Overview

• The second-year series spans venues from Hyde Park to Highland Park with roughly 60–61 shows, talks and markets, up from 52 last year.
• A new Chicago Fashion Summit, produced with the Apparel Industry Board and Fashion Group International, focuses on practical networking and business lessons for creatives, with tickets starting around $129.
• Many events are open to all or free, while select signature shows require tickets, and several offerings are already at capacity or in high demand, including Fleurotica on Oct. 16, which will stream online.
• Highlights on the calendar include Robin Harris’s City of Confidence fashion experience at Navy Pier on Oct. 12, a Streetwear Expo in Pilsen the same day, and designer showcases from Shernett Swaby, Production Mode and KoneRanger.
• Hospitality entrepreneur John Leydon leads CFW’s organization as founder, while previous Curio organizers who helped galvanize the scene are not part of this year’s official leadership, according to local reporting.