Chicago may not be the first place you think of when you hear "fashion week," but that's starting to change. Thanks to events like last week's GenArt's Fresh Faces in Fashion, a handful of up-and-coming designers got to show their stuff in the tents at Millennium Park to kick off the city's Fashion Focus week. Oh, and it was hosted by Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy.

The show featured five womenswear designers, Elise Bergman, Eskell, Anne Marie Novotny of Frei Designs, Sophia Reyes, Shorty Clothing along with one menswear designer, Philip Sparks. Luckily, I had the chance to score some tickets and see it all firsthand.

Looks from left to right: Elise Bergman, Eskell, Frei Designs, Sophia Reyes, Shorty, Philip Sparks

Some highlights? Frei Designs' eco-friendly point-of-view. Eskell's vintage modern vibe. Sophia Reyes' chic and totally wearable collection. And worth mentioning, an atmosphere that had gobs of energy created by the devout fashion followers stoked to see the show.

If you're not familiar with it, the GenArt organization was founded fifteen years ago in New York to showcase up-and-coming fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians and visual artists. They produce a ton of events every year from fashion shows and art exhibits to film screenings and product launches. This was the 14th annual Fresh Faces in Fashion, sponsored by Blackberry Pearl and T-Mobile.
 
Don't fret if you missed the NY or Chicago shows, because GenArt's Fresh Faces in Fashion is coming to LA today, Friday, October 10th and San Francisco on Thursday, October 30th.

Images courtesy of GenArt.