Getting Started

Knowing what questions to ask and where to look for answers is one of the first steps to starting a fashion design business. With input from the Mayor’s Fashion Council, and numerous questions from many designers at all stages of business, we have compiled a list of questions for each topic area and some resources to check out for answers, to get you started.

Apparel Industry Board, Inc.

aibi.com

The Apparel Industry Board, Inc. is dedicated to promoting the sewn products industry. They assist members in developing professional skills, identifying employment opportunities, and obtaining new business. AIBI is comprised of industry leaders and professionals in Greater Chicago and Illinois.

Chicago Fashion Foundation

chicagofashionfoundation.com

The Chicago Fashion Foundation is made up of Chicago’s who’s who in the Chicago fashion industry from designers to manufacturers, stylists to buyers, and writers to editors. We promote fashion events supportive of the industry and work to put Chicago on the map when it comes to fashion.

Gen Art

genart.org

Gen Art is a leading arts and entertainment organization dedicated to showcasing emerging fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians and visual artists. Gen Art produces over 100 events annually ranging from a week-long film festival to fashion shows, DJ competitions, art exhibitions, multi-media events and much, much more.