Most recently, Abby has managed all PR and marketing for 38 US retail stores for the Dutch women’s and children’s clothing company, Wilily and managed accounts including Equinox Fitness, W Hotels of Chicago, Anne Fontaine and Gen Art at Lannon Communications PR.

Lisa Merritt, Buyer Mark Shale

Lisa Merritt has 17 years of professional experience. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing. Her experience includes selling, management, wholesale, and buying positions with the Limited, Saks Fifth Avenue , Younkers (division of Saks Inc.) and Fossil. Her current role is with Mark Shale and she resides in Chicago .

Korey Karnes, Editor-in-Chief Chicago Social Magazine

Korey Karnes is the Editor-in-Chief of Chicago Social, a luxury lifestyle magazine that specializes in fashion, shopping, dining and culture. Prior to her current position, Korey was the shopping and trends writer for Time Out Chicago, a weekly magazine geared toward urban 20somethings. In addition, she hosts trend segments on Chicago ’s local ABC affiliate (WLS) and is also a freelance writer. Her work has appeared in Chicago magazine, the RedEye edition of the Chicago Tribune and Glamour, as well as on websites like DailyCandy and Metromix. Before returning to Chicago in 2003, Korey worked in New York City as editor at both Seventeen and CosmoGirl!magazines. She earned her master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University , and received her undergraduate degree in broadcast journalism and political science at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

Beth Wilson, Women’s Wear Daily Chicago Editor

Beth Wilson is the Chicago correspondent for Women’s Wear Daily and contributing editor to WWD Chicago. Prior to working at WWD, Wilson contributed to Marie Claire and People Magazines and worked as a feature writer for the Daily Herald newspaper, where she produced a weekly fashion segment and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for public service reporting.

Rachael Perrin, Renowned Make-up Artist

Rachael Perrin is a professional makeup artist and hair designer with experience in all media, and is known for her expertise in creating clean beauty for print, as well as strong looks for the runway. Her work can be seen in a variety of publications, national advertising campaigns and in the press packages and websites of many local designers. Rachael has worked as the Key makeup artist for GenArt’s Chicago “Fresh Faces in Fashion” show in 2004 & 2005, and as a makeup artists backstage for St. John and Vogue Magazine. Her work can also be seen in ad pieces and on the website for Lana Jewelry. She has also worked personal appearances with celebrity artists including Laura Mercier and Sylvie Chantecaille, and has worked as a freelance artist for more than a dozen retail makeup lines.