Pete Wentz, Daley Tout Chicago Fashion Focus

That's the goal of an event to foster the city's burgeoning fashion industry.

Fashion Focus Chicago 2008 runs from October 1st through 8th and features five runway shows in Millennium Park.

Mayor Richard Daley promoted the weeklong event dedicated to local designers, retailers and fashion schools at a press conference and fashion show at the Hard Rock Hotel on Michigan Avenue.

Joining him was Wilmette native and bassist for the band Fall Out Boy, Pete Wentz.

He started his own clothing line - Clandestine Industries - in Chicago.

Wentz says Chicago made him who he is and it's important to show your roots to the world.

He describes his clothing as 'street wear'. "I think a lot of times fashion is made to make people feel bad about themselves. So we designed a line to make people feel good about themselves. It's kind of like wearing armor, I guess. Anyone can wear it. It's pretty comfortable."

The mayor says the fashion industry is part of Chicago's diversity and one that he plans to include in the city's bid to the International Olympic Committee to host the 2016 games.