Categories: Opportunity

Maker Opportunity: Chicago Fashion Designer Open Call with The Curio

Published On: March 1st, 2023

We are excited to announce that The Curio is co-hosting two fashion events with 21c Museum Hotel in late Spring (May 31) and early Fall and are looking for the best Chicago design talent to showcase.

These presentations will be free of charge to all participating designers.  We will also be providing models, production, and hair & make teams free of charge.  This is because we want designers to be able to focus their time and energy on creating their lines and wares and let us take care of the rest.

Designer Submission Here (or just email info@thecurioexperience.com and request a submission form).

Designer Submission Deadline: Friday, March 17th

The first event, taking place on Wednesday, May 31stA Celebration of Chicago Style – will be a runway presentation showcasing 4-5 designers from all genres (RTW, Eveningwear, Streetwear, Avant-Garde) who are more focused on creating collections or a larger selection of pieces.  We will be looking for designers who want to showcase 7-10 apparel looks, as well as accessory designers in installations/displays.

The later fashion presentation will be the 2nd annual Fashion’s Night Out.  For that event the format will be informal vignettes with designers’ showcasing 1-3 looks in a more intimate setting where guests can get close and personal with the designers and their looks. This event provides a great opportunity for an emerging designer or those who do more custom work with more limited inventory.

A submission form is available here for any and Chicago designers to submit to either or both fashion presentations.  The shows will be curated by a Selection Committee of fashion industry members who are very knowledgeable and will be supplemented by The Curio’s internal fashion team.

We look forward to hearing from all Chicago-based designers!  Spread the word!