Runway to Showroom® Symposium
2018

Driehaus Design Initiative hosted Runway to Showroom®: Driehaus Business of Fashion Symposium on May 17, 2018. Participating designers of The 17th Annual Driehaus Fashion Awards were invited to attend the symposium & luncheon at the Chicago History Museum. Featured speakers highlighted topics to provide the designers with essential tips to elevate their brand and launch and sustain a successful career. Topics included: FASHION HISTORY FOR THE FUTURE: CONNECTING DESIGNERS WITH HISTORIC RESOURCES AND COLLECTIONS; LIVE PRESENTATIONS & VIRTUAL USAGE; CREATING YOUR VISUAL BRAND IDENTITY; BUSINESS BASICS, GETTING STARTED; and MANUFACTURING IN CHICAGO. The speakers also participated in a panel discussion and students engaged in an open discussion while receiving beneficial insight and tailored, personal advice.

Driehaus Design Initiative would like to thank the industry experts who participated as speakers in the symposium:
  • Peach Carr, Designer & Founder, Peach Carr Designs
  • Rob McMillan, Founder, Dearborn Denim & Apparel
  • Jessica Pushor, Costume Collection Manager, Chicago History Museum
  • Yolanda Shum, Owner & Creative Director, Yolanda Shum
  • Tracey Tarantino, Executive Producer, ZZAZZ Productions
We would also like to thank the Chicago History Museum for providing a behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum’s costume collection with Costume Collection Manager, Jessica Pushor.