Fashion Focus 2010 - My Final Thoughts

By now (based on my previous posts), you know that Fashion Focus is the "unofficial" Chicago Fashion Week.  It is a time when local designers, buyers, boutique owners and fashionistas descend upon Millennium Park to celebrate their love for fashion.

In its six years of existence, 2010 was my first time attending all but one of the runway shows.  More so than the designs, it was the people that made Fashion Focus a winner. Every night, the vibe in the tent was welcoming.  Everyone socialized, networked and took advantage of the many photo opportunities.  It was a chance to hang with my fellow fashion bloggers, run into old friends and meet some super cool individuals.

After all of the hoopla had died down, I felt like something was missing from Fashion Focus.  Although I now have a handful of newfound designers on my list for future purchases, I pondered as to why I wasn't completely overwhelmed by the week-long event. 

Here are my suggestions on ways that Fashion Focus could become bigger and better in the future:

1. Obtain the support of a well-connected, internationally known designer (i.e. Cynthia Rowley) or former Project Runway contestant (i.e. Ra'mon Lawrence) that hails from the Chicagoland area.  This will help to gain more media coverage and increase the participation of top-notch designers both locally and nationally - which also leads to more major sponsors.

2. Include more highly-trained stylists/staff backstage.  Staff that pays great attention to detail will eliminate the seldom-but-noticeable incidents of wrinkled garments, open zippers and ill-fitting garments.

3. Host Fashion Focus in the Spring as well.  This gives designers the opportunity to showcase both their Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter collections.  Plus, it mirrors the execution of Fashion Weeks around the world.

Now, don't get it twisted.  I will support Chicago fashion until the end of days.  However, my hope is that Chicago will garner more national (and even international) attention in the fashion realm.  With the help of Chicago fashion bloggers, events such as Fashion Focus and organizations like the Chicago Fashion Foundation, we are off to a great start. Now, we must figure out how to take Chicago to the next level.

Any thoughts?