THE PENINSULA HOTELS AS SEEN BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ

The invitation was sleek, elegant and in black and white just like her photographs—even the stamp had one of her photos taken for this occasion. “Portraits of the Peninsula” was an exclusive party

celebrating these remarkable photographs taken by Annie Leibovitz for the Peninsula Hotels featuring the stars of their line in Chicago and Tokyo. With these photos, Leibovitz departs from her tradition of celebrity portraiture to focus on the people and personalities behind the Peninsula brand. While not famous, the faces of Peninsula pageboys, housekeepers and bellmen are just as compelling as those of celebrities

when seen through her lens. This was the second collection of images by Leibovitz—the first photos were taken in Hong Kong and New York. She was given free rein to roam the hotels, in public spaces and back-of-house areas, shooting wherever she wished and choosing whichever scenes or staff

members that she believed best represented the heart and soul of the hotels. Peter Borer, the Peninsula Hotels’ chief operating officer said, “Portraits of the Peninsula” is a dramatic departure from traditional hotel advertising; there are no models or staged images in these photos, and the only celebrity is the one behind the camera.” In one endearing shot,

The Peninsula Chicago’s doorman welcomes a young guest to the hotel, while in another the hotel’s chefs stand in an organic city farm with Chicago’s dramatic skyline in the background, and the reservations team is poised to welcome guests’ calls in a third.

Peninsula Chicago GM Maria Zec and catering director Greg Hyder were also included in this select group of people who were chosen by Leibovitz for the shoot. This very exclusive party was held in the Peninsula Suite (1808). I had never been there before but it was an experience I won’t soon forget. The

Pen Suite, as it is called, is 3,465 square feet with a wrap-around outdoor terrace and Jacuzzi overlooking Lake Michigan. (It didn’t hurt that it was a perfect evening with a sunset that made you weep.) And when I say terrace, I mean it was HUGE! There were waiters and serving stations surrounding its

perimeter as well as a full bar. The food was the best around with selections that included Japanese Wagyu beef with white truffle brulee, snow crab dim sum, BBQ beef short ribs, exquisite foie gras, mille-feuille

caviar deviled quail eggs, scallop and truffle tarts and so much more. The new French pastry chef, Celine Plano, stole the show with her already famous peanut butter and jelly macaroons! The Sirens played while lucky guests enjoyed the show including Victor Skrebneski, Rich Gamble (the new publisher

of Chicago magazine), Dan Uslan, Christie Hefner, Billy Marovitz, Michael Leppen, Yvette Cusack, Sheryl Dyer, Amy Tara Koch,

Mary and Jim Lasky, Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Arredia, Eric and Jen Ferguson, Hazel and Warren Barr, Sherrill Bodine, Helen Melchior, Paul Iacono, John Regas, Amy Wimer and Jim Wlodarczyk, Jim Smith, Carol Carroll, Karen Maisa, Mary Ann Rose and Heinz Kern. Click here to check out more of Annie's amazing photos and here for more pictures from this wonderful event.  

Common Threads' new associate board hosted its first annual World Cookout – at Fulton’s on the River last week. Again, it was another one of those perfect evenings in Chicago and the crowd turned out in force to support it. Many chefs were there showing off their

culinary skills including Stephanie Izard (winner of Top Chef Season 4), Rodelio Abilgot (Sunda), Giuseppe Tentori (Boka), Rick Gresh (David Burke’s Primehouse), Suzanne Imaz and Martial Noguier (Café des

Architectes), Paul Virant (Vie), Chris Pandel (The Bristol), Bill Kim (Urban Belly), Gale Gand (Tru) and Ray Villalobos (Table 52) and others. There was a VIP Tasting with Café Spiaggia's chef di cucina Sarah Grueneberg. The

after-party continued at Jake Melnick’s. Almost $30,000 was raised to support the Common Threads’ after-school cooking programs for low-income kids. Seen on the scene were Rich Varnes, Ken Norgan, Linda O’Keefe (Executive Director for Common Threads) and her handsome hubby Nick and Amanda Puck (who led the charge for this event) among others. Click here for more photos!  
 

My favorite artist, Francine Turk, recently held a preview party hosted by Chicago Art Source and Gallery. Her works are highly desirable to many collectors and the who’s who among the designer set—Nate Berkus just mentioned in his

Tribune article this past weekend that he had loaned one of his Turk pieces to his brother for his new apartment. Her artwork also appeared in the movie “The Break-Up” starring Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston. The event was catered by the Elysian Hotel

(who is also a big fan of Francine’s with many of her pieces appearing in the hotel). This exhibit, entitled “Body Language,” will run through October 31st and is inspired by

her recent travels to France and the home of Marcel Proust. She uses varying mediums that include oil, pastels, charcoal and mixed media and this recent collection previewed her latest pieces. It is a show not

to be missed! Francine will travel back to Paris to continue this body of work that is proving to be a successful departure from her work of the last five years. We

wish her the very best and can’t wait to see what exciting images her next trip brings! For more info, stop by the Chicago Art Source and Gallery at 1871 N. Clybourn or visit their web site. For more photos, click here!
 

A Silver Lining Foundation will host its annual black-tie gala on Saturday, October 3rd, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick place (2233 S. Martin L. King Dr.). A Silver Lining Foundation (ASLF) provides breast cancer resources, quality of life services and no-cost mammograms to uninsured patients. This year’s event will

feature singer Nan Mason, an eye-popping live auction and unique silent auction. Tickets are available for purchase at www.asilverliningfoundation.org for $300 per person or $3,000 per table. The evening will feature dinner and dancing to the music of Rhythm City. I know we all know someone touched by breast cancer so I hope you and your friends will be able to support this worthy cause that provides these much needed services. Call 312-345-1322 to learn more about this wonderful organization.
 
And now be prepared for next week’s Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails coverage because I am still recovering from the PARTY OF THE YEAR! You will see what I mean when you see the photos! Thanks to all of you who supported this event and I hope you had as much fun as I did!
 
I am sorry this week’s Candid Candace is coming out a little late. My mother-in-law fell recently and broke her hip—she is 88—but the good news is that she only needed pins and is already up and walking. Thanks so much for all of your prayers and good thoughts…they worked! See you soon and thanks again for checking in!
 
Love,
Candace :)

P.S. Check out what my friend Billy Dec is up to with our Olympic bid!

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