A Celebration of Chicago Style
We are getting so excited for A Celebration of Chicago Style on May 31st-and we know that you are too because tickets started selling fast as soon as we announced the event!
Of course, the evening will be a wonderful chance to dress up, sip cocktails, and mingle with a fabulous crowd of culturally curious folks at 21cHotel Chicago.
But the night is all about supporting and highlighting the incredible design talent here in Chicago. In that spirit, we wanted to introduce you to the five incredible designers who will show their collections on the runway. From evening wear to elevated everyday designs, these creators exemplify the diverse range of fashion that's being created right here in Chicago, and it's no exaggeration to say there is something for everyone in our city's fashion community.
One of Chicago's most iconic designers, not only will Maria Pinto's line be shown on the runway, but she will also be honored for her contributions to Chicago's fashion community. As a fashion futurist,
Maria Pinto continually seeks new ways to innovate and make fashion more accessible. Maria Pinto offers a collection of timeless, ready-to-wear garments for sophisticated, stylish women. Maria's desire to make fashion that empowers women to feel chic and confident – from day to night – fueled the creation of her brand. Her "deconstructed couture" method allows her to provide the style, fit, and construction of luxury couture with the comfort and function women need and desire every single day.
Throughout her career, Maria has dressed A-list celebrities and some of the city's most prominent women, like Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey. Not only will Maria show some of her latest designs, she will also pull five special dresses from her archive for a one-of-a-kind runway show.
Sheila Rashid’s unisex unique take on streetwear has generated a substantial following of younger celebrities, including Chance The Rapper, Bella Hadid, and Zendaya. And it's no wonder why.
The attention to detail and commitment to individuality make each brand's made-to-order garments stand out from the crowd. She has also enjoyed partnerships with brands, including Nike, Jack Daniels, H&M, and Nissan.
Nigerian born Lola Élan, a current designer-in-residence of the Chicago Fashion Incubator, will showcase her wares on the runway for the first time before a home-town crowd at A Celebration of Chicago Style.
But she also brings the experience of having showcased her collection during New York Fashion Week in 2020. With a focus on sustainability, her contemporary womenswear line is also made in Chicago.
If you’re a long-time reader of our newsletter, this brand will likely be familiar to you. Production Mode’s designer Jamie Hayes has been a leading voice in Chicago fashion for two decades, as well as a strong advocate for fair trade and the slow fashion movement.
In 2021 the Chicago Reader named her the Chicago Designer of the Year, and she has been covered by nearly every Chicago media outlet over the years.
Designed by Adreain Guilllory, a 2019 SAIC fashion graduate and Driehaus Fashion Award recipient, Ajovang is an eveningwear (demi-couture) line that launched its first collection in 2021.
By 2022 Ajovang had already been selected to participate in the Black in Fashion Council Discovery Showroom at New York Fashion Week. His pieces have been covered in Vogue, WWD, Fashionista, and WGN TV.
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We’ll continue to post designer videos and sneak peeks on our Instagram so you can get a little taste of what’s coming on the runway.
And stay tuned; the lineup of amazing accessory designers will be announced next!
