Just some of the important dates in Chicago fashion

Marshall Field & Company founded at Chicago headquarters

Sep 1, 1852

Chicago History Museum founded

Apr 1, 1856

Mrs. Cyrus Hall McCormick wears Worth and Bobergh silk evening gown

May 16, 1861

Mr. Cyrus Hall McCormick was the inventor of the mechanical reaper and set up a factory in Chicago, where the couple resided, in the late 1800s.

Francois Lesage, who ultimately owned the most pre-eminent embroidery house in the world, starts a job as assistant to Marshall Field

Jan 1, 1916

Mrs. Charles S. Dewey wears "robe de style" when presented to the Court of St. James

Feb 18, 1927

From 1941 to 1945, Chicagoan Charles S. Dewey, a U.S. Representative from Illinois, served as a republican to the 77th and 78th congresses. Dewey was a banker by trade.

Marshall Field's department stores open first high fashion salons

Mar 1, 1941

Mrs. William Ylvisaker wears Mori evening gown to President Ford's inauguaration

Aug 9, 1974

William Ylvisaker was a Chicago electronics mogul.

Macy's buys Marshall Field & Company, moves in on State Street

Aug 30, 2005

Chicago designer Laura Barnett Sawchyn wears Miyake evening gown to evening affair in Chicago

Jun 24, 2008

Chicagoan Laura Barnett Sawchyn is an award-winning interior designer who also sits on the board of the Costume Council at the Chicago Historical Society.