FGI Chicago's 2026 Rising Star Awards: Miss Illinois Kate Dimmett, Raj Patel, Brit Cooper Robinson, Rahela Tanase, Holly Garrard, Alexandra Carillio and Regional Director Jess Crane.
The future of fashion, beauty, and style took center stage in the Windy City as Fashion Group International (FGI) Chicago officially announced the winners of the 2026 FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards on Oct. 10 at the Public Works Gallery. The annual event, which recognizes outstanding emerging talent and entrepreneurial spirit in the design and style industries, concluded with a celebration of five visionary creators who are shifting the landscape of their respective fields.
This year’s roster of winners highlights a powerful shift toward mindful craftsmanship, digital creativity and vibrant self-expression.
The 2026 FGI Chicago Rising Star Winners
- Fashion Design: Raj Patel (Karmic Couture). Patel captured the top honor in fashion design for his brand, which seamlessly merges heritage techniques with contemporary, mindful silhouettes.
- Fashion Content Creator: Brit Cooper Robinson (Dressing for the Dopamine). Robinson was celebrated for her infectious digital presence, inspiring a massive community to use fashion as a tool for joy, mental wellness, and radical self-expression.
- Fashion Stylist: Rahela Tanase (Intuitive Fashion). Tanase took home the styling award for her distinctive, tailored approach to visual storytelling that rejects rigid trend cycles in favor of deeply personal aesthetics.
- Footwear: Holly Garrard (Fundae). Garrard’s brand, Fundae, stepped into the spotlight for its bold architectural shapes, playful color palettes, and fresh take on statement footwear.
- Beauty: Alexandra Carrillo (By the Polish). Carrillo clinched the beauty category, recognized for her boundary-pushing artistry and influence in modern nail care and creative design.
Honorary awards presenter was Miss Illinois, Kate Dimmett. The Honorary Visual Impact Award was presented to Denise Belyea and Honorary Trailblazer Award winner was Sharaun Brown.
The FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards continue to serve as a vital springboard for local and regional talent, offering crucial industry exposure and validation. Past winners have gone on to anchor major fashion houses, launch global brands, and redefine retail spaces.
As the retail and creative landscapes face rapid evolution in 2026, this year's class of winners proves that Chicago remains a fierce incubator for authentic, independent voices who are not just participating in the industry but actively changing its direction.
Subscribe to Chicago Star’s Weekly City Buzz Newsletter
You may like these Chicago Star articles:
• Cheers to 30 years! Christkindlmarket debuts 2026 collectible collection
• Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy’s St. Charles estate hits market for $2.8 million
• More fall fun! Apple picking, hayrides and a pumpkin-eating dinosaur
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.