Driehaus Design Initiative presented The Driehaus Fashion Awards, themed Close-Up, on Friday, April 27, 2018 at 700 South Desplaines Street in the historic South Loop neighborhood.

The top awards of the evening were presented to:

First Place: Lindsay Holeso, Columbia College Chicago
Second Place: Maria Beniaris, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Third Place: Carolyn Ni, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Neiman Marcus Distinguished Designer Award: Rachel Radulescu, Columbia College Chicago

Honorable Mention awards went to:

Maria Angjeli, Dominican University
B. Van Hoozen, The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago
Brianna Neal, The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago
Fabio Emmanuel Martin Quintas, The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago
Courtney Woodard, Columbia College Chicago

Wendy Krimins, Vice President & General Manager of Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, selected Rachel Radulescu as the recipient of the Neiman Marcus Distinguished Designer Award for best representing the store’s brand. With the award, Radulescu won mentorships with Neiman Marcus executives and a window display of her winning designs at the Michigan Avenue store. First place winner Lindsay Holeso also received a display of her winning collection in the store.

Holeso’s prize package also included $7,500, the production of a look book including hair and make-up, models, photography and space rental, $500 certificate to Fishman’s Fabrics, and additional mentorship and media opportunities.

Second place, third place, and honorable mention award winners won cash honorariums.

The event proceeds benefitted the participating fashion programs: Columbia College Chicago, Dominican University, and School of the Art Institute of Chicago.