Here’s the press release from the city with the complete FFC schedule for this fall.
FASHION FOCUS CHICAGO 2012 A Week Long Showcase of Chicago’s Fashion Industry Monday, October 15 – Sunday, October 21
Fashion Focus Chicago 2012 returns for its eighth year October 15-21 for a week-long celebration of Chicago’s thriving fashion industry while showcasing some of its top designers. Highlights include three headlining runway shows in Millennium Park and fashion events at various locations around the city. Fashion Focus will feature a variety of free and affordable industry happenings, shopping and designer events.
The City’s fashion initiative supports and promotes independent fashion boutiques and fashion designers living and working in Chicago. The theme this year for Fashion Focus Chicago is You saw it on the runway, now buy it! In addition to showcasing the talented fashion industry, patrons are encouraged to purchase what they like directly through designers websites and at independent boutiques not only during the event, but year round.
Monday, October 15, Fashion Focus Chicago will highlight Chicago’s fashion design schools at Dress Code in the Chicago Cultural Center beginning at 7:00 p.m. This premiere runway show will spotlight the rising fashion stars from Columbia College Chicago, the Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, International Academy of Design and Technology-Chicago and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Catch the debut of creative student designers with award-winning styles representing their best work and originality. The show is free and a reservation is required for tickets.
Millennium Park Headlining Runway Shows Fashion Focus 2012 will feature three headlining runway shows in Millennium Park showcasing some of Chicago’s top local talent. These highly anticipated shows begin each evening at 7:30 p.m. and have a general admission price of $35 and $95 for VIP, which includes a pre-party at 6:00 p.m. and preferred seating. For more information on how to reserve your spot by purchasing tickets visit www.fashionfocuschicago.org.
On Wednesday, October 17, The Macy’s Chicago Fashion Incubator Runway Show will kick off the headlining shows in Millennium Park. The Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy’s on State Street is a not-for-profit organization that supports new and emerging Chicago-based designers allowing them to showcase their talent on the stage of Fashion Focus. The six current designers in residence will feature their spring 2013 collections and will be joined by a select group of CFI alumni to highlight the talent in Chicago’s fashion community at their fashion show.
The runway shows continue on Thursday, October 18 with “Fashion Takes Flight” Presented by Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas and vitaminwater®. The show will feature collections from local designers including Imaginary People, J. Cheikh, Shelby Steiner and Azza, and serve as the conclusion to the Fifth Annual Mario, Make Me a Model competition, a program that provides local model hopefuls with the training and platform they need to start their career. The winner of Mario, Make Me a Model will be revealed at the end of the show, after the competition’s five finalists have completed their last challenge walking the runway among professional models.
StyleChicago.com will present the 4th season of The Art of Fashion 2012 as part of Fashion Focus Chicago in Millennium Park on Friday, October 19. This runway show will preview contemporary to couture Spring 2013 collections of accomplished Chicago designers and fashion lines, including: Barbara Bates, Borris Powell, Eva Pazola, Michael Alan Stein, Michelle Tan, Nade Baer, Ruchika Singh, Shalini Sharma, Shernett Swaby and Lara Miller.
Presented by the Mayor’s Fashion Council, Industry Day on Sunday, October 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center will offer a full day of panel discussions around reaching new heights in the fashion industry for emerging and established designers. Of note is the Première Vision Colour Trend Testing Presentation at 3:30 p.m. This audio-visual presentation will discuss fashion information and trend forecasting for fall-winter ‘13-‘14. All Industry Day events are free but require a reservation for tickets.
Fashion Focus Chicago 2012 is presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. For more information call (312) 744-3316 or visit www.fashionfocuschicago.org. You can also join the conversation on Facebook and receive updates on Twitter: @FashionFocus.
FASHION FOCUS CHICAGO 2012 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15
Stock Mfg. Co.- FREE Stock Mfg. Co. collaborates with the most exciting talent in fashion and lets their customers decide what gets produced. Shop some of their favorite pieces and stop by to get information on how to get involved. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington St, first floor Garland Room. 11am–9pm. Free.
