Chicago Fashion Summit 2025
October 13, 2025 @ 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
The Chicago Fashion Summit 2025 is a one-day event dedicated to elevating the fashion ecosystem in the Midwest. Through keynotes, breakout sessions, brand showcases, & community activations, the summit brings together designers, creatives, retailers, & innovators to exchange ideas, build networks, and reshape the future of fashion.
Keynote Speaker: Azature Pogosian
AZATURE, also known as the “Black Diamond King”, designs jewelry informed by his vast influences, from the craftsmanship and mythology of ancient relics and religion to his cultural heritage, to modern pop icons like Madonna. Bridging those diverse inspirations together with impeccably handcrafted jewelry, Azature’s work is both intellectual and intuitive, timeless and irreverent
In recent years, Azature has distinguished himself as a fashion force after his completon at Parsons Schoot of Design, working with design-world legends including Richard Tyler, stylist Andrea Lieberman, Alexander McQueen and Dior.
Alexander McQueen and Dior. The New York Daily News named Azature one of “fashion’s soon-to-be-stars”. Azature was selected as one of the top 10 companies to look out for by FORBES China. In 2008, his hard work paid off when he was selected as a featured designer in GenArt’s Fresh Faces in Fashion – which has launched the careers of fashon starts like Zac Posen and Peter Som- and was also a semi-finalist for the prestigious Ecco Domani Fashion Fund.
An avid aesthete, Azature’s next chapter was a natural evolution. In August 2012, Azature dived deep into the beauty world and redefined luxury when he created the world’s most expensive bottle of nail polish, dedicated to his mother and grandmother whom he refers to as his “Black Diamonds”. Consisting of 267 carats of full cut and faceted black diamonds, the symbol of eternal love and empowerment, this pricey lacquer retailed for $250,000, which sold in the fall of 2013. Given the huge worldwide media sensation that ensued after the polish’s controversial reveal, Azature decided to launch a more consumer friendly version while keeping his concept of luxury the same
Each bottle is given the same attention to detail as Azature’s signature fine jewelry pieces, containing one individually hand-placed black diamond. Azature has since added 34 additional colors to the collection, including the new limited edition AZATURE White lacquer, each inspired by exquisite diamonds.
As the premier black-diamond-focused designer, Azature is dedicated to providing his clients with high-quality, conflict -free gems. With clientele ranging from royalty to Hollywood stars and musicians including Madonna, Kelly Osbourne, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Fergie, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, Scarlett Johansson and Beyonce wearing his exclusive one of a kind designs and nail polish, it is no wonder why AZATURE remains “The Black Diamond King.”
Guest Speakers
We are honored to welcome to the Chicago Fashion Summit stage these inspiring individuals who have made significant contributions in their field
Host: Iisha Scott
She is an award-winning Certified Broadcast Meteorologist at NBC Chicago. Her career has taken her from the southeast to the Mid-Atlantic and now the Midwest, covering everything from hurricanes and tornadoes to blizzards.
Iisha is a proud Norfolk State University graduate, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geosciences and Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University.
Iisha is a member of several organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, National Association of Black Journalists, National Weather Association, and the American Meteorological Society.
Session Leader: Alex Neiman
How to Build a Million Dollar DTC Brand
Alex Neiman is a growth marketer and brand strategist who has managed over $20M in direct-to-consumer ad spend. He helped shape brand growth at Dollar Shave Club and has worked across industries translating products and stories into cultural relevance. At Deutsch, he contributed to campaigns for Dr Pepper, Snapple, and 7UP, while at Focus Features he turned films into trailers that drove audiences into theaters. Today, Alex consults with companies to transform fashion and consumer businesses into brands with staying power. Brand-building runs in his family — he is related to A.L. Neiman, co-founder of Neiman Marcus.
Panel Discussion: Don Scott
Growing Strong with Tech: The Future of Fashion
Don Scott is founder of Snapshot Consulting and a community champion of AIBI. He has 20+ years of data analytics and omni-channel marketing expertise supporting fashion, retail, and eCommerce. His non-linear journey spans business development, solution architecture, advisory services, and idea generation.
He specializes in translating complex business challenges into strategic advantages, with deep expertise in data-driven decision making and executive stakeholder management. His work focuses on aligning business value to corporate objectives while managing the critical intersection between creative vision and technical implementation.
As a trusted advisor to executives and mentor to founders, he excels at hearing what’s missing in organizational strategy and asking the challenging questions that drive breakthrough solutions. His approach combines rigorous data governance with innovative thinking, ensuring that brands maximize digital maturity while elevating their creative essence.
He believes that data enables visionaries to be strategic, and he’s passionate about empowering the next wave of fashion innovators with the analytical foundation needed for exponential growth in an increasingly tech-driven landscape.
Session Leader: Socialite Media
Influencer Marketing That Sells: Growing Brands & Creators
Holly Sias is the CEO & Founder of Socialite Media, a Chicago and Las Vegas–based agency specializing in social media, influencer partnerships, and PR for hospitality and lifestyle brands. She leads data-driven, creator-led campaigns that turn short-form content into measurable growth across Instagram, TikTok, and beyond.
Chicago Trailblazers: Innovators in Fashion, Footwear & Beauty
Come hear from Designers who are rising right here in Chicago.
