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The Chicago Fashion Summit 2025 is a one-day event dedicated to elevating the fashion ecosystem in the Midwest. Through keynotes, sessions, brand showcases, & community activations, the summit brings together designers, creatives, retailers, & innovators to exchange ideas, build networks, and reshape the future of fashion
With each ticket, attendees will enjoy:
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Full-day access to all keynotes, sessions, & panels
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Networking opportunities during breakfast, lunch, & the closing mixer
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Access to the Mini Market featuring local designers & partners
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Breakfast & lunch
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Inspiration & insight from Chicago’s leading fashion voices
Date: OCTOBER 13TH
Time: 9:00am-5:30pm
Location: L7 CHICAGO BY LOTTE
Itinerary
9:00 - 10:15am Breakfast Mixer & Mini Market
10:30 - 11:45am Opening Remarks- Host Iisha Scott of NBC Chicago
Keynote Speaker - renowned designer and entrepreneur Azature Pogosian, founder of the luxury brand AZATURE and known globally as the “Black Diamond King.” Azature will take the stage in a special keynote conversation with Nicole Ruiz, Executive Director of AIBI, to discuss brand elevation, creative vision, and the journey to building an iconic luxury label.
12:00 - 12:40pm How to Build a Million Dollar DTC Brand
12:45 - 1:25pm Lunch & Mini Market
1:30 - 2:10pm Influencer Marketing That Sells: Growing Brands & Creators - Socialite Media
2:20 - 3:00pm Growing Strong with Tech: The Future of Fashion - Don Scott of Snapshot Consulting
3:15 - 4:00pm Chicago Trailblazers: Innovators in Fashion, Footwear & Beauty
Sponsored by Forma Numa by Jess Crane
- Moderator Jess Crane (FGI Chicago and AIBI Chicago).
- Panelists Tania Mackey of NICZKA, Holly Garrard of Fundae & Shureice Kornegay of Fleeky Friday
4:00 - 5:30pm Networking Mixer & Mini Market
*Schedule subject to change
Guest Speakers
We are honored to welcome to the Chicago Fashion Summit stage these inspiring individuals who have made significant contributions in their field.
Keynote Speaker: Azature Pogosian
How to Build a Million Dollar DTC Brand
AZATURE, also known as the "Black Diamond King", designs jewelry informed by his vast influences, from the craftsmanship and mythology of ancient relics and religion to his cultural heritage, to modern pop icons like Madonna. Bridging those diverse inspirations together with impeccably handcrafted jewelry, Azature's work is both intellectual and intuitive, timeless and irreverent. In recent years, Azature has distinguished himself as a fashion force after his completion at Parsons School of Design, working with designworld legends including Richard Tyler, stylist Andrea Lieberman, Alexander McQueen and Dior. The New York Daily News named Azature one of "fashion's soon-to-be-stars". Azature was selected as one of the top 10 companies to look out for by FORBES China. In 2008, his hard work paid off when he was selected as a featured designer in GenArt's Fresh Faces in Fashion - which has launched the careers of fashion stars like Zac Posen and Peter Som - and was also a semifinalist for the prestigious Ecco Domani Fashion Fund. An avid aesthete, Azature's next chapter was a natural evolution. In August 2012, Azature dived deep into the beauty world and redefined luxury when he created the world's most expensive bottle of nail polish, dedicated to his mother and grandmother whom he refers to as his "Black Diamonds". Consisting of 267 carats of full cut and faceted black diamonds, the symbol of eternal love and empowerment, this pricey lacquer retailed for $250,000, which sold in the fall of 2013. Given the huge worldwide media sensation that ensued after the polish's controversial reveal, Azature decided to launch a more consumerfriendly version while keeping his concept of luxury the same. Each bottle is given the same attention to detail as Azature’s signature fine jewelry pieces, containing one individually hand-placed black diamond. Azature has since added 34 additional colors to the collection, including the new limited edition AZATURE White lacquer, each inspired by exquisite diamonds. As the premier black-diamond-focused designer, Azature is dedicated to providing his clients with high-quality, conflict -free gems. With clientele ranging from royalty to Hollywood stars and musicians including Madonna, Kelly Osbourne, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Fergie, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, Scarlett Johansson and Beyonce wearing his exclusive one of a kind designs and nail polish, it is no wonder why AZATURE remains "The Black Diamond King.”
