Okay, so we’re not New York, Paris, Milan or even LA. But Chicago does have a killer style scene with a crop of up-and-coming designers who could easily go toe-to-toe with their coastal counterparts. These burgeoning neophytes, as well as the city’s treasured vets, finally take center stage during Fashion Focus Chicago, our midwestern version of Fashion Week. Sponsored by the City of Chicago (thanks, Mayor Daley!) the event-filled week features shopping tours, industry seminars, fashion installations and a series of runway shows designed to showcase all design aesthetics, from avant-garde to eco-friendly.

As a true style-phile (and someone who dreams of sitting front row at New York Fashion Week), and a member of the press, I’m an (overly) active Fashion Focus participant, taking my seat along the runway for every single show (thank you, press pass!). My mission is clear: to bring Chicago talent to the masses (aka, Store Adore blog readers), and help you scoop up these utterly chic looks for your own wardrobes. After all—what’s cooler than saying you were wearing a designer before she got big?

The premiere event of FF Chicago is the Gen Art Fresh Faces show (which is why it gets it’s own post). Credited with helping to discover Zac Posen and Rebecca Taylor, Gen Art has a history of identifying designer gems. It was no different at it’s Chicago installation this year, where Gen Art showcased some of Chicago’s most buzzed-about young talent. Here are some of the highlights.

First up: Sophia Reyes. Her looks are perfect for the feminine yet unfussy girl; the kind who wants to throw on a comfortable dress before she dashes out the door (and lookas good at the girl who spent hours in front of the mirror).

Find her easy, breezy women’s dresses at Tangerine and Gray, where’s she’s both stores’ “Designer Spotlight” for the month of October.

Next, Frei Designs—the brainchild of designer Anne Novotny, showed that eco-chic doesn’t have to equal wicker-y looking hemp pieces. Her eco-friendly line is smart, sophisticated and combines both a tailored and relaxed aesthetic.

Reduce your carbon footprint by stocking up on dresses, tops and pants from Frei Designs, available at Robin Richman and Pivot.

We also liked Shorty’s showed off princess-worthy frocks in in girly shades and prints.

Shorty Clothing is so new it’s they’re not even sold in stores yet. Talk about exclusive. Stop by the line’s website to scoop up that perfect New Year’s Eve dress.

The only menswear designer in the show, Canadian Philip Sparks piqued the attention of the men in the room with a preppy collection that Chuck Bass would covet. With a light, almost summery look, he had Chicagoans already longing for drinks by the lake (as they held their fall coats on their laps).

Just like Shorty, Philip Sparks is hard to find. While the line is available in many boutiques across Canada, if you don’t have a trip North planned, you can still find his tailored clothing at his impressive website.

Elise Bergman has been on many Chicagoans’ radar for some time now, and her Fresh Faces debut was eagerly anticipated by the industry. Bergman designs classy, elegant women’s clothing with a youthful vibe. Her dresses and skirts range from workday wedding-appropriate.

Find Bergman’s creations—fit for any fete this season—at Roslyn and Entendre Couture.

Local boutique Eskell sells both a multitude of vintage pieces and a smattering of looks from independent designers. Plus, nearly an entire wall of this Wicker Park boutique is devoted to it’s in-house line. Created by Kelly Whitesell and Elizabeth Del Castillo, the vintage-inspired collection features bold patterns and quirky details.

Shop Eskell’s unique designs at their in the store or online.

Coming up next week: The best of the best from the city-sponsored shows.

Photos provided by Monique Jones Public Relations.