Help Us Bring a Garment District to Life

AIBI is creating a space where fashion, sustainability, manufacturing, and community come together.

A Garment District is more than a market — it is a gathering place for independent designers, makers, sewists, students, and small apparel businesses to BUILD and STAY right here in Chicago.

On May 19th-20th we will have a small pop up garment district at Salvage One. This event will feature:

Wholesale Fabric Dealers
Sustainable and circular fashion initiatives
Garment production demonstrations
Local apparel entrepreneurs
Community networking and education
Opportunities for emerging talent

Our over all goal is to raise $100,000 to help cover the real costs of creating the beginnings of a garment district in Chicago.

Every contribution helps support:

Infrastructure
Programming
Student AIBI Memberships
Fashion Incubator
Interns
Fashion Shows
Economic Growth in the Apparel Industry in Chicago

Chicago has deep roots in apparel manufacturing and craftsmanship. AIBI is a part of building that future again — locally, and collaboratively.

Thank you for supporting independent fashion designers and give apparel industry the opportunity to popup in Chicago.

Donation Tiers

$20 — Community Supporter

Helps provide supplies and materials.

$250 — Fashion Advocate

Supports local independent designers and makers AIBI fashion lab membership

$1000 — Garment District Builder

Helps fund programming, and infrastructure.

$2500+ — Industry Champion (NAME PRINTED ON ALL AIBI MATERIAL)

Helps strengthen Chicago’s growing fashion ecosystem.

It's Time for a Garment District