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Trending How: The Curio's 3rd Annual Fashion's Night Out
- Lauren Harris
- Jul 28
- 5 min read
Photos by: Mariana Servin
Hello all! If you haven't noticed, Chicago has been gaining a lot of popularity recently. More positive attention, especially surrounding the arts. There is so much happening in the summer in Chicago, from Lollapalooza to the bi-weekly fireworks at Navy Pier, and all of the neighborhood festivals! It is an amazing time for this positive publicity as it allows us to expand on the arts even further. One organization that has been a part of this growth is The Curio.
On their website, they describe themselves as "connect[ing] fashion talent with curious consumer audiences. [Their] mission is to cultivate an inclusive community that desires to explore their creativity and engage with like-minded individuals. [They] facilitate a wide range of events that encourage people to get out and get inspired. To see, meet, and interact with Chicago’s rising fashion talents and explore the city’s unique creative environment."
They host, on average, 15 events annually. From shows to socials, even marketplace events, and more! By the end of 2024, they worked with over 30 Chicago-based designers, aiming to create a community within Chicago's Fashion scene.
This night, July 23rd, was their 3rd Annual Fashion's Night Out. A showcase of 5 Rising Stars within Chicago-based designers. Taking place at ROOF on the WIT, hosted by Cortez Smith (Nuck on Showtime's "The Chi"). There was an emphasis on sustainability with this showcase. Reusing material, reducing waste, and slowing down fashion. These 5 designers were: All We Remember, ANNABO, Dripped in INC, Oath Tech, and Presley Baldwin. Everything was incredibly gorgeous and the talent was simply insane. I personally know I will be following these designers as I cannot wait to see where they go.
This was not a runway, instead, the designs were shown off on live model installations from 10MGMT. Beautiful live mannequins who were all extremely nice too, you were encouraged to talk and interact with them as they modeled these designs.
Founded by Isabella Cionni, Dripped In INC aims to show ways to up-cycle and make more demand for reusable and sustainable fashion. With a focus on denim, her designs are very innovative and make an effort to use denim in unexpected ways.
The founders, Jacob Victorine and Noah Zagor, have created a collective grounded in gender-neutral, highly functional, and ethical designs. They use the term "responsible" rather than sustainable, as they acknowledge that it is not possible to be completely sustainable within our current society. Their tagline for All We Remember is "future | nature | forms".
This family brand, founded by Anna and her parents, Natalia and Boris, began in 2015 with the desire to bring something new and different to the American fashion market. Drawing from their rich Ukrainian background, they wished to reimagine and share their culture in a modern way. Their production is located in Ukraine as well, adding an extra level to what they do.
This brand, created by Otha-Olajuwon, is described as a progressive menswear line that infuses leather and cult. Recognized for its architectural designs. Although often minimalistic, the cuts and textures create an avant-garde feel to these articles. All of his work is handmade right in Chicago, and even has custom order options.
Presley Baldwin is a senior at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her pieces are genuine works of art. Created with the intention of being worn for years, using high quality materials and 100% natural fibers that are meant to be lived in and loved. She also often reworks old clothing, shoes, and belts, as she believes you don't always have to start from scratch to create fashion.
The event started with a cocktail hour, with complimentary signature cocktails by Tequila 1394. During this time, guests mingled and were welcomed with arrival photos. Everybody looked so stunning, you could have told me that some were appearing on a red carpet.
In one of the rooms, there was also an artist doing live portraits, @michi__heart on Instagram. Michi was absolutely amazing. Not only was her work beautiful, but she was incredibly kind and great to talk to! Mariana and I both got a drawing done and were simply blown away. It is definitely going on my wall.
After the hour was up, the models took their places on the platforms. Dripped In INC was in the first room, right across from the entrance. The three models, as well as the designer, Isabella Cionni, were a warm welcome in denim.
Right around the corner from the first stage is the other room, with floor-to-ceiling windows and three more stages. The first in this room is ANNABO, with a very beach-y vibe. It was perfect for July in Chicago, and the unbearably hot and humid weather it is prone to.
After, we saw Baldwin Designs. The models were dressed in black natural silks, and the detailing and layering of these pieces were stunning. The jewelry on the models was also part of Presley Baldwin's personal collection, found from thrift stores and second-hand sellers.
Right next to the DJ, Andrew Emil, was All We Remember's collection. These looks were extremely wearable and truly stuck to their tagline. It was a great reminder that slow fashion does not have to be avant-garde , and instead should be something everyone is wearing.
And last but not least, was Oath Tech. From harnesses to leather vests and half a suit jacket, Otha-Olajuwon is pushing norms with rebellious undertones. I am typically weary of men's wear lines just for fear of repetitiveness, but seeing his collection tonight may have changed my mind.
Once guests were given some time to admire the work, the principals of The Curio, Ian Gerard and Maggie Gillette, welcomed everyone with a brief discussion of the event being hosted, as well as about The Curio itself. They also introduced the night's host, Cortez Smith, who has modeled for many Chicago designers and was wearing his own label, Eros Christian. One thing to take away from his speech, is that Global Warming is real. The theme for this night was sustainability, and pushing the fashion industry towards slower, more ethical, and sustainable fashion.
Overall, this was an amazing experience, and I am so grateful to have been able to go to this event. The Curio hosted a beautiful show with Randolph Street Market and WIX On Northwood. I highly recommend checking these amazing designers out, as well as looking at The Curio! They host so many events per year and have a calendar with their events as well as other fashion events in Chicago!
And a big thank you to Mariana Servin (Servin Tunes Radio) for the amazing photos!
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