Fashion Focus Chicago Unleashes Windy City's Chic Set

October 2, 2009 at 2:42 PM | by Heidi Atwal | 0 Comments

Chicago may have lost out on its bid for the Olympics, but its fashion scene is getting just as much attention as any gold medal athlete. For that they can thank, in part, First Lady Michelle Obama, whose long standing relationship with boutiques like Ikram has earned The Windy City fashion credibility and inspired a thorough article about its style in a recent issue of The New Yorker.

But it's the city's independent designers who are truly trailblazing a sartorial path�those emerging names whose work you might see on the rack at major department stores in the future. In celebration of LBDs (that's Little Black Dresses, for you non-fashion followers), elegant draping, and everything else Chicago has to offer on-and-off the catwalk, Fashion Focus Chicago (October 22-25) will dedicate four full days to shopping events, industry seminars, and runway shows from designers like Horacio Nieto and Michael Alan Stein.

The great thing about this four-day fashion marathon is that you get an opportunity to preview future seasons' collections, and with a long list of trunk shows to choose from, you can purchase items before they hit stores and probably get a discount in the process. Those who aspire to be the next Marc Jacobs or Diane von Furstenberg can attend "The Ultimate Design Challenge: Finding a Job" on Sunday, October 25, a helpful seminar on how to break into the industry. Also, from October 23rd through March 28th of next year, an exhibit called "The Nature of Diamonds" will have a run at Chicago's Field Museum, contributing some additional glamour to an already class-filled run of activities.

Out of towners or those who simply want to get closer to the action should take note of Fashion Focus' Hotel Packages. Various area hotels have teamed up with the organization for special fashion-themed packages, such as The Four Seasons Chicago's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" bundle of makeovers, store discounts, and martinis (oh, my).

Most events will take place at Millennium Park, unless otherwise stated. For a full schedule of fashion shows and retail happenings, visit Chicago Fashion Resource online. And don't forget to polish up those stilettos.

Related Stories
· Chicago Fashion Resource [Official Site]
· Chicago's Millennium Park Piles On The Culture With New Pavilions [Jaunted]

[Photo: Chicago Fashion Resource]

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