Chicago Fashion Fest, now in its fifth year, will completely take over the main drag of West Division Street this August to bring fashionistas, families and fest-lovers alike two days of non-stop local fashion, live music and cold beer!

Chicago Fashion Fest 2013 takes place in conjunction with Last Call Sidewalk Sale, which consumes the rest of Wicker Park & Bucktown, making the weekend of August 17th & 18th the biggest neighborhood fashion and shopping occasion of the year! From its origins in the Moonshine parking lot, to its arrival as a major street festival, Chicago Fashion Fest still holds true to its core principals.

“It’s a showcase of innovative, emerging talent,” says Chicago Fashion Fest creator Michelle Gomez, owner of M.GO Fashion Salon. “The collaboration of so many gifted people gives back not only to the up and coming local designers and boutiques, but the neighborhood as a whole. We are truly trend-setting.”

The expanded Chicago Fashion Fest, on Division from Wolcott to Paulina from Noon to 10 pm on August 17th & 18th, will feature a huge, bleachered-in runway stage, where live music will set the tone as Chicago models strut their stuff wearing “What’s in” for end of summer and fall 2013 – collections from local designers, boutiques, artists (participants TBA)! The weekend presentations will be hosted by Lourdes Duarte from WGN News Chicago. Different fashion segments will be included throughout the weekend, such as vintage, kids, teen, back-to-school, curvaceous, bridal, bars & restaurants, and more.

The highlight of each day at Chicago Fashion Fest will be the dazzling runway shows at night under the stars called Wicker Park after Dark – charity-hosted red carpet extravaganzas that attract paparazzi, VIPs and celebs. Natalie Martinez of NBC Chicago will host the red carpet, where stars like Jaslene Gonzalez, winner of Cycle 8 of America’s Next Top Model, will be red carpet guests. The VIP Fashion Lounge sponsored by Skinny Girl is where the who’s who of Chicago’s fashion scene will rub elbows.

An on-site “Shopper’s Row” experience will also feature 50-plus exclusive booths of local fashion designers, boutiques, and salons, as well as some of the best food vendors from the neighborhood. Plenty of ice cold beer will be sponsored by Smoke Daddy, Fat Pour and The Bedford. Other Chicago Fashion Fest sponsors include BGEL, which will host a nail bar manicure tent; and Moroccanoil, which will host a blowout lounge, hair chalk coloring, braiding and make-up tent. Lastly, a dedicated kids section will round out the fully-loaded, weekend festivities.

There will be a $5 donation requested for admittance to Chicago Fashion Fest, which benefits Lasalle II Elementary, Clemente High School & Y.E.S! (Youth Empowering Strategies).