by talented designers
and boutiques from across the country. Spa treatments and a fabulous
gift bag create a truly luxurious shopping experience. Presented by Gen
Art in its continuing mission to support and showcase emerging talent.
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NEIGHBORHOOD ALL-STAR TOUR
Sunday, October 5, Noon-4 pm
Departs/Returns from/to Chicago Cultural Center
77 E. Randolph Street
www.UrbanShopGuide.com (reservations required, limited
space)/312.533.1256 (information)
Admission: $125 per person (includes gratuity for guide and driver)
Travel via chauffeured luxury vehicle on this dream, shopping excursion
to four neighborhoods. Guided by Chicago fashion experts, discover area
boutiques, pinpoint fashions by Chicago designers and become acquainted
with season-defining trends. In-store cocktails, refreshments, special
discounts and stylist expertise round out the fun. Rain or shine!
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PEARLS AND POLITICS
Sunday, October 5, Noon-5 pm
Bourdage Pearls
3530 N. Southport Avenue
www.BourdagePearls.com/773.244.1126
Drop by Bourdage Pearls and see why the world’s most influential,
powerful women adorn themselves with pearls. Exercise your ultimate
purchasing power. Sign an environmental or clean water (vital to pearl
survival) petition, and receive a 10% discount for each petition you
sign.
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FASHION INSTALLATIONS
CHIC CHICAGO: COUTURE TREASURES FROM THE CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM
Saturday, September 27, 2008-Sunday, July 26, 2009; Daily, Hours vary
Chicago History Museum
1601 N. Clark Street
www.ChicagoHistory.org/312.642.4600
Admission: adults $14; seniors 65+ /students w/ID 13-22 $12; children
12 and under FREE; Mondays FREE
Here’s a rare opportunity. View 50-plus top couture pieces from the
museum’s acclaimed costume collection. Celebrating the world’s
innovative fashion designers and Chicago’s great women of style, this
exhibit offers a close-up look at breathtaking fashions, created
1878-1996, by such designers as Gianni Versace, Gabrielle “Coco”
Chanel, Jeanne Lanvin, Charles Frederick Worth, Comme des Garçons and
Charles James.
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CHECK IN…CHECK IT OUT!
Wednesday, October 1-Sunday, October 8; Anytime
Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza
350 N. Orleans Street
and
The Palmer House Hilton
17 E. Monroe Street
312.777.8640
Unique and groundbreaking garments, by fashion students from The
Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago, illustrate for visitors and locals
how Chicago is making its mark on the fashion world. Enjoy!
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ETHNIC FASHIONS
Wednesday, October 1-Wednesday, October 8; Anytime
Hampton Majestic Lobby
22 W. Monroe Street
www.ChicagoFashionResource.com/312.980.9298
Admire a variety of contemporary designs by International Academy of
Design & Technology Chicago students. Ghanaian textiles and their
Special Topics course in Ethnic Fashions provided the inspiration.
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SALUTE TO THE DESIGNERS OF CHICAGO IS…RED HOT!!!
Wednesday, October 1-Wednesday, October 8; Anytime
Apparel Center Lobby
350 N. Orleans Street
www.AIBI.com/312.836.1041
View this exhibition of selected fashions from CHICAGO IS…RED HOT!!!,
the June 2008 fashion extravaganza that featured established and
emerging, Chicagoland designers.
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SAME SUIT, DIFFERENT STORY
Wednesday, October 1-Wednesday, October 8; Anytime
Chicago Hilton – Michigan and Balbo Windows and South Lobby
720 S. Michigan Avenue
www.ChicagoFashionResource.com
Check out the new and unexpected in this exhibit highlighting Columbia
College Chicago students’ coursework in Fashion Design: Concepts. A
man’s suit and shirt were deconstructed then recycled into an original
garment concept.
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SHAPING INTIMATE SPACE
Wednesday, October 1-Friday, October 31; Anytime
Sears Tower
233 S. Wacker Drive
312.629.6710
See surprising forms, created by hand-manipulation and hand-dyeing
techniques on cotton fabric. Students from the School of the Art
Institute of Chicago used the volume, shape, repetition and layering of
modern architecture and design in shaping these new forms for the human
body.
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MOSS: MUSEUM OF SUSTAINABLE STYLE
Thursday, October 2-Sunday, October 5, Noon-6 pm; Panel Discussion:
Saturday, October 4, 2-3 pm and Post-Discussion Reception 3-6 pm
Brickermade
1109 W. Fulton Market, 1st Floor
www.MossChicago.org
This exhibit demonstrates how to support the sustainable lifestyle and
“green” your wardrobe without sacrificing style, personality or
comfort. Local designers’ fashions made of organic or sustainable
fabrics and processes, and experimental sustainable materials are
showcased. Come for the panel discussion on Sustainable Style, Saturday,
October 4. Curated by Pivot.
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