If you can't fly yourself around the world for Fashion Week in New York, Paris, London or Milan, you can still experience a multitude of fun, eclectic sartorial events right here in Chicago.
Chicago's own fashion week, brought to life by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, celebrates its 10th year this year and takes place October 4-12. Among the bevy of events, highlights of Fashion Focus Chicago include:
Our Fashion, Our Heritage: Haiti Fashion Week Preview This runway and selling event features top designers covering 500 years of Haiti's aesthetic prevalence with a contemporary twist. The sale is free while seats for the runway event are limited. (Block Thirty Seven, 108 N State St, Third Floor, October 5. $15-$25)
Virgin Hotels Chicago presents Chicago Fashion Incubator Designer Showcase Support young designers at this swanky event showcasing the work of 10 new Chicago designers from the Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy's on State Street. Reservations required by emailing VHCFashionShow@skoogproductions.com. (Virgin Hotels Chicago, The Commons Club, 203 N Wabash Ave., October 8, doors 4:30pm. Free)
Happy Hour Shopping Party featuring Chicago brands Shop handmade and local designers and boutiques and get a 20 percent discount. Specialty cocktails by Jo Snow Syrups and light snacks will be served. (Squasht Boutique, 2556 W Chicago Ave, October 8, 5-8pm. Free)
StyleChicago.com presents FashionChicago This shopping extravaganza features some of Chicago's best apparel, jewelry and accessory designers. (Millennium Park, Chase Promenade, 201 E Randolph St, October 10, 10am-6pm. Free)
Fashion Saves Lives Spend your money where it counts at the grand opening of Monarch Thrift Shop. The day includes a 12:30pm ribbon-cutting, continues with plenty of shopping and ends with a presentation by celebrity stylist Verneccia LaShay of Verneccia LaShay Fashion House. Sales at Monarch Thrift Shop benefit programs dedicated to recovery, HIV/AIDS and reintegration. (Monarch Thrift Shop, 2886 N Milwaukee Ave, October 10, 11am-7pm. Free)