Best 2014 Summer Fashion Events In Chicago
Emerging from the winter of the polar subtext, just the thought of flouncy frocks rocking down the runway lifts our hearts and spirits. Here's a list of the five summer fashion events not be missed in Chicago.
Mario, Make Me A Model Runway Show
Museum of Broadcast Communication
360 N. State St.
Chicago, IL 60654
(847) 202-1900
www.tricoci.com
Date: May 16, 2014
It began in February with five open model calls and ends in May with a fabulous runway show just as summer commences. "Mario, Make Me a Model" is the Midwest's chief fashion event designed to help boost the careers of young models while supporting Chicago's fashion industry. Professionals and Mario's models will walk the runway in a full-scale fashion show featuring Chicago designers. This promises to be a high-powered show that ends with Mario Tricoci announcing the winning model, who will appear in the June issue of Michigan Avenue Magazine.
Chicago Couture Fashion Week
Various Venues
Chicago, IL
(312) 750-1180
www.ccfwinc.com
Date: May 10-17, 2014
Ten local designers and 10 design students showcase their spring and summer couture collections, which consist of high-fashion, summer destination and wedding apparel, during Chicago Couture Fashion Week. Fantastic venues of past shows include Waldorf Astoria, Ritz Carlton, Alhambra Palace, the Seville as well as a tent show. Chicago local high-fashion designers for spring/summer for ladies include J-na Couture, Nai by Nadia Ivanova and Andrea by Karol Barrero. For menswear, expect to see GBS Couture, Fredrico International and Studioalade by Funke Eniola, among others. Women's shoes, handbags and accessories, as well as men's accessories and ties, will also strut the runway.
Related: Best Wedding Stores In Chicago For The Vintage Shopper
Chicago Fashion Fest
1754 W. Division St.
Chicago, IL. 60622
(773) 772-2772
www.chicagofashionfest.com
Date: Aug. 23-24, 2014
This is Chicago so we do everything outdoors in the summer - cook, eat, dance, drink and participate in fashion shows. A celebration of Chicago's best designers, boutiques and style, Chicago Fashion Fest features a runway stage where bands and DJs spout catchy tunes as models strut the best looks for the summer and fall of 2014. Take in any or all of the 20 unique fashion runway shows (15-20 minutes each) over the two days, including style in vintage, kids, teen, back-to-school, curvaceous and bridal. In between the shows, visit Shopper's Row, home to up to 50 exclusive booths of local fashion designers, boutiques and salons, food and drink tents and a dedicated kids area. Evening runway shows starting at 8 p.m. are called Wicker Park after Dark - charity-hosted red carpet extravaganzas that attract paparazzi and celebs.
Macy's Glamorama
Harris Theater & Roof Top at Millennium Park
205 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 334-7777
www.macys.com
Date: August 8, 2014 at 8 p.m.
Macy's Glamorama is not only a spectacular fashion show but a one-of-a-kind after-party and huge philanthropic event of the summer. Approximately 1,500 guests attend the show (although only one hour long, Glamorama takes more than a year to plan) and about 1,000 take part in the star-studded after-party. Nearly 150 outfits and pairs of shoes walk down the runway and the designer samples and outfits worn are the very ones seen at various fashion weeks across the world. Expect food as voluptuous as the designs as a staff of 40 chefs work the post-party. Last year's performers included acts Sheryl Crow and Cirque du Soleil.
Related: Best Chicago Fashion Blogs
Jacky Runice has been a columnist with the Daily Herald Chicago since grunge music and flannel was the new black. Her fingers and gray matter have been busy as travel editor of Reunions Magazine; penning a column that was syndicated around the nation via Tribune Media Services. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
