At the age of 7, Cynthia Rowley constructed her first dress. As a senior at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she sold her first eight-piece Collection to some of New York`s most prominent stores.

In the ensuing years, the Cynthia Rowley Collection — carried in better department stores worldwide — has expanded beyond womenswear to also outfit men and children in everything from denim, shoes, hats, leather goods and eyewear; to jewelry, hosiery, umbrellas, handbags, dishes and a signature fragrance. Exclusive Cynthia Rowley boutiques thrive in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, East Hampton and a number of cities in Japan.

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has taken notice, honoring her creative endeavors with the prestigious New Fashion Talent Award, as well as a nomination for the Perry Ellis Award for New Menswear Design Talent.

Rowley has developed an international following via targeted media placement, having been featured on “Entertainment Tonight,” “Access Hollywood,” MTV, VH1 and E! She also has appeared on the “Late Show with David Letterman,” “Oprah,” “Good Morning America,” “Today” and “The View.” Print media coverage of her work includes features in Vogue, Elle, W, Harper`s Bazaar, Glamour and The New York Times. Publications including In Style, Elle Decor and French Vogue frequently showcase the unique interior of her homes.

Rowley`s presentation is entertaining, insightful and informative. Taking audiences behind the scenes of fashion, she shares her methods for channeling inspiration and expressing creativity. She also discusses her success as a business entrepreneur, including her strategies for growing a design-driven business. Additional presentation topics include a look at the nature of style, as well as the crossover between different types of design.

AT A GLANCE: In addition to her world-renowned Collection, Cynthia Rowley partnered with former New York Times deputy-Style editor Ilene Rosenzweig to co-author the best-selling line of “Swell” books and co-create “Swell”-related television programs and home products.

In her free time, the suburban-Chicago native is an admirer/avid collector of contemporary art, and enjoys the “death-defying” adventures of surfing, scuba diving and trapeze.