Elie Tahari to Headline Chicago Fashion Summit and Receive Fashion Design Legacy Award

CHICAGO - EntSun -- CHICAGO — One of American fashion's most recognizable names is coming to Chicago,and the city is invited. Elie Tahari, founder of his namesake label and co-founder of Theory, will headline the Chicago Fashion Summit on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at mHUB, where the Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI) will present him with its Fashion Design Legacy Award.

The celebration includes the Chicago premiere of the documentary The United States of Elie Tahari, followed by a fireside conversation with Tahari and the film's director and producer, David Serero. The film traces his journey from an immigrant working in New York's Garment District to a designer whose influence spans more than five decades.

"Chicago deserves access to the extraordinary people shaping fashion," said Nicole Ruiz, founder of the Chicago Fashion Summit and CEO of AIBI. "The Summit brings those people and their stories here. Whether you're building a business or simply love fashion, this is an invitation to learn, connect and enjoy that culture together."

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Celebrated designers Jeffrey Banks and CD Greene join this year's speaker lineup. Under the theme "Threading the Future: Fashion, Tech & Transformation," the program explores artificial intelligence, costume artistry, sustainability and the business of building a lasting brand.

Throughout the day, food and networking complement the onstage conversations, giving attendees opportunities to exchange ideas and make connections across Chicago's creative and business communities. Designers, students, entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts are all welcome.

The Summit advances AIBI's vision of a stronger Midwest fashion ecosystem, one where access to expertise and relationships helps local talent build lasting careers and businesses.

EVENT DETAILS
Chicago Fashion Summit 2026
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | mHUB, Chicago
Tickets and full program: https://luma.com/uo2rgsxp

Event Chairs: John Rogers, Bhavana Jain, Demtra Arvanitis

ABOUT AIBI
Founded in 1987, the Apparel Industry Board, Inc. is a Chicago nonprofit advancing the apparel industry through education, workforce development, business incubation and industry connections.
Nicole Ruiz
CEO of  Apparel Industry Board, Inc.
Founder, Chicago Fashion Summit
AIBI@AIBI.com | 312-836-1041