Elevating Chicago Fashion: The Curio's Mission to Dominate the Scene
chandni
Revamping Chicago's Fashion Scene: The Curio's Journey to Empower Local Talent
Despite my lack of Instagram prowess, I stumbled upon an unexpected message from Ian Gerard, a gracious entrepreneur interested in discussing Chicago's fashion landscape. This chance encounter led to a series of conversations that revealed Gerard's genuine dedication to bridging the gap between the glossy circles of New York City and our vibrant Chicago community. Far from being a condescending Knickerbocker, Gerard immersed himself in grassroots efforts, actively listening to the triumphs and challenges faced by our diverse range of fashion professionals.
Armed with invaluable insights from our local industry, and drawing upon his impressive seventeen-year tenure at GenArt—a prominent national arts organization he previously helmed—Gerard felt compelled to take action. In early 2022, he joined forces with Matt Woodburn, a well-established Chicago entrepreneur and producer of arts and entertainment events, to co-found The Curio. As the CEO of The Curio, Gerard succinctly articulates their mission: to unite and champion the Chicago fashion industry while showcasing and uplifting the exceptional talent within our city.
Presently, The Curio boasts a dedicated team of passionate volunteers, with Gerard working closely alongside Maggie Gillette, who currently assumes a leadership role in tandem with him. Together, they are embarking on a transformative journey to revitalize and empower the local fashion scene, setting their sights on a future where Chicago's fashion talent shines brightly.
