MW Productions, creators of Chicago Fashion Week, announced plans today for the 2008 fashion week events. This year Chicago Fashion Week is presented by MasterCard as the official sponsor. The official seven-day event is scheduled from April 21 to the 27 for Fall 2008-collections, and September 22 through the 27 for Spring 2009-collections. "We are proud and honored to have partnered with such a recognized company as MasterCard. I am certain that with the support of MasterCard, the Chicago fashion industry is on its way to being the next fashion Capital in the United States joining New York, Los Angeles, and Miami," said Mackett A. Hidalgo - Executive Director, Chicago Fashion Week presented by MasterCard. Chicago Fashion Week presented by MasterCard will showcase established as well as rising designers from national and international markets through on- site and off-site events with private and public fashion runways. These shows will take place throughout distinctive venues in the City.

"CFW is now established as Chicago's premier fashion event attracting a target audience of key fashion leaders, retailers and members of the press. With MasterCard as the official sponsor we are anticipating national and international exposure this year with our largest event yet. Our team is diligently working to achieve the elements we need to produce the largest and most high profile-fashion trade event in our City," said Julia Casandra - Media Coordinator of Chicago Fashion Week presented by MasterCard.

Chicago Fashion Week presented by MasterCard is proud to give local fashion students the opportunity to be involved in the city's most prestigious fashion event, giving them unparalleled visibility in the fashion community. The one day event, "The New Generation," will introduce the talent of Chicago's own top fashion students emerging out of colleges throughout Illinois. Furthermore, the windy city will celebrate the breadth and depth of American fashion accessory designs by again presenting its self-iNDULGENCE event - a caravan of fashion accessories, gathering world wide individual boutiques, jewelry designers, and local artists. "MasterCard understands that consumers - especially affluent women - are passionate about fashion and the role it plays in their everyday lives," said Deborah Hughes, VP of Global Sponsorship for MasterCard Worldwide. "Bringing consumers closer to the latest fashion trends, the hottest designers of today and those of tomorrow is one of the many reasons we're proud to be presenting sponsor of Chicago Fashion Week." About Chicago Fashion Week Chicago Fashion Week presented by MasterCard was created to organize, centralize and modernize the Windy City's runway shows and provide a platform for the designers to present their collections to worldwide media and buyers. Chicago Fashion Week presented by MasterCard offers designers a comprehensive program complete with choices of state-of-the art venues and experienced production teams dedicated to ensuring individual visions are accomplished.