The Benefits of Chicago

Dominican University’s location in River Forest, just ten miles west of downtown Chicago, provides unmatched access to one of the nation’s most dynamic fashion markets. Chicago’s vibrant fashion community includes renowned fabric stores, flagship retailers along the Magnificent Mile, luxury boutiques, world-class museums, Chicago Fashion Week, and an expanding network of independent designers and creative entrepreneurs.

Fashion design and merchandising students use the city and its surroundings as an extension of the classroom. Field trips, industry tours, and guest speakers from top fashion companies and cultural institutions help bridge academic learning with professional experience. Every fashion student completes at least one internship for academic credit, gaining hands-on experience and professional connections before graduation. Dominican’s proximity to Chicago provides a wealth of opportunities—from global brands to emerging local designers and fashion organizations across Chicagoland.

“Chicago has been a great place for people of all walks of life to experience fashion shows. I've experienced it myself while assisting charity fashion shows and even more niche fashion shows that celebrate the rich cultures that make up the Chicago scene. Chicago has given me the opportunity to work with a lot of designers and their garments, and as I've seen it and experienced it, fashion brings everyone together."
–Alany Reynosa, Dominican University Graduate

"Attending Chicago Fashion Week allowed me to experience presentations from a wide range of talented individuals who were pursuing careers within the fashion and social media space. It created a space to build connections, experience the industry firsthand, and gain valuable insights. It captured the talent and spirit of the fashion community that will continue to grow in Chicago."
–Allison Pea, Dominican University Graduate