After an eight-year hiatus, Cleveland is ready to reclaim its place on the fashion map with the highly anticipated return of CLE Fashion Week (CLEFW) in 2025. More than just a series of runway shows, this comeback marks a cultural shift—one that aims to amplify the city’s thriving yet often-overlooked fashion scene. With the resounding success of the Cleveland Fashion Gala in 2024 setting the stage, the demand for a larger, more immersive platform became undeniable. Now, fashion enthusiasts, designers, and industry insiders alike are preparing for an unforgettable week that will not only celebrate creativity but also drive economic and cultural growth for Cleveland.
FEMI: . After an eight-year hiatus, CLE Fashion Week is making a major comeback. What inspired you both to bring this iconic event back now, and what can attendees expect in 2025?
CHRISSY: Cleveland is what’s known as a hidden gem in the fashion community. Without the presence of a formal fashion week for nearly a decade, the fashion community’s light has dimmed – kept alive by small independent fashion shows and occasional home-grown brands.
With the push to have the Cleveland Fashion Gala in 2024, we set out to come back and come back strong. With the clear vision of creating Cleveland’s version of the Met Gala, we embarked on the largest and most ambitious fashion show production in Cleveland history. Many people doubted whether it could be done. Sponsors withheld sponsorships to take a wait-and-see approach, having heard grand visions before with poor execution. But we proved the doubters and naysayers wrong and the success of the Cleveland Fashion Gala spread far and wide with news coverage and interest reaching as far as Australia.
While we could rest on our laurels and just produce another Cleveland Fashion Gala, we recognized our limitations. We had 85 models, but we could have easily cast over 120. We had 8 designers, but the list of designers who wanted to be involved was easily triple that. One event couldn’t do Cleveland’s fashion industry full justice. There’s simply too much talent to showcase in one evening. The need was clear. It was time for Cleveland to have its own fashion week again!
Attendees can expect a star-studded week of events starting on Monday July 7th and ending on Sunday July 13th. There will be a Kick-off Reception, a movie premiere, a brunch honoring city leader, multiple after parties, all sprinkled in between the shows at unique venues around our beautiful city of Cleveland.
FEMI: CLEFW 2025 is set to make a significant economic impact, generating millions in local revenue. How do you envision this event shaping the future of Cleveland’s fashion and business landscape?
NICOLE: CLE Fashion Week is going to shine a major light on Cleveland and the surrounding cities. This is going to be our chance to show off how tremendous our “food scene” here actually is, among more of our cities’ hidden gems. We are often overlooked as a fashion forward city, but the talent here by way of both designers and models alike is superior. The draw that CLEFW will bring to Cle is going to help stimulate the local economy. Guests from all over will be dining at our restaurants, drinking at our bars, patronizing our clubs, shopping our local boutiques and purchasing from Cleveland designers. Cleveland, Ohio will become a destination during CLE Fashion Week for years to come.
FEMI:The event will celebrate women entrepreneurs and highlight diverse talent. How important is it to you both to create opportunities for underrepresented voices in the fashion industry?
NICOLE: This is honestly one of the most gratifying parts of this entire process. Being able to provide a platform for entrepreneurs, and WOMEN entrepreneurs at that, is an elating feeling. Also, having the ability to spotlight talented models and other industry professionals like hairdressers, makeup artists, stylists, show producers, DJs’, Emcees and designers makes every moment of the whole journey even more exhilarating.
FEMI: CLEFW will honor legendary Cleveland-born fashion figures while also spotlighting emerging talent. Can you share some of the names or designers we can look forward to seeing?
CHRISSY: Fashion’s best-kept secret? The CLEFW designer lineup! While we can’t reveal any names just yet, get ready for a blend of legendary icons and fresh, emerging talent that will have everyone talking. Stay tuned for the grand reveal!
FEMI: Fashion is a powerful tool for empowerment and self-expression. How does CLEFW plan to inspire and uplift the next generation of fashion designers, models, and entrepreneurs?
NICOLE: Providing educational opportunities: CLEFW will offer workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs to teach young & inexperienced people about the fashion industry, including design, marketing, and business skills.
