Indiana Youth Designer Competition MarketingPhoto courtesy of Indiana Fashion Foundation
If our hometown When you hear “haute couture hotspot” you don’t think of it, the Indiana Fashion Foundation is ready to change your perception. Each year, the organization hosts Indiana Fashion Week, an annual celebration of local designers, stylists and creators in the Hoosier state. This year’s presentation features five days of programming dedicated to showcasing local fashion talent and key players in Indianapolis’ creative economy. Check out this year’s event schedule for opportunities to get involved and prepare to dress to impress.
2022 INDFW Youth Designer Challenge
This annual two-day opportunity for high school students to showcase their design skills will kick off this year’s fashion week. The first day of the challenge is by invitation only at a local Salvation Army, and eight participants will be given 45 minutes and $30 to shop to refine their findings and create a new look. The second day, however, will be a ticketed event open to the public at Stitchworks. Participants are paired with American Sewing Association mentors and given seven hours to present a completely original, parka-ready piece during the week’s final event. Ticket sales and donations support the IFF. July 26, 1-3 p.m., $10 general admission, Stitchworks, 43 9th St.
Dress code: casual, streetwear, trendy
Selfie WRLD content party
Calling all digital creatives, stylists, photographers, models—and people with a serious ‘gram game. This ticketed, interactive photo experience serves to connect members of the creative community and promises the opportunity to capture some seriously impressive photos. A competition for local photographers will also be held, and the best photos will be shared on social media. Ticket sales support Entrepreneurs in Fashion Cohort. July 27, 7-9 p.m., $25 per person, Selfie WRLD, 8401 Michigan Rd.
Dress code: Edgy, chic, editorial
Indiana Fashion Week on Memorial CirclePhoto by Devon Mason, courtesy of the Indiana Fashion Foundation
Modern travel downtown tour
The INDFW experience is on the way. This mobile experience, in collaboration with Indigo and Downtown Indy, will be located at iconic locations across the city. The tour will begin at Hotel Indy and conclude with a grand finale at Monument Circle with themed giveaways and performances by some of Indiana’s most popular up-and-coming creators. Donations support the Emerging Designer Incubator. July 28, 11am–2:30pm, $5 suggested donation, Hotel Indy, 141 E. Washington St.
Dress code: Street wear, comfortable, travel ready
Summer Nights–INDFW22 Edition.
If she doesn’t scare you, he won’t do anything bad. This satanic fun presentation Cruella (2021), as part of the Summer Nights in Newfield film series, invites moviegoers to donate self-congratulatory sketches. The best Cruella-inspired look will take home an award as part of the show’s High Fashion Challenge. A commentary fashion show will also be held. This event is currently sold out.
Dress code: Swanky red, white and black ensembles
Dallara Indycar FactoryPhoto courtesy of Indiana Fashion Foundation
The Runway Shows (with Red Carpet and Fashion INcrowd Lounge)
A fashion week like this calls for a truly spectacular closing event, and the runway presentations of local and nationally recognized designers certainly fit the bill. A red carpet rollout precedes the evening’s shows, and VIP ticket holders are invited to arrive early and enjoy the Fashion Crowded Lounge. Previous designers participating this year include Tendai Phillips (Backwear), Peggy Lata (Textiles), WaZeil and UaZit (Wazuaz by Stalph), Andrea Campbell (Andrea Campbell Designs), Beth Bennett (Beth) and Micah Horne (Asim Clothing). . . July 30, 7:30–9:30 p.m., $150 VIP access, $100 general admission, Dallara IndyCar Factory, 1201 N. Main St., Speedway.
Dress code: evening wear, formal, elegant
