AIBI's Presence at Chicago Fashion Week: Celebrating Fashion, Culture, and Innovation

As Chicago Fashion Week takes over the city, the Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI) team is excited to engage in a variety of events that highlight the vibrant and evolving fashion landscape. Our staff and board members will be attending key industry happenings throughout the week, with a special focus on AIBI-hosted events, which embody our commitment to innovation, tradition, and the future of fashion.

AIBI Staff and Board Member Engagements

Throughout Chicago Fashion Week, AIBI staff and board members will attend various industry events, sharing knowledge, connecting with key stakeholders, and celebrating the diversity of fashion in our city. Here's a look at the week ahead for a few members of our team:

Ambar x CFW

Kat x CFW

Xochil x CFW

Melissa x CFW

Jess x CFW

AIBI-Led Events

Seasons of Style: The de la Rosa Fall Collections

Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024

Location: Elda de la Rosa Boutique

We are proud to partner with the talented mother-son design duo Elda and Carlos de la Rosa to present Seasons of Style: The de la Rosa Fall Collections. This fashion show will highlight the latest fall designs, showcasing luxurious textiles and impeccable craftsmanship that define the de la Rosa brand. From elegant evening wear to contemporary pieces, this collection reflects the vibrancy of the Chicago fashion scene. Proceeds from the event will benefit AIBI and AIBI Members receive a $25 discount on tickets.

FGI Chicago's Rising Star Awards

Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Location: Palmer House

The Fashion Group International (FGI) Chicago Rising Star Awards will take place on October 15, 2024, at the Palmer House Hilton during Chicago Fashion Week. The event will celebrate innovation and excellence in fashion, featuring the presentation of the Fashion Icon Award to Mark Badgley and James Mischka of Badgley Mischka, in collaboration with Neiman Marcus. The evening will include a cocktail hour, an awards ceremony recognizing rising stars and innovators in various fashion categories, and a networking session. Finalists include designers and creators in accessories, apparel, content creation, and styling, with winners chosen by FGI Chicago members. AIBI Members receive a $10 discount on tickets.

Chicago Fashion Showcase

Date: Thursday, October 17, 2024

Location: Union Station

The Chicago Fashion Showcase is an all-day event blending runway shows and the pop-up market "X Marks the Shop," featuring art, entertainment, and local designers. This year's theme, "Give Chicago Her Flowers," honors the city's fashion industry and its professionals. Held at Union Station’s historic Great Hall, the event includes shopping from 11am-8pm, a designer exhibit from 4:30pm-8pm, and a panel discussion at 2pm on Chicago's fashion evolution. Runway shows start at 6pm, featuring designers like Lauren Lein and Gente Fina. A portion of ticket sales supports AIBI, with a focus on spotlighting BIPOC designers and providing scholarships for emerging talent. AIBI Members receive $30 discount on tickets.

Mayan Textiles: Art, Tradition, and Technique

Date: Friday, October 18, 2024

Location: National Museum of Mexican Art

One of the highlights of this year’s Chicago Fashion Week is our full-day cultural exchange event, Mayan Textiles: Art, Tradition, and Technique. Led by Mildre Ramirez, founder of Antalika’a, this immersive experience explores the rich history and techniques of Mayan embroidery. Attendees will gain insight into the artistic craftsmanship of traditional textiles, with opportunities to participate in hands-on workshops and discussions on preserving artisanal techniques. Proceeds from the event will benefit AIBI and AIBI Members receive a $25 discount on tickets.

How To Build Your Brand from Scratch in 2024 & Beyond

Date: Friday, October 19, 2024

Location: Block 37, Iridium

Cre8 Space is hosting a panel discussion and networking event designed for brand owners, fashion designers, models, photographers, videographers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs. This event aims to bring together Chicago's creatives to explore branding and entrepreneurship, featuring experienced fashion entrepreneurs and a textile expert specializing in cut-and-sew manufacturing. Attendees will learn how to build a sustainable brand, leverage AI for growth, launch a brand without prior experience, and secure grant funding. Network, discover the CRE8 Space mentorship program, and shop ALMVGHTY merch. Proceeds from the event will benefit AIBI's Cre8 Space program.

The general consensus among staff and board members is that we wish we could participate in more of the events, but alas we cannot clone ourselves...

"I wish I could attend them all! It's incredibly exciting to see Chicago's fashion scene thriving, and it leaves me eagerly anticipating what 2025 will bring for fashion in our city." - Jess Crane, AIBI Board Member

"Chicago Fashion Week is a powerful platform for showcasing the city's creative talent and innovative spirit. It’s not just a celebration of fashion, but a testament to the incredible work being done by designers, makers, and industry professionals in our community. I'm excited to support and elevate the voices of those shaping the future of fashion by participating in as many events as possible." - Ambar Campos, AIBI Executive Director.

"I'm thrilled to be a part of Chicago Fashion Week, where we celebrate the fashion industry's creativity, diversity, and innovation. Hosting a Dominican University alum fashion show during Chicago Fashion Week highlights the incredible talent that has emerged from our program and showcases the vibrant culture of fashion in Chicago. I'm also excited to attend and support other fashion events throughout the week, as they provide invaluable opportunities for connection and inspiration, and it's an honor to encourage the next generation of designers as they redefine the future of fashion. - Melissa Carr, AIBI Board Member

"I am so excited for the first Chicago Fashion Week! I participated in the inaugural year of the predecessor event, "Fashion Focus Chicago," as a student, and I am so proud to support the Chicago fashion community as a business owner, educator, and all-around enthusiast for the many brands, designers, manufacturers, and everyone else who touches and supports this local ecosystem." - Xochil Herrera Scheer, AIBI Board Secretary

We look forward to seeing you and sharing in the excitement as we celebrate the heart of fashion in Chicago. Keep an eye on our social media for updates throughout the week!