Upon arrival, all attendees are asked to check in at the designated registration area, where you’ll receive your event credentials and access materials. Please have your ticket confirmation and photo ID ready for a smooth check-in process.

There are three ticket tiers, and each will be directed to its respective check-in lane:

• Student – Access to all mainstage programming. Please bring a valid student ID.

• General Admission – Access to all panels, talks, and public programming throughout the day.

• VIP – Expedited check-in and exclusive access to the VIP lounge, reserved seating, and the closing reception presented by Crown Royal.

Our staff will be on-site to assist with any questions and ensure you have everything needed to experience the full day of Black Fashion Forward.

This conversation brings together the visionary Black stylists, photographers, editors, and creative directors who are redefining how Blackness is represented in fashion media. Together, they’ll discuss the power of editorial imagery in shaping cultural narratives, challenging industry norms, and building a more expansive, nuanced visual language for Black identity and style.

A conversation tracing the cultural, political, and artistic legacy of Black hair and beauty. From ancestral practices to modern innovation, this panel explores how Black creatives have continuously redefined beauty standards—transforming the industry while celebrating identity, resistance, and self-expression.

A deep dive into how storytelling—whether through design, visuals, or branding—can define a fashion label’s cultural impact. This panel spotlights Black creatives using narrative as a tool for connection, meaning-making, and reshaping fashion’s visual language from the inside out.

This panel explores how fashion functions as more than just clothing—it’s a living, breathing form of cultural expression and protest. Centering the voices of Black designers and creatives, the discussion will unpack how fashion communicates heritage, influences politics, and shapes the cultural landscape both locally and globally.

A documentary celebrating the last five years of a collaborative relationship between Joe Freshgoods and New Balance. It explores how the partnership impacted global sneaker culture and the transparency behind the growth. Which to me, was more important than just making this about sneakers. This is real life. Releasing in theaters across the world in June.

A one-of-one conversation with JoeFreshgoods on how he turned a hyperlocal vision into a globally resonant brand. Grounded in community, storytelling, and cultural authenticity, Joe reflects on building cultural capital through collaboration, creativity, and unapologetically representing Chicago.

In this intimate conversation, Brandon Blackwood shares his journey of building the bag—both literally and figuratively. From launching statement-making accessories to scaling a globally recognized brand, we’ll explore the pivotal moments that shaped his business and the decisions that fueled its growth. The conversation will cover everything from product innovation and brand differentiation to strategic expansion and what’s next on the horizon—all while navigating the pressures and opportunities of the luxury fashion space.

VIP ticket holders are invited to an exclusive Closing Reception celebrating the inaugural Black Fashion Forward symposium. This intimate experience offers a final moment to connect, reflect, and raise a glass with fellow creatives, industry leaders, and changemakers.

Guests will enjoy a curated cocktails courtesy of Crown Royal, alongside light bites and sounds by selected DJ’s, in a setting designed to foster meaningful conversation and collaboration. This is a unique opportunity to network with key figures across fashion, media, and culture — and toast to a day of bold ideas, dynamic dialogue, and Black excellence.

Access is limited to VIP ticket holders.