The Chicago Fashion Coalition is
the non-profit collective redefining Chicago's position in the global fashion industry
through community, art, and technology.
We believe our city is poised for renaissance,
and we're committed to being at the forefront of it,
now and always.
PILLARS
Who We Are
A faction of Chicago-based entrepreneurs, creatives, and strategists united under the four red stars with a common mission: to reposition our city as a dominant fashion force on the global stage. Our approach is data-driven, community-centric, and powered by an unshakable collective. As the Coalition, we represent a new generation eager to change the narrative and establish our unique identity. By democratizing our creativity and mobilizing our city's masses, we aim to manifest Chicago’s sartorial power with intention, transparency, and grit.
What We Do
The Chicago Fashion Coalition is a 501(c)(3) non-profit building a centralized fashion community for the city of Chicago through a unified platform for individuals, businesses, and other organizations in the Chicago fashion ecosystem to interact and innovate collectively. Our community is vast and so are our capabilities—we're guided singularly by a mission to elevate our local scene, and we're developing a robust resource network to do this. No designer or brand is too small to get involved, and the sky's the limit with the Coalition's potential.
How We Succeed
We thrive on collaboration, connectivity, and empowerment. Amplifying diverse voices and championing inclusion is at the core of our mission, ensuring that every designer and brand, regardless of size or status, has a platform to shine. We embrace change as an opportunity for growth, constantly pushing boundaries and staying ahead of the curve through adaptability and innovation. With measurable goals and unwavering accountability, we track our progress and hold ourselves to the highest standards, ensuring that our efforts yield tangible results and meaningful impact.
Our Why
Our purpose is to forge a thriving future for the fashion industry in Chicago by providing essential resources that foster growth. We seek to eradicate the necessity for creatives to relocate to the coasts to cultivate their businesses. Instead, we aim to establish Chicago as a vital bridge connecting all of America—ensuring Chicago's unique creative talent is recognized globally.
Team, ADVISORS, & CONTRIBUTORS
By the numbers
students engaged by us
impressions on our work
members of our directory
local businesses supported
Join us
We're looking for Chicago-based hometown heroes and transplant triumphs with a common interest in making our city a global hub for fashion. New roles are added regularly — inquire within.