The Driehaus Fashion Awards continues to captivate fashionistas

The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating a diverse and artistic environment in Chicago. Part of this initiative is focused on fashion and The Driehaus Fashion Awards is one of the longest-running competitions held in the Windy City.

Students from various design schools compete annually to receive funds to assist in their future fashion career endeavors.

Filled to capacity again this year, the event was held on May 22 at the 21c Museum Hotel Chicago, 55 East Ontario Street. Guests proceeded upstairs for a pre-reception at 6 p.m. and enjoyed appetizers and an open bar. An hour later, attendees took their seats to be greeted by the emcee, Sylvia Perez, a news anchor for Fox 32.

A brief presentation began and each student's designs were conveyed through models walking the runway in front of the crowd. The designers were selected from Columbia College Chicago, Dominican University and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Collections ran the gamut from ready-to-wear to elegant evening attire. Julia Sim kicked off the contest that evening with puffy oversized jackets and Yasmeen Wilson gravitated towards thicker fabrics paired with bold accessories. Jasani Thompson took style enhancements even higher with a piece strapped with belts. Parker Smith used rustic objects to create accessories to accompany the outfits, including tall feathers and molded wood.

Mikey Smith proved adept at using shimmering textiles with unique colors and a bright yellow, well-crafted suit caught many eyes within the room. William Duwe added a slick, puffy jacket to leather pants to stand out from the pack and Olivia Byam took inspiration from comic book heroes and video game characters to amp up the fashion aspect in several looks.

Michael Hunter elevated costuming to a new level with menswear and Jair Reyes presented more menswear using solid blocks of color.

The judges Sylwia Wilczynska, Tanner C. Branson and Wendy Krimins deliberated while previous student competitor Julie Mersine Romelli showcased her designs.

Parker Smith took home the top trophy of $10,000 and Julia Sim won second place.

Richard H. Driehaus passed away in 2020, but his legacy lives on. For over 20 years, this annual event has continued to celebrate young professionals working in the world of fashion.

Visit driehausdesign.org for more information about the organization and future events.