Ian Gerard
File:Ian_Gerard_Selfie_Photo.jpeg
Ian Gerard (he/him) is the co-founder of The Curio (2022-), a fashion events organization with a mission to "bring together and champion the Chicago fashion industry, and to showcase and elevate the best local fashion talent".{{Cite web |date=2023-06-14 |title=Second to None: The Curio's Mission to Rise the Chicago Fashion Scene to the Top {{!}} Newcity Design |url=https://design.newcity.com/2023/06/14/second-to-none-the-curios-mission-to-rise-the-chicago-fashion-scene-to-the-top/ |access-date=2023-12-06 |language=en-US}} He is also the co-founder of Chicago Fashion Week{{Cite web |last=Rigou |first=Vasia |date=2024-09-13 |title=Chicago’s Revitalized Fashion Week with Co-Founders Ian Gerard and Maggie Gillette |url=https://design.newcity.com/2024/09/13/dress-for-it-behind-chicagos-revitalized-fashion-week-with-co-founders-ian-gerard-and-maggie-gillette/ |access-date=2024-12-29 |language=en-US}} which had its inaugural run from October 9-20, 2024.{{Cite web |title=The Ultimate Guide To Chicago Fashion Week 2024 |url=https://mlchicagosocial.com/chicago-fashion-week |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=mlchicagosocial.com |language=en}} Gerard was the co-founder of Gen Art and was the company's CEO (1997-2010).{{Cite web |date=December 10, 2023 |title=40 UNDER 40 CLASS OF 2004: Ian Gerard |url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/awards/ian-gerard |website=Crain's New York Business}} He also founded Syndicate-5{{Cite web |date=2017-01-13 |title=Demystifying the Process of Securing Corporate Sponsorship |url=http://finance.yahoo.com/news/demystifying-process-securing-corporate-sponsorship-210000631.html |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=Yahoo Finance |language=en-US}} and worked for IVY, as its chief partnership officer.{{cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ivy-expands-beyond-its-seven-market-experiential-base-launches-ivy-media-to-deliver-free-actionable-lessons-to-a-new-generation-of-leaders-worldwide-300545584.html/ |title=IVY Expands Beyond Its Seven-Market Experiential Base, Launches IVY Media to Deliver Free, Actionable Lessons to a New Generation of Leaders Worldwide |publisher=IVY |date=October 30, 2017|via=PR Newswire}}
Career
Gerard first attended Vassar College after which he attended NYU School of Law. In 1993, he founded Gen Art with his brother, Stefan Gerard.{{Cite news |last=Morris |first=Bob |date=1999-04-18 |title=All The World Loves A Runway |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/04/18/style/all-the-world-loves-a-runway.html |access-date=2023-12-19 |issn=0362-4331}} Gen Art focused on producing fashion shows for emerging designers, film festivals for independent film-makers, exhibitions for visual artists, live music productions and custom programs.{{Cite web |title=Gen Art - New York Fashion Designer - Full Frontal Fashion |url=https://nymag.com/metrotv/fff/designers/bios/genart.htm |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=nymag.com}}{{Cite news |last=Ryzik |first=Melena |date=2010-05-06 |title=Gen Art Folds, Victim of Recession |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/07/movies/07arts-GENARTFOLDSV_BRF.html |access-date=2023-12-19 |issn=0362-4331}} It was described by the New York Times as such: "With an advisory committee of blue-chip artists, press representation to rival any profit-making organization, a promotional video that could have been the trailer to the film 'Reality Bites' and a phalanx of no-nonsense assistants at the tables by the door, it was perhaps the most professionally run event for a fledgling charity in the history of civilization".{{Cite news |last=Morris |first=Bob |date=1994-03-06 |title=THE NIGHT; DeMille Would Have Applauded |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/06/style/the-night-demille-would-have-applauded.html |access-date=2023-12-19 |issn=0362-4331}} During his tenure, the company opened additional offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Miami, and produced over 100 events each year.{{Cite web |date=2006-09-19 |title=Mixing Art and Profit |url=https://www.bizbash.com/venues-destinations/united-states/new-york/article/13225200/mixing-art-and-profit |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=BizBash |language=en-us}} The company showcased talent including Jennifer Lawrence, Zac Posen, Adrian Grenier, Rooney Mara, Rebecca Taylor, Zoe Saldana and Jeremy Renner{{Cite web |last=Pinson • • |first=Laurel |date=2009-06-24 |title=Tonight! Gen Art's 15th Anniversary Benefit |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/local/tonight-gen-arts-15th-anniversary-benefit/2115313/ |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=NBC New York |language=en-US}} as well as visual artists including Gary_Baseman and Dalek (James Marshall). {{Cite web |title=Gen Art Vanguard – Basel Party « Arrested Motion |url=https://arrestedmotion.com/2008/12/gen-art-vanguard-basel-party/ |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=ArrestedMotion |language=en-US}}
In May 2010, Gen Art shut temporarily due to the economic ramifications of the great recession. It was sold to Sandow Media and relaunched in January 2011{{Cite web |last=Cheney |first=Alexandra |date=February 23, 2011 |title=Gen Art Returns For A Second Act |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-SEB-64013 |access-date=December 10, 2023 |website=The Wall Street Journal}} with Gerard acting as a consultant until his departure in March 2012.
