Driehaus Design Initiative Making Dreams Happen Next Friday

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For the twelfth year in a row, philanthropist Richard Driehaus and the Driehaus Design Initiative is throwing the annual Driehaus Awards for Fashion Excellence. This is the yearly fashion show—unattached to anything civic-funded— where young designers (25 of them) show the most vibrant looks from their collections.

This year, the awards are held in Richard's parking garage near UIC where all of his classic cars and vintage automobiles are parked. Each year the show becomes more of a spectacle and with a live auction by Leslie Hindman and $8,500 on the line for the top designers to make their dreams of becoming a designer reality it's bound to be high drama.

Judging the April 26th competition will be Elise Bergman, owner and designer, Elise Bergman; Julie Gee, buyer, Macy's; and Marie Whitney, founder and creative director, Two Penny Blue. Interested in going? Reserved seating is $300 and include access to the after-party. General seating tickets are $175. And because it takes place in the warehouse district in a parking garage, complimentary valet parking will be provided.
· Driehaus Design Initiative [Official Site]