WICKER PARK — Chicago Fashion Fest returns to Wicker Park this weekend, offering two days of runway shows, music, shopping and a chance for both kids and adults to ride a mechanical bull, according to organizers of the 7th annual street fest.
Set for noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Chicago Fashion Fest takes place on Division Street between Wood to the east and Damen to the west, however, storefronts east of Wood will be hosting sidewalk sales too, according to a map.
Highlights include over 20 runway shows where models will show off collections from local designers, hosted by NBC Chicago's Natalie Martinez. Other announcers include Whitney Reynolds of PBS, Lourdes Duarte of WGN, and Jaslene Gonzalez, winner of America's Next Top Model.
In addition to music performances and merchandise and food venders, there will also be a canine fest area and a dedicated kids event space near LaSalle II School, 1148 N. Honore St., offering face painting, temporary tattoos, bounce houses and mechanical bull rides.
An “It Girl” runway competition presented by Gonzalez will feature the top winners of a selfie competition where aspiring models used hashtag #strutit2015 to submit their most fashionable selfies. The first place winner will walk in the fest's main show on Saturday night.
Chicago Fashion Fest creator Michelle Gomez, owner of M.GO Fashion Company, said in a news release that the fest is, "aiming to turn the Division corridor into the city’s biggest fashion and shopping destination!”
There is a $5 suggested donation for entry to benefit A Safe Haven, Alive Rescue and One Tail At A Time. Additional tickets are available for VIP events and wine tastings for revelers over age 21.
Tickets will be sold for admission to the bounce house and to adult and kid mechanical bull rides.
Music lineup programmed by Wicker Park-based Subterranean:
Saturday
8:30 p.m. The Mowglis
7:20 p.m. Wild Party
6:10 p.m. Sleepy Kitty
5 p.m. Finish Ticket
4 p.m. GGOOLLDD
3 p.m. Ryan Powers & The Secret Weapons
Sunday
8:50 – The Black Lips
7:20 – Honeyhoney
6:10 – Arkells
5:00 – Hollow Mountain
4:00 – Celine Neon
3:00 – Dam Gila
Fashion Fest Map [Chicago Fashion Fest]
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