Style, substance and student talent shine at Driehaus Fashion Awards

Chicago’s fashion scene lit up at the Driehaus Fashion Awards when it returned in full force on May 22 to the 21c Museum Hotel Chicago. As one of the city’s longest-running independent fashion shows, the event spotlighted the next generation of emerging designers with a dynamic runway competition.

The Curio co-hosted the 20th year of the awards with the Driehaus Design Initiative. The runway show was produced by ZZAZZ Productions. The fashionable evening was hosted by Sylvia Perez (Fox-32 News anchor) and drew a bevy of Curio invited fashion influencers and other industry members.

This one-of-a-kind fashion event brought together top student talent from three renowned Chicago fashion schools: Columbia College, Dominican University and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Each designer showcased their original collections, blending bold creativity with technical skill.

Winners were awarded cash prizes for fashion students, giving them a head start as they transition from classroom to career. The nonprofit host, Driehaus Design Initiative, also granted substantial funding to each participating school, supporting the future of fashion education in Chicago.

First place winner was Parker Smith (SAIC), second place went to Julia Sim (also from SAIC) and third place winner was Mikey Smith (Columbia College Chicago). 

Adding star power to the evening was alumna Julie Mersine Romeli, co-owner and designer at Mira Couture, who returned as the featured professional designer. A former 2008 Driehaus competitor, Romeli’s success story offered inspiration to the rising talent.

The runway burst to life with categories ranging from ready-to-wear fashion and eveningwear to bridal couture, wearable art, sportswear, and outerwear. Judges evaluated each look based on garment construction, sewing techniques, and fabric selection, recognizing both innovation and craftsmanship.

This year’s judging panel featured industry leaders including Sylwia Wilczynska, designer and owner of SYLWIA, and Tanner C. Branson, Associate VP of Freeman’s | Hindman. Louis Biscelglie of Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue awarded the Distinguished Designer Award to Yi (Doris) Luo of SAIC, for her retail-ready collection.

In an exciting addition, returning judges Peach Carr and Mark Roscoe presented the first-ever Fashion Innovator Award to Albina Ikizli (of Dominican University), honoring her exceptional creativity and originality.

In a city rich with cultural and artistic heritage, the Driehaus Fashion Awards 2025 affirmed its place as a launchpad for young designers and a vital celebration of Chicago fashion talent. From classroom to catwalk, this event continues to shape the future of design—one stitch at a time.