Chicago FashionBar Week is a Beacon of Hope and Inspiration for Creatives and Fashion Enthusiasts!

Chicago FashionBar Week (produced by FashionBar Chicago) is an independent partnership with established businesses in Chicago. They proudly offer a dynamic platform for independent fashion designers, producers, and models. Their mission is to foster economic development in the realms of fashion design, merchandising, and modeling. They collaborate with every facet of the industry to celebrate boundless creativity and artistic culture within the Chicago metro area.

Chicago FashionBar Week envisions transforming Chicago into the fashion capital of the Midwest. They provide a spotlight for emerging and established talents, elevating the city’s fashion industry to a national platform and bridging the gap between Los Angeles and New York City.

Their journey began in 2014 when they recognized the need for a dedicated fashion resource in Chicago after the discontinuation of Fashion Focus. FashionBar swiftly established its own foundation, embarking on a strategic go-to-market strategy to deliver impeccable fashion goods across all channels of distribution.

Pioneering impactful initiatives such as FashionCon, the Fashion Marketplace, and the groundbreaking “Trans, Media, and Fashion” fashion show, FashionBar Week aims to redefine the boundaries of inclusivity and diversity in the fashion landscape.

Embrace the essence of creativity, innovation, and style as they unveil a world where fashion thrives on boundless possibilities. Fashion Week is more than an event; it’s an experience that drives the pulse of Chicago’s fashion industry. Join them on this extraordinary journey as they celebrate the spirit of artistry and collaboration, transforming Chicago into a fashion-forward metropolis.

They envision a future of boundless fashion possibilities.

THE SPRING 2024 SHOWS

Our publisher, Calynn M. Lawrence, got the chance to attend their April 21st show and had the following quote and video:

"As a Chicago native, I've naturally been supporting Chicago Fashion Week (produced by FashionBar Chicago) for the last several years, nearly a decade. And, EVERY show I attend is a hit. This year was no different. My mom and I got the opportunity to attend their Eco Friendly show that was focused on sustainable garments that looked great while helping preserve the environment. It was a fabulous time and a pleasure to cover the show! Thank you to Tony Long, CEO, for keeping me in mind 💥💪💖."

This year's event was a week-long extravaganza showcasing not only cutting-edge designs but also a deep commitment to sustainability and social causes benefitting the Aids Healthcare Foundation, Mary E. Smith Foundation, & Howard Brown Health. 

The Shows kicked off on April 13th with the Designer Reveal, and the full schedule began April 21st to April 28th 2024. Amidst the dazzling lights of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, this year’s fashion week was an unforgettable experience, bringing together designers, models, influencers, journalists, and media professionals in a celebration of creativity, culture and style at Water Tower Place (FashionBar, level 3). With our special host, the fabulous Sharaun, International Signed Elite Model in NY Entrepreneur, Life Coach CEO of the Model Academy and now your host for her 2nd season of Chicago Fashion Week powered by FashionBar! Sharaun hosted the Modern & Ready2Wear Show on Friday, April 26th and the Urban & Streetwear Show on Saturday, April 27th, 2024.

This season’s Chicago Fashion Week powered by FashionBar made a difference in the lives of individuals and communities growing the Chicago fashion industry and redefining wellness as it impacts beauty and fashion. This year our non-profit beneficiaries included: 

The Mary E. Smith Foundation (MESF) - The Mary E Smith Foundation’s mission revolves around facilitating early brain tumor detection and prevention benefiting from the following shows; Designer Reveal, Modern & Ready2Wear, Next Generation, and Urban & Streetwear, and Evening Wear Show. To donate click here! 

The Aids Healthcare Organization (AHF) -

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation is a global nonprofit organization that delivers cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to more than 1,700,000 individuals across 45 countries. Your support contributed to raising awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS from attending the Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Show. To donate click here! 

Howard Brown Health benefiting the Broadway Youth Center - FashionBar is excited to continue our 6 year relationship with Howard Brown Health including its work with the Broadway Youth Center (BYC), to bring you the Trans Media & Fashion Show. A groundbreaking show featuring trans and non binary models as they slay the runway! You can donate directly to Howard Brown Health by clicking this link. 

Full beverage services & food were provided by Gorgeous Settings - A woman owned business supporting beauty & wellness. Check out her website by clicking here 

FashionBar is showcased an impressive array of Spring Shows this year, featuring: 

South Asian & Modest - Wednesday, April 24, 2024 | 5:30pm to 8:30pm 

The cultural journey of The South Asian & Modest Show with designs from Naranji, IAMTONYLONG and closing designers showcasing 30 incredible looks by Sahil Exclusive by Bhavesh .

Trans Media & Fashion - Thursday, April 25, 2024 | 5:30pm to 8:30pm 

The celebration of transgender and non-binary models walking the runway with fashion brands Aspen Sweet, DoviArt, IAMTONYLONG and closing designers will feature sustainable clothing by Chicago’s very own The Brown Elephant benefiting Broadway Youth Center.

Modern & Ready To Wear - Friday, April 26, 2024 | 5:30pm to 8:30pm 

The simplicity of Modern & ReadyToWear show presents designers Dehmin O Cleland (DOC) by Dehnim Cleland, Shoua Lour, Cybelle Elena benefiting Mary E Smith Foundation.

Next Generation - Saturday, April 27, 2024 | 12pm to 3pm 

The Next Generation show celebrates innovation of emerging designers S.E.W. Studios by Sami Moon, ADEM~ by Ademi Bolat and Ensley Lee Wright on their perspective of the emerging fashion brands benefiting Mary E Smith Foundation.

Urban & Streetwear - Saturday, April 27, 2024 | 4pm to 8pm 

The Urban & Streetwear Show is an experience in the urban landscape and culture as designers Focus Down Luxury Brand by Elijah Cooley, PIR - PUSH INDEPENDENT RECORDS by Michael Adebimpe and a closing out show with swimwear designer Relleciga by Lucie Bugalová all benefiting Mary E Smith Foundation!

Evening Wear - Sunday, April 28, 2024 | 2pm to 6pm 

The glamor and sophistication of the Evening Wear captivated with breathtaking evening gowns and formal attire with designs by Luminous Bridal & The Polished Group and an exclusive shoe show benefiting Mary E Smith Foundation!

Learn More:

www.fashionbarchicago.com

www.chicagofashionbarweek.com