Chicago|Local Event
FGI Chicago 11th Rising Star Awards
Saturday, October 10, 2026
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Public Works Gallery
2141 W. North Avenue, Chicago, IL
Celebrate the future of Chicagoland’s fashion and beauty industry at the 11th FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards.
The FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards recognize outstanding emerging professionals making an impact across Chicagoland’s fashion and beauty industry. This year, 15 finalists across five categories will be celebrated for their creativity, talent and contributions to Chicago’s fashion community.
Join FGI Chicago for a grazing brunch, professional networking, finalist displays and the Rising Star Awards ceremony, where the 2026 Rising Star Award recipients will be revealed.
The celebration will be led by Master of Ceremonies Sharaun Brown, who will also receive the 2026 FGI Chicago Trailblazer Award. Photographer Denise Belyea will receive the 2026 FGI Chicago Visual Impact Award.
FGI members, industry professionals, friends, supporters and the public are welcome.
2026 FGI Chicago Rising Star Award Finalists
Footwear
Yohance LaCour — YJL
Vanessa Arroyo — SERES®
Holly Garrard — Fundae Shoes
Fashion Design
Angela Aeschliman — Aesch Liman, Co.
Brian S. Leon — KOUSH
Raj Patel — Karmic Couture
Fashion Stylist
Rahela Tanase — Intuitive Fashion & Rahela Designs
Christina Schutz — Lookbook Stylist
Matteo Frausto — The Thrifted Gay
Fashion Content Creator
Juliann Brown — Juliann Marie
Brit Cooper Robinson — Dressing for the Dopamine
Ticara Devone — Ticara Devone
Beauty
Shureice Kornegay — Fleeky Friday
Alexandra Carrillo — By The Polish
Darrell Spencer — Crowned Skin
Master of Ceremonies & Trailblazer Award Honoree: Sharaun Brown
FGI Chicago will present the 2026 FGI Chicago Trailblazer Award to Sharaun Brown, recognizing her innovation, leadership and influence in forging new paths within the fashion industry.
Brown is an international supermodel, television host, speaker, media personality and Founder & CEO of The Model Tribe. A finalist on America’s Next Top Model, her career spans fashion, television and live entertainment. She most recently served as Official Trophy Model Presenter at the 2025 and 2026 Grammy Awards and the 2026 Disney Legends Awards at D23. Through The Model Tribe, she also mentors and empowers the next generation of models and creatives.
Brown will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the 11th FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards.
Visual Impact Award Honoree: Denise Belyea
Photographer Denise Belyea will receive the 2026 FGI Chicago Visual Impact Award in recognition of her distinctive visual storytelling and contributions to Chicago’s fashion image-making community.
Tickets
VIP Admission — $100 | 10:30 AM
Includes early entry, VIP gift bag, reserved presentation seating, grazing brunch, finalist displays, awards ceremony and networking.
General Admission — $75 | 11:00 AM
Includes grazing brunch, finalist displays, awards ceremony and networking. Presentation seating is first-come, first-served.
FGI Members receive $15 off General Admission and VIP tickets.
Dress Code: Chic Brunch Attire
Sponsors & Partners
The 2026 FGI Chicago Rising Star Awards are presented with support from Public Works Gallery, The Model Tribe, Naked Life and Gotham Bagels.
Sponsorship opportunities remain available from $250–$5,000, with event admission, reserved seating, marketing recognition and additional benefits based on sponsorship level.