Chicago’s 2nd Annual Chicago Latino Fashion Week kicked off last night with a bang at Religion nightclub! The weeklong event will feature fashion shows by some of the rising and established Chicago designers, as well as national and international Latino designers, educational seminars, retail trunk shows, celebrity appearances and VIP parties at some of Chicago’

s hottest spots.

There are two events this week which will raise funds for charitable organizations:

• The San Juan Fashion Group Show. Some of the most recognized fashion designers from Puerto Rico will show their designs on Thursday, October 30 at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts (777 N. Green Street). Featured designers will include Felix Poll, Lilliam Landron and Tommie Hernandez. There is a cocktail reception by Diageo from 6-7:30p followed by the show at 7:45p. Tickets cost $40 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit MANA of Illinois, an organization whose mission is to empower Latinas through leadership development, community service, and advocacy.

• The “El Fin” Finale Show. Chicago Latino designers will debut their Spring 2009 collections and couture design inspired by their favorite Hollywood screen icons on Sunday, November 2 at the Drake Hotel (140 E. Walton Place). Guests will have the opportunity to shop the vendor showcase from 11a until the fashion show begins at 1p. Featured designers include James de Colón, Orlando Espinoza, Anna Fong, Elda de la Rosa, and Horacio Nieto. Confirmed celebrity guests include actress and icon Rita Moreno, actor Freddy Rodriguez, and ANTM winner Jaslene Gonzalez. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago and the 25th Anniversary of the Chicago Latino Film Festival. The VIP After-Party will be Macy’s (111 N. State St) from 4–6p. Tickets are $75 (show only) and $100 (show and VIP After-Party).

    Rita Moreno (1954)             Freddy Rodriguez                Jaslene Gonzalez

For event and ticket information, please visit chicagolatinofashion.com!

-kb

UPDATE: For pics from the week’s events, click here to visit LatinSocialEvents.com!