C/FAN for CB launch – FREE Cityblue Apparel & Denim celebrates the launch of C/FAN for CB, a private label from designer Christina Fan and Cityblue owner Mallory Ulaszek. Meet and greet with Mallory and Christina and get a first look at the private collection with the opportunity to purchase! Complimentary beverages and raffle giveaways. Cityblue Apparel & Denim, 1444 N Wells St, #1. 5–7pm. Free.
Home Shopping Presented by the Chicago Fashion Foundation – FREE Learn from Chicago insiders that have sold their designs, worked at and/or negotiated contracts with Home Shopping Network, QVC and Shop NBC. Speakers include Kristen Amato, Tracey Mayer, Dana Killion and Daliah Saper. Chicago Cultural Center, Claudia Cassidy Theater, 77 E Randolph St. 5pm. Free. R.S.V.P. requested.
Dress Code – FREE This premiere runway show of Chicago’s fashion design schools features the next rising stars from Columbia College Chicago, the Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, International Academy of Design and Technology-Chicago and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Creativity abounds in these award-winning styles, representing some of their best work and originality in fashion. Chicago Cultural Center, Sidney R. Yates Gallery, fourth floor, 78 E Washington St. 7pm. Free. R.S.V.P. required for ticket.
Night at the Museum An exciting celebration of the fashion, art, music, nature and culture that make Chicago truly wonderful. Prepare to be amazed with a spectacle beyond your wildest imagination! Attendees of Dress Code get a discounted ticket. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N Cannon Dr. 7-11pm. $50, VIP admission $100 and includes an exclusive pre-party at 6pm.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16
Squasht Boutique – FREE Enjoy “skinny” beverages, nibbles and 20% off storewide as you peruse the unique garments and accessories of this independent designer–focused boutique. 2556 W Chicago Ave, # 1W. 4–7pm. Free.
A Conversation with Frances Renk of Sequin Jewelry Presented by Chicago Fashion Foundation – FREE Learn what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur, along with creative strategies for growing a global fashion business, from Sequin’s head of national brand development and retail store operations. Chicago Cultural Center, first floor Garland Room, 78 E Washington St. 6pm. Free. RSVP requested.
Dream a Little Dream – FREE Agnieszka Kulon of Kreatia will join Evelyn Daitchman and the Axis of Evelyn collection for a collaborative evening of fashion installations. Michael Thompson’s found object assemblages will be featured in the spirit of the found and forgotten re-imagined. Open Secret Studios, 401 N Racine Ave. 6–10pm. Free.
Fashion Follows Interiors– A Mad Men Inspired Event Presented by Collins Designs & Co. and Laura Elvis Productions Twenty selected Chicago designers create a ’60s Mad Men–inspired garment from interior-design materials for debut at this networking event. Watch a deconstructed runway show featuring the garments and vote for best in show. The Blackstone Hotel, 636 S Michigan Ave. 6-10pm. $45 door, $35 advance, $25 students.
Next Fashion Chicago 2012 A celebration of Chicago fashion featuring a full-scale theatrical runway presentation of the city’s finest designers, complemented by several fashionable stores and boutiques. A portion of the proceeds will benefit PAWS Chicago. Germania Place, 108 W Germania Pl. 6:30-10pm. General admission $35, VIP $85, students $20.
Richard Dayhoff & Tracey Mayer – FREE These award-winning Chicago designers will join forces for a showing of Dayhoff’s premium men’s underwear and Mayer’s high-end 950 silver men’s jewelry. Known as visionaries, they continue to raise the bar with their collections by offering men the ultimate in quality, craftsmanship and creativity. Bar Toma, 110 E Pearson St. 6:30-8pm. Free. R.S.V.P. required.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17
Chicago Fashion Exchange – FREE The fashion exchange is an opportunity for designers, buyers, models and photographers in the fashion industry to connect and build key contacts. Chicago Cultural Center, Preston Bradley Hall, 78 E. Washington St. 4–7pm. Free. R.S.V.P. required.
Champagne Chic Accessorizes – FREE Join Sophia Forero, Deana Rose, Alyse Zeide, Olga Stefanis Nelson and other Chicago accessory designers as they showcase some of our city’s best. Find out why each one has a unique following that defines their style, from fine jewels to fun sparkles. Special $10 menu of bubbles and bites. Le Bar at Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, 20 E Chestnut St. 5–8pm. Free.
