Staff Reporter
For 10 days in October, Chicago Fashion Week will bring the city alive with fashion, creativity, and community. From October 10 to 19, events will span from Hyde Park to Highland Park, showcasing runway shows, clothing markets, fashion exhibits, design workshops, and more. The annual celebration highlights Chicago’s vibrant fashion ecosystem and offers consumers a chance to explore, learn, and support local talent.
Story Highlights
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Event Duration: October 10-19, 2025
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Focus: Local fashion designers and creatives in Chicago
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Locations: Hyde Park, Highland Park, Navy Pier, and more
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Number of Events: 61, up from 52 last year
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Key Features: Runway shows, fashion workshops, pop-up markets, streetwear expos, cultural showcases
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New Summit: Chicago Fashion Summit for networking and skill-building
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Special Event: Surround Sound of Fashion combines live music and fashion
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Accessibility: Many events free; some ticketed
Founder John Leydon emphasized that Chicago Fashion Week is designed to spotlight local designers rather than simply follow the model of other major fashion weeks.
“Major fashion weeks cater to celebrities and industry buyers,” Leydon said. “Our main goal is to highlight local designers and invite people to discover and support them.”
Leydon described the event as an opportunity for education and engagement. “It’s a chance to learn about fashion, shop unique apparel, and connect with the community,” he said.
Since its debut last year, the event has grown rapidly. The first VIP Launch Party reached capacity almost immediately, prompting a waitlist. Leydon said the response has been “overwhelming” and reflects Chicagoans’ appetite for programming that celebrates local creativity.
“This is our chance to show Chicago in a new light,” Leydon said. “People are stepping up and supporting the energy of local fashion, and it’s been incredible to see.”
This year, the Chicago Fashion Week schedule has expanded to 61 events, up from 52 last year. Highlights include:
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A hands-on Mayan textiles workshop on Friday
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A fall clothing swap at the Chicago Fair Trade Museum
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A vintage clothing pop-up on Saturday
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A Chicago streetwear expo on Sunday
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A Latinx runway show on October 18
Other key events include a runway show by designer Kone Ranger, an immersive experience by Robin Harris at Navy Pier, and a South Asian creative expression runway show on October 15. A community repair workshop on October 16 will teach attendees how to mend their own clothes.
Leydon stressed the inclusivity of the event. “Many events are free and open to the public, while some are ticketed,” he said. “We had to close submissions this year because of the overwhelming volume, which is a tremendous sign that Chicago’s creative economy is thriving.”
A new feature of this year’s fashion week is the Chicago Fashion Summit, hosted in partnership with Apparel Industry Board, Inc. and Fashion Group International. Running from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, the summit is designed for entrepreneurs, designers, digital creatives, and other professionals looking to grow their careers and businesses.
Nicole Ruiz, executive director of Apparel Industry Board, highlighted the summit’s focus on meaningful networking.
“A lot of the fashion community is events and parties, which are fabulous,” Ruiz said. “But we want to create space where real business conversations can happen — sharing resources like manufacturers, sewers, and production tips.”
Jess Crane, regional director of Fashion Group International of Chicago and a fashion week advisory council member, explained the long-term benefits of such support.
“When attention turns to our local talent, we can provide resources for designers to reach larger platforms, like New York Fashion Week or Paris Fashion Week,” Crane said.
Returning events include Surround Sound of Fashion on October 19, which combines fashion with live music. The event will feature MTV personality Dometi Pongo and “America’s Next Top Model” participant Sharaun B as hosts. Performances by DJ Nehpets, Yung Joc, and others will accompany a pop-up marketplace with brands like Mielle and Topo Chico.
Nathan Gilbert, event organizer and Chicago-based creative, said the fashion week is an opportunity to connect deeply with the city’s culture.
“Every event lets attendees experience fashion, music, and lifestyle all at once,” Gilbert said. “It’s a chance to tap into the artistry of each producer and really connect with Chicago’s creative scene.”
Chicago Fashion Week continues to grow as a platform for local designers and creatives, combining education, consumer engagement, and community networking. The week is not just about fashion shows but about building a sustainable ecosystem for Chicago’s creative economy.
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