Chicago Fashion Week Spotlight: The Best of Black Designers and Events

Chicago’s style scene is truly one of a kind—bold, creative, and effortlessly chic. The women who turn heads on the streets are just as mesmerizing as those lighting up the runway in designs by the city’s most visionary creators.

If you haven’t heard, Chicago Fashion Week kicked off on October 9th and runs through October 20th, featuring an exciting lineup of runway shows, gallery exhibits, and clothing swaps that celebrate the city’s dynamic fashion culture.

With so many events to explore, we’ve made it easy for you to experience the best of Black fashion. Here’s our curated guide to some of Chicago’s most talented Black designers and where to catch them this Fashion Week.

14th Pharaoh Raw

One of the youngest — and most remarkable — designers featured this Fashion Week is 16-year-old prodigy Mathew E. Bell, founder of 14th Pharaoh R.A.W., a brand he launched at just 14 years old. Rooted in sustainability and authenticity, 14th Pharaoh R.A.W. is dedicated to empowering Black youth to embrace their heritage through bold, innovative design. Like its founder, the brand is fearless, visionary, and unapologetically creative.

Mark your calendars for October 16th, when 14th Pharaoh R.A.W. makes its live CFW film debut at the historic DuSable Museum from 7–9 PM.

🎟️ Tickets start at $43 — grab yours here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/14th-pharaoh-apparel-raw-tickets

Pictured: 14th Pharaoh Raw Event Fashion Film Flyer at the Dusable Museum
Via Eventbrite

Pictured: Designer Matthew E. Bell
Via @thechicagofashionweek on Instagram

Pictured: Model for 14th Pharaoh R.A.W
Via @14thpharoahapparel on Instagram

Follow the brand

Web| https://14thpharaoh.com/
IG| https://www.instagram.com/14thpharaohapparel/
FB| https://www.facebook.com/profile

Kammarra Black

The quintessential Chicago woman comes to life in the sleek, form-fitting designs of Kammarra B, a brand that embodies boldness, confidence, and sophistication. Each piece is crafted for the mover, the shaker, and the woman who doesn’t just enter a room—she owns it.

On October 19th, Kammarra B joins Lavish Furs, 828 Collection, and Stephane St. Jaymes for one of the most anticipated events of Chicago Fashion Week — The Regal Fashion Edit at the Downtown Cultural Center.

✨ Admission is free — RSVP here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kammarra-b-the-city-of-chicago-presents-the-regal-edit-fashion-show-tickets-

Pictured: Designer Kammarra B in custom designs
Via @msfabric on Instagram

Pictured: Designer Kammarra B
Via @msfabric on Instagram

Pictured: Kammarra B and The Regal Edit event at The Downtown Cultural Center
Via Eventbrite

     Jamaican brands Diotima and Theophilio may share an island and be rooted in similar values. While Diotima and Theophilio are both Jamaican brands with shared island roots and similar core values, they articulate their Jamaican heritage distinctively.

MITC STUDIO

MITC Studio is the creative fusion of two visionary brands — Tabby’s Closet and ILAVA. Nestled in the heart of Bronzeville, this collaborative atelier embodies the power of purpose-driven fashion. ILAVA, handmade in Tanzania by skilled local artisans, goes beyond style by using sustainable, high-quality design to empower women and children across Africa.

Experience this dynamic brand collective live on the runway at “A Night in Bronze” on October 18th, a celebration of Bronzeville’s rich fashion legacy and bright future.

🎟️ Remaining tickets start at $40 — available now at City Point Loft:
https://events.eventnoire.com/e/a-night-in-bronze-fashion-showcase/tickets

Pictured: MITC Studio and community
Via https://myilava.com/

Pictured: Tabby’s Closet and custom design
Via https://tabbysclosets.com/

Pictured: Tabby’s Closet, ILava, and a friend posing in custom designs
@myILava on Instagram

Pictured: Flyer for A Night in Bronze showcase at City Point Loft
https://events.eventnoire.com/e/a-night-in-bronze-fashion-showcase/tickets

Swaby

Swaby is truly in a class of its own. Every garment passes through the expert hands of Shernett Swaby and her team, guaranteeing craftsmanship, quality, and exclusivity with each creation. When you purchase a Swaby piece, you’re not just buying fashion—you’re investing in a lifelong partnership. Each client receives a lifetime warranty on alterations and a personal style guide to help curate a timeless Swaby wardrobe.

This commitment to artistry and individualized service is what makes Swaby one of the standout brands of Chicago Fashion Week. The label’s “Braided Opulence” collection debuted on October 11, 2025, wowing the audience with its bold creativity and impeccable design.

✨ Explore the collection here:
https://www.shernettswaby.com/products/swaby-fashion-braided-opulence-collection-debut-october-11-2025-

Pictured: Designer Shernett Swaby

Pictured: Flyer for The Braided Opulence Fashion Show
Via Shernettswaby.com