Where to Experience AANHPI Creativity at Chicago Fashion Week 2026

When people think of Chicago Fashion Week, they often picture runway shows and the season's latest trends. But look a little closer, and you'll find something just as exciting: AANHPI creatives are helping shape this year's celebration through culture, entrepreneurship, and imaginative design.

From a runway honoring Filipino heritage to an Asian-owned bridal brand redefining wedding fashion, these events offer a different way to experience Chicago Fashion Week. If you're looking to support AANHPI talent or simply discover some of the festival's most unique experiences, here are a few highlights to add to your itinerary.

Celebrate Filipino Heritage at ALABAN: Filipino Fashion and Culture Night

Fashion has long been a way to tell stories, and ALABAN: Filipino Fashion and Culture Night brings that idea to life. As an official Chicago Fashion Week event, ALABAN celebrates Filipino creativity by bringing together fashion, art, and culture in one showcase.

Rather than focusing solely on the runway, the event highlights the people and traditions behind the designs, creating a space where heritage and contemporary fashion meet. For anyone interested in experiencing how cultural identity continues to inspire today's designers, ALABAN is one of the week's standout events.

See How Grace + Ivory Is Reimagining Bridal Fashion

Bridal fashion is often associated with tradition, but Grace + Ivory has built its reputation by doing things differently.

Founded by Chinese American entrepreneur Tina Wong, the Chicago-based bridal brand focuses on made-to-order gowns and a more personalized shopping experience. Its SOLO showcase during Chicago Fashion Week offers attendees the chance to experience the brand's modern approach to wedding wear while supporting a local Asian-owned business that continues to challenge conventional bridal retail.

Step Into a Fantasy with PHANTASIA: Fashion Meets Fantasy

If you're looking for a runway show unlike any other, PHANTASIA: Fashion Meets Fantasy lives up to its name.

Presented by MEGYWONG, the showcase blends fashion with fantasy through immersive storytelling, experimental design, and a lineup of emerging creatives. Rather than following a traditional runway format, PHANTASIA invites audiences into a world where imagination takes center stage, proving that fashion can be as much about storytelling as it is about style.

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Bonus: More Fashion Events Worth Exploring

While this article highlights AANHPI creativity, Chicago Fashion Week is also filled with events celebrating emerging talent across the city's fashion community.

College of DuPage Fashion Studies: Exhibition of Student Work

Every great designer starts somewhere, and this exhibition offers a glimpse into the future of fashion. Featuring work from College of DuPage Fashion Studies students, the showcase highlights the creativity and technical skills of tomorrow's designers before they step onto larger stages.

FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards

Hosted by Fashion Group International Chicago, the Rising Star Awards recognize emerging professionals making an impact across fashion, beauty, and related creative industries. Whether you're interested in design, business, or innovation, it's an opportunity to see who's helping shape the next chapter of Chicago fashion.

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Discover a Different Side of Chicago Fashion Week

Chicago Fashion Week offers countless opportunities to discover the people and stories shaping the city's fashion scene. These AANHPI highlights are just a few places to start, whether you're celebrating Filipino culture, supporting an Asian-owned business, or experiencing an imaginative runway for the first time.

Ready to plan your visit? Browse the official Chicago Fashion Week schedule to explore more events, check ticket availability, and build your own itinerary.

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