Tickets: THIS IS EVENT IS SOLD OUT
Includes complimentary welcome & post-reception glasses of Mmmm…Enjoy! rose prosecco!
Curio Members: 2 complimentary tickets (will be sent invite/with RSVP link)
Non-Members: $15 / person
Portion of ticket proceeds to benefit the non-profit, the Chicago Fashion Vanguard
Tickets available until Thursday at noon. No tickets at the door.
Topic: You can go your own way building a successful creative styling career in Chicago
Moderated by Curio Principal & freelance fashion / lifestyle writer Maggie Gillette
The panel will also explore:
The power of collaboration in Chicago’s fashion ecosystem—how stylists, designers, brands, and creatives can work together to unlock opportunity, visibility, and growth in a non-traditional fashion market.
Defining your own path outside the traditional fashion capitals—what it takes to build a successful, self-directed creative career in a city like Chicago, and the advantages that come with it.
Finding inspiration in Chicago—how the city’s architecture, culture, neighborhoods, and people shape and influence their creative perspective and styling work.
Panelists:
Rachel J Penca – A stylist and educator who has spoken at TEDx Chicago and taught at Columbia College. Her styling business works with everyone from CEOs to college students, and she has collaborated with global brands including Burberry, Ferragamo, Michael Kors, Nordstrom, rag & bone, and Vince.
J’en ReStyle – J’en Mason is a Chicago-based sustainable fashion designer, content creator, and educator behind Jen Restyle Fashion. Known for transforming thrifted and vintage garments into bold statement pieces, she uses upcycling and styling to show how personal style and sustainability can coexist. Through her YouTube channel and social platforms, she inspires a community of over 100,000 followers to rethink fashion, shop secondhand, and experiment creatively with their wardrobes. Her work has been featured on WGN Chicago, highlighted in Chicago Magazine, nominated for a Chicago Fashion Award, and included in national campaigns celebrating innovative small businesses.
Rahela Tanase – Rahela is a Chicago-based stylist and creative director whose multi-discipline creative background - rooted in graphic design from the University of Illinois at Chicago and Central Saint Martins in London - directly informs how she approaches styling, bringing an artistic depth that goes beyond simply dressing a subject. Her work has earned Eddie & Ozzie Award recognition and been featured live on WGN Chicago. Drawn to influences ranging from Simone Rocha and Alexander McQueen to French New Wave film and Wes Anderson, her work feels quietly unexpected. She also serves as Vice Regional Director Elect at FGI Chicago and on the Advisory Council for Chicago Fashion Week.
Photos from two past panel discussions at The Emily Hotel prior to the Reception.