Sponsored by Forma Numa by Jess Crane
Moderator: Jess Crane
FGI Chicago, AIBI, Forma Numa, Jess Crane Design LLC
Jess Crane is a multidisciplinary artist, designer, consultant, and community builder with a passion for innovation, sustainability, and lifelong learning. Her career spans business consulting, concept and product design, fashion and technical design, textile print, marketing, graphic design, music, writing, and fine art.
She is the founder of Jess Crane Design, LLC, which helps entrepreneurs and organizations bring their ideas to life through creative strategy and execution. In addition to her professional practice, Jess serves as the Regional Director of FGI Chicago and Programming Chair of AIBI Chicago, where she leads initiatives that foster growth, collaboration, and opportunity within the fashion and creative industries.
Jess also leads Forma Numa, her apparel line, which blends sustainability, technology, and custom-fit design by utilizing body-scan technology, 3D patternmaking tools, and sustainable materials.
Panelist: Tania Mackey of NICZKA
NICZKA is an avant-garde luxury clothing brand, designed and sample-made in Chicago. Rooted in the designer’s Chicago upbringing and Ukrainian heritage, each collection merges raw innovation with cultural depth. We elevate every piece through imported fabrics, meticulous construction, and refined manufacturing.
As an atelier, NICZKA handcrafts every detail with care and intention—creating garments that empower you to feel your most confident, authentic self. Our “light avant-garde” aesthetic offers a complete wardrobe for those seeking originality, confidence, and bold expression.
NICZKA was honored as a 2025 FGI Rising Star Nominee in New York City, a recognition of our commitment to redefining modern luxury.
Panelist: Holly Garrard of Fundae
Fundae is a sustainable luxury footwear and fashion brand founded by Holly Garrard. Fundae’s mission is to celebrate individuality and inspire change in consumption habits through transparency and education.
We take on fashion traditions head-on, reinventing how we create, consume, and reSHOE. Using only the highest quality plant-based and recycled materials, Fundae reduces fashion waste and upcycles production scraps, creating the world’s only customizable luxury shoe. We build confidence and heal, one sole at a time. With a passion for fashion and a commitment to purpose, our designs put the heart and sole of people and the planet first. We uplift women in need and promote ethical practices globally.
Panelist: Shureice Kornegay of Fleeky Friday
Shureice Kornegay is an award-winning beauty visionary, cultural disruptor, and founder of Fleeky Friday, an innovative brand that fuses science, storytelling, and sparkle. Dubbed “The Ultimate Glam” by ELLE Magazine, who not only featured her but followed her Instagram, Shureice has built a magnetic beauty empire from the ground up.
Her patented designs have been worn by icons like Cardi B and Christina Aguilera, who’s teams personally reached out to grab, and wear her products. This wasn’t mere PR, it’s pure brand magnetism. Cardi B went on to wear Shureice’s designs in her Hot Sh*t and Bongos videos, and Christina wore them to a performance at her residency at Voltaire.
With tens of thousands of orders shipped to more than 30 countries and millions of views across social platforms, she is as hands-on as she is high-concept, bringing the same energy to the lab that she brings to the screen. Her work has been featured in ELLE, The Huffington Post, Thrive Global, and Discover Magazine.
Whether formulating, performing, or presenting, Shureice doesn’t just create beauty—she makes history.
Itinerary
9:00am – 10:15am Doors open at 9:00 for a Breakfast Mixer & Mini Market Vendor tables10:30am – 11:45am: Opening Remarks and Azature Keynote12:00pm – 12:40pm: How to Build a Million Dollar Brand12:45pm – 1:25 pm: Lunch & Mini Market1:30pm – 2:10 pm: Influencer Marketing That Sells: Growing Brands & Creators2:20pm – 3:00pm: Growing Strong with Tech: The Future of Fashion3:15pm- 4:00pm: Chicago Designer Panel & Chicago Fashion Scene 4:00pm – 5:30pm: Networking Mixer & Mini Market
*Schedule is subject to change
Tickets
General Admission – Early Bird by 9/10 $110, Regular $125, Special Member Discount with Code
Full-day programming (keynote, sessions, designer panel, mini market, mixer), plus breakfast and lunch. Early bird is available until Sept 10 or sold out.
VIP Admission – Early Bird by 9/10 $155, Regular $195, Special Member Discount with Code
Full-day VIP experience: keynote, sessions, breakfast, lunch, VIP gift bag, VIP lounge access, and reserved seating near the front. Limited availability. Early bird is available until Sept 10 or sold out.
Summit Supporter – $500, Special Member Discount $400 with Code
Includes 2 VIP tickets with meals, VIP gift bags, lounge access, and reserved seating. Also includes recognition in program, signage, and social media. Become a member of AIBI or FGI for an exclusive member perk of 20% off this package.
Vendor Table – $250, Special Member Rate $200
Showcase your brand with one vendor table, listing in the vendor directory (digital/printed if produced), and marketing mentions. Includes summit access for 2 representatives including breakfast and lunch (while last), can also attend keynote + designer panel). Prime market traffic is during mixers and lunch. Become a member of FGI or AIBI for an exclusive member perk of $200 for Vendor Table.
Student Admission – $85
Discounted GA access for students with valid ID. Requires code at purchase. Includes full-day programming (keynote, sessions, designer panel, mini market, mixer), plus breakfast and lunch.
Note- Processing fees apply to all tickets
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship opportunities available: aibi.com/chicago-fashion-summit-2025