The Designers of the Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) Presented by Macy’s The six designers in residence and a select group of CFI alumni from the Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy’s on State Street will feature their spring 2013 collections. Millennium Park, Chase Promenade North, 201 E Randolph St. 7:30pm. $35, VIP $95 and includes an exclusive pre-party at 6pm and preferred seating.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18
Luncheon at Bridgeport Fashion Design Center – FREE Network with other fashion designers over complimentary lunch and preview Chicago’s new Bridgeport Fashion Design Center. The new center accommodates fashion designers in a collaborative environment where they work in affordable individual studios while sharing ideas, experiences and a massive cutting table in the common area. 1200 W 35th St, fifth floor. Noon. Free. R.S.V.P. requested.
Fashion Focus Sip & Shop – FREE Sip and shop the new fall arrivals at Kiwi’s Boutique Patrons receive 10% off any purchase, with a free gift for any purchase over $100. 1015 S Western Ave. 5–8 pm Free.
True Blessyn Trunk Show – FREE Check out designer Shani Brown’s trunk show featuring her fall 2012 and spring 2013 collections. Attendees will receive 15% off any purchases from the fall collection and 20% off all pre-orders for the spring collection. Eclectic Chique, 807 W Dickens Ave. 6-8pm. Free.
“Fashion Takes Flight” Presented by Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas and vitaminwater® Featuring the collections of local designers including Imaginary People, J. Cheikh, Shelby Steiner and Azza, this runway show also will serve as the grand finale of the fifth annual Mario, Make Me a Model program. Millennium Park, Chase Promenade North, 201 E Randolph St. 7:30pm. $35, VIP $95 and includes an exclusive pre-party at 6pm and preferred seating.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
Sarah Kuenyefu Collection Trunk Show – FREE Satisfy your need for comfortable and stylish clothing that is flattering to your silhouette as Sarah Kuenyefu Collection presents its fall/ winter holiday 2012 collection. Made in Chicago presented by AIBI, 44 E Grand Ave. Noon–6pm. Free.
SOiree CHICago – FREE Chicago designers Thierry Roger and Ellie Thompson team up for their third annual SOiree CHICago. Their official new collections launch party presents Roger’s elegant fashion with a contemporary flair and Thompson’s fine jewelry series, “Primal Dreams.” Chicago Cultural Center, first floor Garland Room, 78 E Washington St. 5–8pm. Free. R.S.V.P. requested.
Autumn Style @ Essential Elements – FREE Enjoy a special evening of mingling and shopping among the fall 2012 clothing, shoe and accessory collections. The evening will offer light refreshments, music and a beautiful ambiance. Essential Elements Chicago, 1640 E 87th St. 6–9pm. Free.
The Art of Fashion 2012 presented by StyleChicago.com This runway show will preview contemporary to couture spring 2013 collections of ten accomplished Chicago designers and fashion lines. Millennium Park, Chase Promenade North, 201 E Randolph St. 7:30pm. $35, VIP $95 and includes an exclusive pre-party at 6pm and preferred seating
FashionChicago® presented by StyleChicago.com – FREE The fashion tent at Millennium Park will be transformed into FashionChicago®, a one-of-a-kind designer shopping event featuring more than 30 of Chicago’s best apparel, jewelry, handbag and accessories designers. The first 50 shoppers who make a minimum purchase of $100 or more will receive a StyleChicago.com signature goodie bag. Millennium Park, Chase Promenade North, 201 E Randolph St. 10am-6pm.
Randolph Street Market’s Modern Vintage Chicago For shoppers that appreciate the worlds of forward contemporary design and classic vintage fashion this is the only place you will find vintage clothing, jewelry and vanities by style icons such as Halston, Balenciaga, Patrick Kelly and Chanel alongside Chicago’s leading Indie Designers. Plumbers Hall, 1340 W Washington St. Also Oct 21. 10am–6pm. $10, $8 online
Made in Chicago Designer Trunk Shows presented by AIBI – FREE Be among the first to shop the new holiday collection of sterling-silver jewelry and find one-of-a-kind cuff bracelets, rings and bold pendant designs just in time to update your fall wardrobe at Beth Ann Designs. Plus, join TAKARA Designs as she launches her fall 2012 collections, “Fashion Origami” and “Fleece Couture,” and check out Lauren Lein Ltd’s fall/winter collection 2012-13, “Luminocity,” capturing vintage suits and dress designs in a modern, luminous light. Also, view LuDia Couture’s fall and holiday designs, creations for those who want to make an unparalleled statement. Refreshments and light snacks will be served. 44 E Grand Ave. 2–7pm. Free.
