# Architectural Fashion Ads ‘Chicago: City of Angles' Features Couture Against Landmarks By Bianca | Published 2009-04-02 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/architectural-fashion-chicago-city-of-angles References: [nytimes](http://www.nytimes.com/indexes/2009/03/22/style/t/index.html#pageName=22chiw&) You may not consider Illinois a stylish state, but after looking at this editorial, it’s undeniable it serves as a beautiful background to showcase today’s most cutting edge fashions. It might also become your next shopping destination according to [The New York Times](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bread-laces) feature piece titled *Chicago: City of Angles.* “Since 1871, when it rose spectacularly after the Great Fire, Chicago has been famous for pioneering architecture — from the steel-frame skyscraper to the flat geometry of the Prairie School to Mies van der Rohe’s clean Minimalism,” the New York Times says. “When it comes to cutting-edge fashion, though, the city rarely registered. Lost between the glamorous coasts, it’s been a no-style zone. Until now.” The feature piece includes stunning shots of models in designer brands like Rodarte, [Mulberry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/veronica-beard-and-petite-plume) and [Proenza Schouler](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/proenza-schouler1) against Chicago’s most iconic architecture and urban areas including the stairs at West Wacker Drive, Franklin-Orleans Bridge, South Franklin Street, Wabash Avenue, lakefront by North Avenue Beach and the Quincy El Train stop. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 50% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Architectural Fashion Ads:** Opportunity for fashion brands to incorporate iconic architecture as a backdrop for advertising campaigns. - **Fashion Tourism in Illinois:** Potential for Illinois to become a shopping destination due to its combination of stylish fashion and stunning architecture. - **Revitalizing Chicago's Fashion Scene:** Opportunity for Chicago to shed its no-style image and emerge as a hub of cutting-edge fashion. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fashion:** Fashion industry can explore collaborations with architects and photographers to create visually striking campaigns. - **Architecture:** Architects can capitalize on the trend by partnering with fashion brands to showcase their designs in unique settings. - **Tourism:** Tourism industry in Illinois can leverage the combination of fashion and architecture to attract visitors interested in both areas. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Building Facade-Inspired Clothing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seagram-collection.md) - [New York-Centric Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bergdorf-goodmans.md) - [Statement-Making Fall Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/auteur-studios-fall-2025.md) - [Tactile Fashion Boutique Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xiaozhuo.md) - [Stylish City-Inspired Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diors-2024-collection.md) - [Water Tower-Inspired Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fashion-brand-herms.md) - [Spray Can Fragrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/step-aboard.md) - [City-Themed Luxury Fashion Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/back-to-the-city.md) - [Edgy Backpack-Centric Fashion Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/at-the-edge-of-time.md)