Chicago Fashion Awards

December 13, 2025 | Museum of Contemporary Art | 7–10 PM

Hello Chicago,

Chicago fashion finally has its night.

On December 13, Chicago fashion gets its flowers at the inaugural Chicago Fashion Awards, a black-tie gala for the designers, models, stylists, and image-makers who've been doing the work.

This isn't just another event. This is Chicago's night of record—where craft meets recognition, and the whole industry shows up.

Presented by Woodford Reserve.

Why This Matters

Chicago fashion talent is under-recognized. Designers move to the coasts. Work goes uncelebrated. Connections that could change careers never happen.

The Chicago Fashion Awards changes that.

We're celebrating 10 jury-led categories with transparent criteria and rigorous judging—plus 77 Best Dressed, a People's Choice recognition for Chicago's most stylish across every industry.

This is the night:

• Models meet the agencies who book them

• Emerging designers walk red carpets with the legends who opened the door

• Photographers, stylists, MUAs, and hair artists get their flowers

• Buyers, press, and civic leaders see what Chicago fashion can do

77 Best Dressed—Are You In?

We're celebrating 77 of Chicago's best-dressed across 8 industries—from fashion to tech to hospitality.

Know someone with undeniable style? Nominate them. Or better yet—nominate yourself.

Upload 3–5 photos showcasing your best looks. The top 77 will be celebrated at the gala on December 13.

🎯 Nominate for 77 Best Dressed → (Submissions close December 3)

The 10 Award Categories

Our independent jury is reviewing nominations across these categories:

1. Designer of the Year — The craft that defined Chicago

2. Emerging Designer — The next name you'll know

3. Model of the Year — The face, the walk, the moment

4. Fashion Content Creator of the Year — The voice capturing Chicago fashion

5. Fashion Photographer of the Year — The images we can't forget

6. Wardrobe Stylist of the Year — The vision behind the look

7. Makeup Artist of the Year — Beauty as architecture

8. Hair Artist of the Year — The crown that completes it

9. Sustainable Innovation — The future, built responsibly

10. Lifetime Achievement — The foundation we build on

See someone doing game-changing work? Tell us.

🏆 Submit Award Nominations → (Nominations close December 6)

Your Night Includes

✨ Red carpet arrivals with step-and-repeat

🥂 Woodford Reserve bar with themed cocktails

🍽️ Heavy hors d'oeuvres all night

🏛️ Free MCA entry — come early, see the galleries, plus a voucher for a return visit

🎭 Live winner reveals and speeches

📸 Photo studio access — leave with content

🤝 250+ guests—designers, agencies, press, buyers, tastemakers

Get Your Tickets—Early Bird Pricing Ends Soon

🎟️ General Admission — $150 $125 Early Bird

(First 50 tickets only)

Red carpet, awards ceremony, open bar, hors d'oeuvres, MCA entry, house seating. Plus 250+ designers, agencies, and press.

Claim Early Bird Tickets →

⭐ VIP Patron — $225

Everything in GA, plus: 30-min exclusive pre-show reception (6:30 PM), reserved VIP seating, priority red carpet access, VIP lounge, commemorative gift, and digital content access.

VIP tickets fund $1,000 micro-grants for emerging designers—your seat, their start.

Get VIP Tickets →

🏆 Tables — $2,500 (10 seats)

Premium placement, branded signage, program + social recognition, backstage meet-and-greet with honorees, concierge support. Only 5 tables available.

Reserve a Table →

This Is Chicago Fashion's Moment

You don't have to move to the coasts. You don't have to wait for someone else to tell your story.

December 13, Chicago fashion gets its flowers. You get a front-row seat.

See you at the MCA.

Chicago Fashion Coalition

P.S. First 50 GA tickets: $125. After that, $150. VIP caps at 80. Tables cap at 5. This sells out.

Event Details:

📅 Saturday, December 13, 2025

⏰ 7:00–10:00 PM (VIP early access 6:30 PM)

📍 Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Chicago Ave

👔 Elevated evening attire

Questions? Reply to this email or reach us at [email protected]

#CFCAwards #ChicagoFashionAwards #TheCityInBloom