Libero Ferrero Fall 2012 Trunk Show – FREE Join Libero Ferreo as it celebrates and shows its fall 2012 collection. Libero Ferrero is a luxury lifestyle brand for men offering a range of leather accessories including an eyeglass sleeve, tasteful tote and smart overnight case. Apartment Number 9, 1804 N Damen Ave. 4–7pm. Free.
Amalagamation 2012 This annual fashion show and benefit features up to 15 independent fashion designers and raises funds and awareness for Girls Rule! Chicago and the Red Pump Project. This year’s Harlem Renaissance–themed show also spotlights Chicago talent in areas of jazz, blues and spoken word. St. Stephen AME Church, 3042 W Washington Blvd. 7–9pm. $25, VIP $40.
Fashion Forward! – FREE Don’t miss this exciting runway event launching the fall and winter 2012 line of six of Chicago’s cutting-edge, fashion-forward designers! The Fashion Market, 216 S Jefferson St. 7–10pm. Free.
Sugar Fly – FREE Celebrate Sugar Fly’s one-year anniversay and enjoy free food and refreshments, as well as live performances by local talent. Giveaways, shopping specials and complimentary spa services are part of the event, which culminates with a fashion show of the latest street fashions. 2409 W North Ave. 7–10pm. Free.
Via del Corso Experience an evening of masquerade, live music, food and beverage, dancing, and a masks and corsets runway show and presentation. Fiat of Chicago, 645 W Randolph St. 7pm–midnight. $75.
Vintage Connoisseur ImagineFashions Productions with Open Secret Studios and Randolph Street Market present this show, which features the best of Chicago vintage businesses and will walk guests through pivotal moments in fashion history. Open Secret Studios, 401 N Racine St. 8–10pm. $25, VIP $60.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21
Industry Day – FREE The Mayor’s Fashion Council presents a free day of speaking programs and panel discussions. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. 10am–4:30 .m. Free. R.S.V.P required for tickets.
Bridal Brunch: From Fabric to Fit This bridal event and runway show, hosted by Supreme Novelty Fabrics and curated by Mignonette Bridal, features local bridal designers describing the process of creating a wedding dress from fabric selection, to pattern making, to muslin fitting, to final garment. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation. 2156 W Fulton St. 11am. $10.
ONGOING EVENTS Fashion and the Field Museum Collection: Maria Pinto An artfully sewn vest of crocodile skin. A chic evening gown of rubber-coated thread. This stylish exhibition presents clothing masterworks from around the world and contemporary fashions by designer Maria Pinto. The Field Museum, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr. General admission $15–$29. Through June 16.
The Frock Shop: Chicago Fashion Designer Search Awards and Rentals This October, customers can rent or purchase dresses and accessories from a select group of amazing Chicago designers participating in the Chicago Fashion Designer Search contest. The winning designer will be announced on October 18 during the in-store event from 5–8pm. 2150 S Canalport Ave. Event admission free; rental fees vary.
RSVP AND INFORMATION Please note events and details are subject to change. For reservations, admission and event details for Fashion Focus Chicago 2012 and more information about the City of Chicago’s Fashion Initiative, visit www.fashionfocuschicago.org
Hotel Special at Sofitel Chicago Water Tower Make it a night out and enjoy a special Fashion Focus Hotel package at Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, 20 E. Chestnut Street. Just blocks from the Magnificent Mile and close to the city’s best boutiques, guests will have the opportunity to explore some of Chicago’s local fashion talent. Look your best before going to the runway show with a blow dry & style plus a makeup application at Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Day Spa. Top off the night with a complimentary glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail at Le Bar. Rates start at $290 per night.