Creating platforms for showcasing talent: CLEFW will host fashion shows, and exhibitions to give young and emerging designers and models a platform to showcase their work and gain exposure.
FEMI: Bringing a major fashion week to the Midwest is no small feat. What challenges have you faced in revitalizing this event, and how have you overcome them?
NICOLE:: Bringing a major fashion week to the Midwest presents some unique challenges. Here are a few that CLEFW might face, and how they could be overcome:
Perception and Recognition: The Midwest isn’t traditionally seen as a major fashion hub like New York or Paris. CLEFW needs to work hard to build its reputation and attract attention from the global fashion community. This can be done through strategic marketing, showcasing top-tier designers, and generating media buzz.
Funding and Sponsorships: Securing funding can be difficult, especially for a new event. CLEFW needs to develop strong relationships with potential sponsors, demonstrate the value of their involvement, and explore diverse funding sources like grants and crowdfunding.
Talent Acquisition: Attracting top designers, models, and industry professionals to the Midwest can be a challenge. CLEFW can overcome this by offering competitive incentives, creating a unique and exciting experience, and highlighting the growing fashion scene in the region.
Logistics and Infrastructure: Organizing a large-scale event like a fashion week requires significant logistical planning and infrastructure. CLEFW needs to secure suitable venues, coordinate travel and accommodation for participants, and ensure smooth operations throughout the event.
Community Engagement: Building local support and excitement is crucial for the success of CLEFW. This can be achieved through community outreach programs, collaborations with local businesses, and making the event accessible and inclusive.
By proactively addressing these challenges, CLEFW can establish itself as a prominent fashion week and contribute to the growth of the fashion industry in the Midwest.
FEMI: With major media attention and thousands of attendees expected, how do you see CLEFW positioning Cleveland as a major fashion hub on the national and global stage?
NICOLE: CLEFW definitely has the potential to position Cleveland as a major fashion hub on the national and global stage by:
Showcasing unique talent: CLEFW can highlight the diverse and emerging talent within the Midwest fashion scene, including designers, models, and artists. This can attract attention from industry professionals and media outlets looking for fresh perspectives.
Creating a distinct identity: Instead of trying to replicate established fashion weeks, CLEFW can focus on showcasing Cleveland’s unique character and cultural influences. This could involve incorporating local art, music, and history into the event.
Building strategic partnerships: Collaborating with local businesses, organizations, and educational institutions can help CLEFW gain visibility and credibility. These partnerships can also provide resources and support for the event.
Leveraging media attention: CLEFW can use the expected media attention to tell a compelling story about Cleveland’s growing fashion scene and its potential to become a major player in the industry. This can be done through press releases, interviews, and social media campaigns.
Focusing on innovation and sustainability: CLEFW can differentiate itself by emphasizing innovation and sustainability in fashion. This can attract designers and brands that are pushing boundaries and creating eco-friendly products.
By strategically leveraging these factors, we believe CLEFW can elevate Cleveland’s profile in the fashion world and establish it as a destination for creativity, talent, and innovation.
FEMI:For aspiring women entrepreneurs looking to break into the fashion industry, what advice do you have based on your own leadership journey in bringing this event to life?
CHRISSY: Put yourself in the right rooms, be willing to go above and beyond, do the difficult things, do not be ashamed to self-promote, never let anyone tell you that you are dreaming “too big.” You have to start somewhere, dip your toes in. Intern with someone you admire in the Fashion Industry, work backstage at local fashion shows, get a job in retail. You have to have the dedication to put yourself in a position to learn under someone who can lead you in the right direction. Most importantly, you have to have the self-confidence and resilience to keep working your way up the ranks until you get where you want to be!
CLE Fashion Week 2025 is more than a revival—it’s a statement. By showcasing world-class talent, creating opportunities for underrepresented voices, and positioning Cleveland as a fashion-forward powerhouse, this event is set to leave a lasting impact. As the lights dim on the final runway and the echoes of applause fade, one thing will be clear: Cleveland is no longer just a hidden gem in fashion—it’s a bold, shining beacon of style, innovation, and opportunity. This is just the beginning, and the future of fashion in the Midwest has never looked more promising.
Images Courtesy of CLE Fashion Week.
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