Press Release Chicago Fashion Summit 2025 Launches with Powerhouse Lineup to Shape the Future of Midwest Fashion

Jess Crane
Oct 1
4 min read

Updated: Oct 5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2025

Chicago Fashion Summit 2025 Launches with Powerhouse Lineup to Shape the Future of Midwest Fashion

Tickets are on sale now for this landmark event. Join Chicago’s creative community and be part of shaping the future of fashion.

Presented by AIBI, in partnership with FGI Chicago

CHICAGO, IL — October 1, 2025 — The Apparel Industry Board Inc. (AIBI), in partnership with Fashion Group International (FGI) Chicago, is proud to announce the full speaker lineup and programming for the first-ever Chicago Fashion Summit 2025, taking place Monday, October 13, 2025, at L7 Chicago by Lotte, during Chicago Fashion Week®.

With the theme “Grow to New Heights,” this inaugural Summit marks a major milestone for the Midwest fashion industry. The full-day conference is designed to unite designers, consumer brand founders, retailers, marketers, students, and creative professionals for a day of education, networking, and inspiration—positioning Chicago as a growing hub for innovation in fashion and retail.

Featured Speakers & Sessions

Keynote Speaker

Azature Pogosian – Internationally renowned designer and entrepreneur, founder of the luxury brand AZATURE, and known globally as the “Black Diamond King.” In conversation with Nicole Ruiz, Executive Director of AIBI, Azature will share insights on brand elevation, creative vision, and the journey to building an iconic luxury label.

Host

Iisha Scott – NBC Chicago Meteorologist and award-winning media personality, bringing energy and authority to the Summit stage to set the tone for an inspiring day.

Session Leaders

Alex Neiman – How to Build a Million Dollar DTC Brand

Growth marketer and strategist with over $20M in ad spend, known for shaping campaigns at Dollar Shave Club, Dr Pepper, Snapple, and more.

Holly Sias (Socialite Media) – Influencer Marketing That Sells: Growing Brands & Creators

CEO of Socialite Media, leading data-powered influencer campaigns that drive measurable growth for fashion and lifestyle brands.

Don Scott (Snapshot Consulting) – Growing Strong with Tech: The Future of Fashion

Founder of Snapshot Consulting, with 20+ years of expertise in data analytics and omnichannel strategy for fashion and retail.

Panel: Chicago Trailblazers – Innovators in Fashion, Footwear & Beauty

Sponsored by Forma Numa by Jess Crane

Moderator: Jess Crane – Regional Director, FGI Chicago; Programming Chair, AIBI Chicago; and Founder of Forma Numa, an apparel line blending sustainability, technology, and custom-fit design.

Panelists:

Tania Mackey (NICZKA) – 2025 FGI Rising Star Nominee, known for her “light avant-garde” luxury aesthetic merging cultural depth and innovation.

Holly Garrard (Fundae) – Sustainable luxury footwear designer and Top 100 Chicago Innovation Award finalist, reinventing how fashion is created and consumed.

Shureice Kornegay (Fleeky Friday) – Award-winning beauty visionary whose patented designs have been worn by Cardi B and Christina Aguilera, with features in ELLE and global media.

Leadership Quotes

“The Chicago Fashion Summit is designed to bring together the most forward-thinking minds in fashion to address where the industry is headed next. By uniting technology, design, retail, and media, we’re building the foundation for a more connected, innovative Chicago fashion ecosystem.” — Jess Crane, Regional Director, FGI Chicago

“As the Apparel Industry Board, it has always been in our DNA to support the business growth of the industry right here in Chicago. I created the Chicago Fashion Summit to do just that. It’s a single event that brings the entire community together, we are stronger together .” — Nicole Ruiz, Executive Director, AIBI

Mini Market & Sponsorship Opportunities

The Mini Market offers designers and brands a platform to showcase their work or services to a curated audience of industry professionals and fashion enthusiasts during peak networking moments.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available at multiple levels, offering high visibility, community alignment, and direct engagement with Chicago’s fashion industry leaders. Learn more at aibi.com/chifw25sponsorship.

About the Organizations

The Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and growing Chicago’s fashion industry through education, business development, and community building. AIBI plays a vital role in fostering innovation and opportunity for emerging and established designers, manufacturers, and creative professionals. The organization also operates a fully equipped fashion lab, offering tools and resources to help fashion businesses grow.

Fashion Group International (FGI) Chicago is a 501(c)(6) organization and part of a global professional network that connects leaders across fashion, beauty, design, and retail. FGI Chicago supports industry growth through programming, advocacy, and community engagement, providing professionals with resources and tools to advance and excel in their careers.

Additional marketing support is provided by The Curio, the official Marketing Partner.

About the Chicago Fashion Summit

The Chicago Fashion Summit is the Midwest’s only large-scale fashion business conference, presented during Chicago Fashion Week®. A collaboration between AIBI and FGI Chicago, the Summit unites designers, retailers, media, influencers, and tech innovators to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and drive growth across Chicago’s fashion ecosystem.