Designers and fashionistas alike will descend upon Germania Place for Chicago's celebration of Fashion Week Oct. 17.
Now in its third year, NEXT Fashion Chicago will showcase emerging and established designers in one show, including Tamra Ellingson, Elena Bobysheva, Sarah Church, Gary Gonzalez, Niala Conte, Meekis, Mira Couture, Cleons Clothing Co. and Bottega Contessa.
"We've got a wide variety of garments being shownclassic to avant garde, evening gowns, suits, menswear, women's wear, ready-to-wear, couture," said Rose Mandel, executive producer and show director. "We literally have every style of women's wear on the planet, with the exception of athletic wear."
The fashion show is meticulously staged to a signature soundtrack, set against the elegant Parisian vibe of Germania Place.
"Germania Place feels like you're walking into a Paris couture house. It's European style, hardwood floors, gigantic, gorgeous chandeliers, two ballrooms, arched windowsit's got a lot of character. It's not like any typical show you'd see in the city," said Mandel.
Alicia Roman and Daniella Guzman of NBC-5 Chicago will host and Corri McFadden, owner of Edrop-off Luxury Consignment, will present achievement awards.
This year's event features a student showcase for the NEXT GENERATION Fashion Design Challenge. Ten local fashion students, selected by a jury of industry professionals prior to the event, will present their designs on the runway during the show.
"This contest gives design students a chance to take their classroom experience and use it in the real world," said Mandel. "They are in a scenario dealing with tight deadlines, garment production and everyday stresses of the industry; they truly get a taste of the business. Plus, they get the thrill of seeing their very own designs on the runway of a professional fashion showevery designer's dream."
The event also features a cocktail hour, designer boutiqueduring which designers will greet attendees, sell show pieces and take ordersand an after-party, in addition to the fashion show.
"The clothes are good. The show is fast-paced. It's truly European style," said Mandel. "It's not just your average fashion showit levels above."
NEXT Fashion Chicago Oct. 17 at Germania Place in the Gold Coast. Doors open at 6 p.m, and the show starts at 8 p.m. For tickets, visit NextFashionChicago.com .