In October 2011 Gerard founded Syndicate-5, a lifestyle consultancy that claimed to help align brands with consumers through their arts & entertainment interests. Clients included Cadillac who presented the music and fashion program called "Sound Waves" in Montauk{{cite web |title=Marketers Invade Montauk This Summer (Published 2013) |website=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616235829/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/22/fashion/marketers-invade-montauk-this-summer.html |archive-date=2022-06-16 |url-status=live |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/22/fashion/marketers-invade-montauk-this-summer.html/}} and the IVY Innovator Awards.{{Cite press release |title=IVY and Cadillac Host Second Annual IVY Innovator Film Awards Presented by Actor/Director Josh Radnor |url=https://www.newswire.com/news/ivy-and-cadillac-host-second-annual-ivy-innovator-film-awards |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=www.newswire.com |language=en}} Additionally, they launched the inaugural "Underground Fashion Weekend"{{Cite web |date=2017-03-31 |title=Underground Lauderdale Fashion Weekend to feature Nicole Miller and Susanne Bartsch |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2017/03/31/underground-lauderdale-fashion-weekend-to-feature-nicole-miller-and-susanne-bartsch/ |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=Sun Sentinel |language=en-US}} in partnership with their client, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau's Office of Film, Music, and Entertainment, a three day fashion event including industry leaders Nicole Miller, Nina Garcia, and Susan Bartsch.{{Cite web |last=Feitelberg |first=Rosemary |date=2016-12-14 |title=Nicole Miller Plans Buy-Now Runway Show for Underground Lauderdale Fashion Weekend |url=https://wwd.com/feature/nicole-miller-plans-buy-now-runway-show-for-underground-lauderdale-fashion-weekend-10727650/ |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=WWD |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Underground Launderdale Weekend Pictures and Photos - Getty Images |url=https://www.gettyimages.no/photos/underground-launderdale-weekend?family=editorial&assettype=image&sort=mostpopular&phrase=underground%20launderdale%20weekend |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=www.gettyimages.no}}
In the fall of 2017, Gerard joined his client, IVY - The Social University, for whom he had consulted since its launch in the spring of 2013. He became its Chief Partnership Officer overseeing partnerships, external communications, and its content division, IVY Media.{{Cite press release |last=University |first=IVY: The Social |title=IVY Expands Beyond Its Seven-Market Experiential Base, Launches IVY Media to Deliver Free, Actionable Lessons to a New Generation of Leaders Worldwide |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ivy-expands-beyond-its-seven-market-experiential-base-launches-ivy-media-to-deliver-free-actionable-lessons-to-a-new-generation-of-leaders-worldwide-300545584.html |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=www.prnewswire.com |language=en}} Gerard secured partnerships with brands including The Macallan.{{Cite web |title=Macallan Taps Ivy For 'Rare' Live Event |url=https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/310846/macallan-taps-ivy-for-rare-live-event.html |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=www.mediapost.com |language=en}}
Gerard's most recent venture is with The Curio, co-founding it{{Cite web |last=Giallorenzo |first=Isa |date=2022-05-25 |title=Hats off to the hats |url=http://chicagoreader.com/city-life/hats-off-to-the-hats/ |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=Chicago Reader |language=en-US}} in January of 2022 with entrepreneur Matt Woodburn and quickly including fashion designer and writer, Maggie Gillette.The organization has produced multiple events in Chicago including their launch party, "Fashion Holiday Soiree",{{Cite web |title=Holiday Fashion Soiree |url=https://www.curioexperience.com/galleries/holiday-fashion-soiree |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=The Curio |language=en-US}} "Panel Discussion on Fashion & The Metaverse",{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Saper |date=2023-04-12 |title=Recap of Saper Law's Fashion in the Metaverse Seminar |url=https://saperlaw.com/2023/04/12/recap-of-saper-laws-fashion-in-the-metaverse-seminar/ |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=Saper Law Offices |language=en-US}} and multiple "Fashion Socials".{{Cite web |date=2023-05-03 |title=Chicago Reader print issue of May 4, 2023 (Vol. 52, No. 15) by Chicago Reader - Issuu |url=https://issuu.com/chicago_reader/docs/050423-small |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=issuu.com |language=en}} Their most notable event was "A Celebration of Chicago Style" which was co-hosted by Nigel Barker and Cynthia Rowley, and showcased designs by Maria Pinto along with emerging Chicago designers as well.