The IMAGINE 2011 Runway Show

If you attend one major fashion event this year, IMAGINE has to be it. The International Academy of Design and Technology hosts this runway show that has become an annual extravaganza for the Chicago style community. On Thursday, May 19, guests will get a peek into fashion's future as they watch over 100 garments created by 40 student designers hit the fashion freeway. Earlier this year, student designers presented their designs to a group of Chicago fashion insiders and industry leaders in a Jury Show. The result is the lineup at IMAGINE 2011,—and we can't wait.

IMAGINE '11 will include some familiar faces: ABC 7's Val Warner and designers Michelle Tan and Nora Del Busto will get things going, and Miss Illinois USA 2011, Angela Sparrow, will be helping out on the runway. The night would be incomplete with out killer tunes, so Krisitina DeBarge will perform for Chicago's style lovers during the show. Travis Reed, Creative Marketing Director at IADT, hopes that this year’s event will do more than just entertain: "We plan to inspire Chicagoan designers and residents this year, to broaden fashion horizons and stimulate our local economy." This year, IADT has amped-up the event, from the stage and models to the effects and audience—everything is bigger. IMAGINE '11 is real talk in the Chicago style scene. IMAGINE '11 is the talk of the Chicago style scene and now it's time to get in on the action!

Tickets to IMAGINE are on sale—and moving fast—so visit IMAGINE '11's website and grab yours. General admission is $25 and VIP tickets are $50 (for VIP's over 21). Show a little Refinery29 love, and you might be going for free! Head straight to our new Facebook page and enter to win 2 tickets to IMAGINE '11. Enjoy the show, and give us your feedback. We want to know who you think is about to take over Chicago fashion!
IMAGINE 2011, UIC Pavilion, 525 South Racine Avenue (at Harrison Street); 312-413-5740.