More than 25 students will display their innovations and skills in sewing and garment construction during the awards on Friday, April 28, hailing from four notable Chicago design and fashion schools: Columbia College Chicago, Dominican University, The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
The event, themed Elements, will be hosted by Inese and Richard H. Driehaus and emceed by Sylvia Perez, News Anchor/Reporter at Fox 32 Chicago. The runway show will be judged by Ellie Cotey, Head of Wardrobe at Joffrey Ballet, Mark Roscoe, President of Mark Roscoe Design, Jennifer Worman, CEO of T&J Designs and blogger at Red Soles and Red Wine, and Wendy Krimins, General Manager of Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. The ceremony will also include a pre-party with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, a live auction, live entertainment, and an exclusive VIP after-party.
The first place designer will receive $7,500 for the production of a lookbook, including makeup and photography, as well as a garment display at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue and additional media opportunities. The second place, third place, and honorable mention designers will all win cash honorariums. Participating design students will also be invited to join Driehaus Design Initiative and the Chicago History Museum for the Runway to Showroom: Driehaus Business of Fashion Symposium, a day of panel discussions centered around businesses helping designers succeed.
Reserved VIP seats are $300, which include access to the VIP after-party. General admission tickets are $175. See here for more information and tickets.