Session Leader: Don Scott
Growing Strong with Tech: The Future of Fashion
Don Scott is founder of Snapshot Consulting and a community champion of AIBI. He has 20+ years of data analytics and omni-channel marketing expertise supporting fashion, retail, and eCommerce. His non-linear journey spans business development, solution architecture, advisory services, and idea generation.
He specializes in translating complex business challenges into strategic advantages, with deep expertise in data-driven decision making and executive stakeholder management. His work focuses on aligning business value to corporate objectives while managing the critical intersection between creative vision and technical implementation.
As a trusted advisor to executives and mentor to founders, he excels at hearing what's missing in organizational strategy and asking the challenging questions that drive breakthrough solutions. His approach combines rigorous data governance with innovative thinking, ensuring that brands maximize digital maturity while elevating their creative essence.
He believes that data enables visionaries to be strategic, and he's passionate about empowering the next wave of fashion innovators with the analytical foundation needed for exponential growth in an increasingly tech-driven landscape.
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Host: Iisha Scott
She is an award-winning Certified Broadcast Meteorologist at NBC Chicago. Her career has taken her from the southeast to the Mid-Atlantic and now the Midwest, covering everything from hurricanes and tornadoes to blizzards.
Iisha is a proud Norfolk State University graduate, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geosciences and Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University.
Iisha is a member of several organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, National Association of Black Journalists, National Weather Association, and the American Meteorological Society.
Session Leader: Alex Neiman
How to Build a Million Dollar DTC Brand
Alex Neiman is a growth marketer and brand strategist who has managed over $20M in direct-to-consumer ad spend. He helped shape brand growth at Dollar Shave Club and has worked across industries translating products and stories into cultural relevance. At Deutsch, he contributed to campaigns for Dr Pepper, Snapple, and 7UP, while at Focus Features he turned films into trailers that drove audiences into theaters. Today, Alex consults with companies to transform fashion and consumer businesses into brands with staying power. Brand-building runs in his family — he is related to A.L. Neiman, co-founder of Neiman Marcus.
Session Leader: Socialite Media
Influencer Marketing That Sells:
Growing Brands & Creators
Holly Sias is the CEO & Founder of Socialite Media, a Chicago and Las Vegas–based agency specializing in social media, influencer partnerships, and PR for hospitality and lifestyle brands. She leads data-driven, creator-led campaigns that turn short-form content into measurable growth across Instagram, TikTok, and beyond.
Chicago Trailblazers: Innovators in Fashion, Footwear & Beauty
Come hear from Designers who are rising right here in Chicago.
Sponsored by Forma Numa by Jess Crane.
Moderator: Jess Crane
FGI Chicago, AIBI, Forma Numa, Jess Crane Design LLC
Jess Crane is a multidisciplinary artist, designer, consultant, and community builder with a passion for innovation, sustainability, and lifelong learning. Her career spans business consulting, concept and product design, fashion and technical design, textile print, marketing, graphic design, music, writing, and fine art.
She is the founder of Jess Crane Design, LLC, which helps entrepreneurs and organizations bring their ideas to life through creative strategy and execution. In addition to her professional practice, Jess serves as the Regional Director of FGI Chicago and Programming Chair of AIBI Chicago, where she leads initiatives that foster growth, collaboration, and opportunity within the fashion and creative industries.
Jess also leads Forma Numa, her apparel line, which blends sustainability, technology, and custom-fit design by utilizing body-scan technology, 3D patternmaking tools, and sustainable materials.
Panelist: Tania Mackey
NICZKA
NICZKA is an avant-garde luxury clothing brand, designed and sample-made in Chicago. Rooted in the designer’s Chicago upbringing and Ukrainian heritage, each collection merges raw innovation with cultural depth. We elevate every piece through imported fabrics, meticulous construction, and refined manufacturing.