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-05 |title=Cynthia Rowley, Maria Pinto Help Celebrate Chicago Design |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/cynthia-rowley-maria-pinto-help-214057154.html |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=Yahoo Life |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Giallorenzo |first=Isa |date=2023-07-21 |title=Fashion show celebrates Chicago's diverse style |url=http://chicagoreader.com/city-life/street-view/celebration-of-chicago-style/ |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=Chicago Reader |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Publisher |first=Candid Candace Jordan, Associate |date=2023-06-03 |title=A Celebration of Chicago Style: Runway fashion at its finest |url=https://www.chicagostarmedia.com/candid_candace/a-celebration-of-chicago-style-runway-fashion-at-its-finest/article_58f39bcc-0187-11ee-bf39-e7f95937bdfc.html |access-date=2023-12-06 |website=Chicago Star Media |language=en}}
In 2024, Gerard and Gillette partnered with John Leydon,{{Cite web |last=Gibson |first=Acasia |date=May 29, 2024 |title=Chicago Stakes Claim as a Leading Fashion Capital with Launch of The New Official Chicago Fashion Week® in October 2024 |url=https://cbs4indy.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/715357739/chicago-stakes-claim-as-a-leading-fashion-capital-with-launch-of-the-new-official-chicago-fashion-week-in-october-2024/ |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=CBS4Indy |language=en}} the holder of the trademark for Chicago Fashion Week,{{Cite web |last=Lipinski |first=Gavin |title=Chicago’s first fashion week kicks off |url=https://columbiachronicle.com/chicagos-first-fashion-week-kicks-off |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=The Columbia Chronicle}} to create a city-wide fashion week focused on fashion oriented consumers.{{Cite web |last=Ntern |first=NCrew |date=2024-06-04 |title=Mark Your Calendars for Chicago's First Official Fashion Week! |url=https://justnlife.com/mark-your-calendars-for-chicagos-first-official-fashion-week/ |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Just N Life |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Feitelberg |first=Rosemary |date=2024-10-08 |title=Chicago Fashion Week Returns to Celebrate Creatives and Connect With Consumers |url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-features/chicago-fashion-week-celebrate-creatives-consumers-1236675223/ |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=WWD |language=en-US}} On May 28, 2024, Chicago Fashion Week was officially announced to take place from October 9-20, 2024,{{Cite web |last=Bossi |first=Andrea |date=2024-08-08 |title=Local Fashion Weeks Are on the Rise. Why Now? |url=https://fashionista.com/2024/08/local-regional-city-fashion-weeks-new-2024-strategy |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Fashionista |language=en}} at a media event at The Four Seasons with speakers including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson who stated, "Amplifying Chicago fashion events through Chicago Fashion Week creates an opportunity to elevate our city’s status as a fashion capital.”{{Cite web |date=2024-05-28 |title=Chicago Fashion Week will turn the city 'into a runway' this fall |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/money/2024/05/28/chicago-fashion-week-couture-streetwear-runway-fall-loop |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en}}
Gerard and Gillette hosted their own events at Chicago Fashion Week through their organization, The Curio. Programming included the opening night show on October 9th at the Chicago Cultural Center, "A Celebration of Chicago Style" presented by Abercrombie & Kent.{{Cite web |last=Giallorenzo |first=Isa |date=2024-11-01 |title=Chicago Fashion Week events highlighted local designers |url=https://chicagoreader.com/city-life/chicago-fashion-week-designers/ |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Chicago Reader |language=en-US}} It featuring Chicago based designers including Maria Pinto and Barbara Bates. The Curio also co-hosted a photography exhibition produced in partnership with the Park Hyatt's NoMI Gallery.{{Cite web |title=NoMI Gallery x The Curio: Chicago Fashion Week |url=https://www.choosechicago.com/event/nomi-gallery-x-the-curio-chicago-fashion-week/ |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Choose Chicago |language=en-US}} It ran from October 9 - November 15, 2024 and featuring 5 Chicago based fashion photographers including Sandro Miller.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-20 |title=Events |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/events/#!/details/nomi-gallery-x-the-curio-chicago-fashion-week/14371471/2024-10-19T10 |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Chicago Tribune |language=en-US}}
Accolades
Gerard has been mentioned in various publications including Crains New York Business "40 Under 40" In 2005, Gerard was personally asked to join Klaus Schwab's "World Economic Forum of Young Global Leaders" {{Cite web |title=World Economic Forum - Home |url=https://www3.weforum.org/maintenance/public.htm |access-date=2023-12-20 |website=www3.weforum.org}} in preparation for Schwab's Great Reset and Build Back Better campaigns.