Driehaus Design Initiative presented creativity without limits at The Driehaus Fashion Awards on Friday, April 26. Themed Infinite Possibilities, the cocktail party and runway show competition highlighted the talents and innovative collections of 24 top emerging fashion design students in Chicago.

The participating fashion and design schools were: Columbia College Chicago, Dominican University, The Illinois Institute of Art – Chicago, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

The 18th annual event was hosted at Chicago Vintage Motor Carriage (700 S. Desplaines Street), a unique venue that provided more than 300 guests exclusive viewing access to a private collection of classic American cars.

The top awards of the evening were presented to:

First Place: Molly Quinn, Columbia College Chicago
Second Place: Edna St. Louis, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Third Place: Carlos Osuna, Columbia College Chicago
Neiman Marcus Distinguished Designer Award: Edna St. Louis, School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Honorable Mention awards went to:

Victor Delgado, The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago
Claire Groppe, Dominican University
JunHo Park, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Abigail Shute, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Shaylin Thurston, Dominican University

The first place winner, Molly Quinn from Columbia College, took home $7,500, and a prize package including the production of a lookbook, an apparel display at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, and additional mentoring and media opportunities. Her winning collection, An Abnormal Condition of Sleep, featured digitally printed textiles, 3D printing, foil prints and handmade detailing.

Additional cash honorariums were awarded to second place winner Edna St. Louis ($5,000), the School of the Art Institute of Chicago; third place winner Carlos Osuna ($2,500), Columbia College Chicago. Honorable mentions received $1,000.

The 2018 first place winner, Lindsay Holeso, presented her winning collection Equilibrium as part of the alumni runway show presentation to cap off the evening.

Wendy Krimins, Vice President & General Manager, Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, selected Edna St. Louis to receive the Neiman Marcus Distinguished Designer Award, which includes a window display at the Michigan Avenue store, plus retail business opportunities.

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

Media personalities Linda Yu and Sylvia Perez returned as emcees of the elegant fundraiser, which raised more than $140,000 and included a pre-party with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, live entertainment, and a live auction.

The competition judges were: Timothy Long, Director, Senior Specialist of Couture & Luxury Accessories, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers; Chloé Mendel, Creative Director/Co-Founder, Maison Atia; and Sylwia Wilcynska, Owner/Fashion Designer, Sylwia Designs Inc.