As an atelier, NICZKA handcrafts every detail with care and intention—creating garments that empower you to feel your most confident, authentic self. Our "light avant-garde" aesthetic offers a complete wardrobe for those seeking originality, confidence, and bold expression.
NICZKA was honored as a 2025 FGI Rising Star Nominee in New York City, a recognition of our commitment to redefining modern luxury.
Panelist: Holly Garrard
Fundae
Fundae is a sustainable luxury footwear and fashion brand founded by Holly Garrard. Fundae’s mission is to celebrate individuality and inspire change in consumption habits through transparency and education. We take on fashion traditions head-on, reinventing how we create, consume, and reSHOE. Using only the highest quality plant-based and recycled materials, Fundae reduces fashion waste and upcycles production scraps, creating the world’s only customizable luxury shoe. We build confidence and heal, one sole at a time. With a passion for fashion and a commitment to purpose, our designs put the heart and sole of people and the planet first. We uplift women in need and promote ethical practices globally.
Panelist: Shureice Kornegay
Fleeky Friday
Shureice Kornegay is an award-winning beauty visionary, cultural disruptor, and founder of Fleeky Friday, an innovative brand that fuses science, storytelling, and sparkle. Dubbed “The Ultimate Glam” by ELLE Magazine, who not only featured her but followed her Instagram, Shureice has built a magnetic beauty empire from the ground up.
Her patented designs have been worn by icons like Cardi B and Christina Aguilera, who's teams personally reached out to grab, and wear her products. This wasn't mere PR, it’s pure brand magnetism. Cardi B went on to wear Shureice's designs in her Hot Sh*t and Bongos videos, and Christina wore them to a performance at her residency at Voltaire.
With tens of thousands of orders shipped to more than 30 countries and millions of views across social platforms, she is as hands-on as she is high-concept, bringing the same energy to the lab that she brings to the screen. Her work has been featured in ELLE, The Huffington Post, Thrive Global, and Discover Magazine.
Whether formulating, performing, or presenting, Shureice doesn’t just create beauty—she makes history.
Showcase Your Brand at the Mini Market
Join us at our Mini Market during the Chicago Fashion Summit. Display your brand and products to a diverse audience of designers, organizations, and vendors. Benefit from peak traffic times during breakfast, lunch, and the networking mixer. Your purchase includes GA access for two representatives.
AIBI & FGI members enjoy a special rate of $50 off table price. Consider becoming a member of one or both organizations today!
Boost Your Brand
Grow with Us
Elevate your brand through our sponsorship opportunities. From Summit Supporters to Title Sponsors, we offer customized packages designed to align with your goals and maximize visibility. Partner with us to connect with your target audience, enhance brand recognition, and demonstrate your commitment to supporting Chicago’s fashion industry.
Explore our Sponsorship Information Packet today to discover how we can help you make an impact.
Summit Partner
Fashion Group International
- FGI Chicago
Advancing the business of fashion. Serving the midwest since 1934.
A membership organization offering industry awards & recognition, trend forecasts & market insights, panels, symposiums, workshops, networking & mentorship.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Session Sponsors
Summit Contributers
38 years of
FASHION EXPERIENCE
Be in the room with industry experts
AIBI is rooted in Chicago Fashion History
FASHION ROOTS
THIS YEAR FOR FASHION WEEK WE ARE HEADED BACK TO OUR ROOTS
Founded in 1987, the Apparel Industry Board Inc. (AIBI) is Chicago's only nonprofit dedicated solely to the fashion and sewn products sector. With nearly four decades of service, AIBI is a trusted connector of local talent, workforce development, and innovation across the industry. By leading initiatives such as incubator programs, student mentorships, and sustainability-focused partnerships, AIBI is building the infrastructure for Chicago's fashion future. AIBI's Summit is grounded in authentic community insight, industry expertise, and long-term impact.