This fall, Chicago’s fashion and design scene takes center stage during the third annual Chicago Fashion Week, showcasing the city’s creativity, culture, and couture.

This year’s Chicago Fashion Week celebrates groundbreaking artistic expression and follows the threads of Chicago’s fashion history through a week-long series of events.

Chicago Fashion Week runs from Oct. 8 – 18, 2026, bringing shows and exhibits all across the Chicago area. From Highland Park to Hyde Park, designers, fashion schools, and world-class shopping unite to represent Chicago’s evolving fashion scene. 

Top Chicago Fashion Week 2026 events

Discover emerging desginers, watch a runway show, or shop a curated pop-up experience during this year’s lineup. Here are a few events to look forward to during Chicago Fashion Week. 

Shopping events and markets

Chicago Fashion Week
Chicago Fashion Week

Marché Privé: Fashion Week Edition
Oct. 10, 2026
Zhou B Art Center
This elevated shopping experience is designed for those who love to discover unique collections and creative entrepreneurs. Marché Privé champions creativity and intentional consumerism by bringing together artisans, independent designers, and others in the creative community.
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Women in Fashion: The South Side Affair
Oct. 11, 2026
MITC Studio
Come experience women-owned fashion brands like never before in this curated shopping event. Attendees will have the space to discover local designers and their collections, featuring apparel, lifestyle goods, jewelry, and more. Find your next statement piece or unique gift at this interactive affair.
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The Dominican Fashion Edit
Oct. 15, 2026
Dominican University
Explore a curated marketplace full of beauty products, lifestyle goods, and fashion accessories with an evening put on by the Dominican University Fashion Department. This is a chance to connect with the creators behind the work and support local talent for one-of-a-kind pieces.
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Fair Trade Fall Clothing Swap
Oct. 16 – 18, 2026
Chicago Fair Trade Museum
The Conscious Closet Club is hosting a party for the pieces in your closet that deserve a little more love. Give your unworn favorites a second life by swapping them for new-to-you pieces at this stylish clothing exchange.
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The Chicago Streetwear Expo
Oct. 17, 2026
The Expo Warehouse
This pop-up shop is where streetwear brands come together to buy, sell, and trade art, clothes, and shoes from Chicago brands and beyond. Put on your best fit to eat, shop, and network with designers from all over the country exhibiting their creative enterprises.
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More Chicago Fashion Week shopping events:

Runway shows and fashion showcases

Chicago Fashion Week
Chicago Fashion Week

Ambience
Oct. 9, 2026
Spin Chicago
This unique fashion experience reimagines the traditional runway. Through immersive installations, live artistic performances, networking, and more, audiences can explore the creative worlds and step into the minds of emerging designers.
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Masquerade de Spiritismo
Oct. 10, 2026
Chicago Art Department
Celebrating African spirituality and the divine feminine, this event reimagines sacred traditions through a contemporary lens. Masquerade de Spiritismo combines a fashion show, art experience, and ritual performance, with special guest DJ Duane Powell.
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AIM GIRLS: No Limits
Oct. 10, 2026
Fame Cocktail Club
If you’re ready for an unforgettable night of fashion, be sure not to miss out on this high-energy runway showcase. Here, designers, models, photographers, and creatives showcase that boundaries don’t exist in the fashion industry.
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Indie Fashion Show: Where Fashion Becomes Performance
Oct. 11, 2026
Distro Music Hall
Experience different sides of style at this signature runway event. The Indie Fashion Show presents two exclusive showcases featuring talented designers, 100+ models, live entertainment, and more. Rising designers will debut bold creativity and show Chicago what the future of fashion is all about. 
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Magni-tude Evolve
Oct. 11, 2026
Parker Karlov Event Space and Studio
Dedicated to the importance of mental health and honoring lost lives, this year’s show brings hope and compassion to the runway. Through the power of fashion, the evening creates space for connection and meaningful conversation.
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Grace + Ivory: SOLO
Oct. 13, 2026
Grace + Ivory
Romantic, rebellious bridal looks take the stage in this intimate fashion show from a Chicago-based bridal brand. In their first-ever independent showcase, Grace + Ivory celebrates a moment for brides who want to leave a lasting impression, hosted inside their newly renovated Bucktown studio.
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Fleurotica
Oct. 15, 2026
Garfield Park Conservatory
Floral designers, students, and landscape artists demonstrate their abilities to create breathtaking garments from flowers and plants, raising money to support the Garfield Park Conservatory. Come witness the unique talents of local creatives in this popular fashion show.
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Chicago Fashion Showcase
Oct. 15, 2026
Union Station
Join in on the 5th annual Chicago Fashion Showcase, blending runway show, art, and entertainment at the iconic Union Station. Activations include a pop-up shop, a panel discussion, and designer exhibits. 
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Queer Couture Runway
Oct. 15, 2026
Public Works Gallery
Chicago Fashion Week’s first official LGBTQ+ runway will include handmade avant-garde fashion looks by nine queer designers. This show was created to bring togetherness to the community, embracing creatives of all levels.
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Afro Fashion Experience
Oct. 17, 2026
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
In celebration of Afro-descendent designers, the Afro Fashion Experience brings designers, models, artists, culinary experiences, and more to Chicago’s DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center.
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Check out the full schedule for Chicago Fashion Week 2026.