support local designers w/ fashion focus!

I got to talk “fashion” w/ mayor daley at a press conference & fashion show (that’s me in front! pic found on bizbash) hosted by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs at Macy’s to unveil Fashion Focus 2009- our “fashion week” 10/22-10/25- showcasing some of chicago’s top designers, featuring runway shows in Millennium Park, shopping events, student designer events, and industry seminars.  Daley said “Fashion Focus Chicago has established itself as a wonderful way to support the city’s fashion community, highlight the talented artists who live and work here and draw people to the neighborhood shops that sell fashions by local designers.”

I thought it was also cool to hear from tommy hilfiger who was in the house talking about the Chicago Fashion Incubator, a program started by the city & Macy’s to help local designers launch their careers and make it big!  Tommy, now the new mentor of the program, told all, “I am honored to be involved in this project and look forward to sharing my experience in the fashion industry with these designers.”

If like me & can’t wait to support our local chicago designers (and want to look really smart!), stop by the “Chicago Sidewalk Sale” taking place today & tomorrow (21^st  & 22^nd) on Daley Plaza featuring over 30 Chicago-based designers & retailers, w/ noon fashion shows on both days, where you can meet some of the most amazing local designers & retailers around!  Chicago boasts more than 400 designers and 375 independent fashion boutiques- this number will grow if we all support them 1^st before choosing randoms out of habit. For more information, visit www.chicagofashionresource.com