By Michelle Crowe
Runway look from designer Barbara Bates.
October is always a top tier month for fashion lovers. The temperatures drop enough to don boots and capes without sweltering, and the colorful leaves and pumpkin-bedecked brownstones set the scene for fantastic photos.
A self portrait of Chelsea B.
This particular October offers extra-special reasons for the style set to celebrate. Chicago Fashion Week, taking place October 9 – 20, intends to weave together the city’s past and present in a series of 50 extraordinary events, including the Costume Council’s 50th Anniversary Gala, FGI Chicago’s Rising Star Awards, “Modern Vintage Chicago market by the creators of Randolph Street Market,” the 5th Annual Runway Latinx, and Asian Fashion Show Chicago.
Covetable style from Gente Fina.
This is a gathering of working professionals putting their creativity and brainpower together to define a sustainable, communal, and fashionable future.
The Curio, an organization connecting fashion creators and the culturally curious, kicks things off on October 9 with “A Celebration of Chicago Style” presented by Abercrombie & Kent at the historic Chicago Cultural Center, with a pre-reception at 6 pm in the G.A.R. Hall, runway show at 7:15 pm in the Tiffany domed Preston Bradley Hall, and a post-reception at 8:45 pm in G.A.R. Hall.
I Am Studios from The Curio’s Fashion’s Night Out event.
On the runway, works from Barbara Bates, Chelsea B., Christina Karin, Gente Fina, I Am Studios, Justin Dougan-LeBlanc, Maria Pinto, and Sheila Rashid will dazzle. Behind the scenes, notable names with decades of valuable experience will make sure that guests enjoy every minute and leave inspired. curioexperience.com
Maria Pinto’s signature wearable chic.
Several jam-packed days later, on October 15, Fashion Group International of Chicago will present their Rising Star Awards in the categories of fashion design, accessory design, content creation, and fashion styling. In collaboration with Neiman Marcus, FGI Chicago will honor Mark Badgley and James Mischka of Badgley Mischka with the Fashion Icon Award, celebrating their significant contributions to the fashion industry and global impact on style and elegance. This evening promises to be a celebration of innovation, style, and the recognition of emerging talents. fgi.org/event/fgi-chicagos-10th-rising-star-awards/
Sheila Rashid balances tomboy and feminine style, attracting clients including Zendaya.
Not every event is downtown. The organizers of Chicago Fashion Week have made bold efforts to plan events throughout the Chicagoland area. Oakbrook Center is hosting College of DuPage Fashion Studies: Exhibition of Student Work at 6:00 on October 11. There are lectures, clothing swaps, culinary evenings, listening parties and more. Find the full schedule at chicagofashionweek.com, buy tickets, wear daring ensembles, and enjoy the spotlight.
