Candid Candace

ANGELS AND BEARS AND BULLS, OH MY!

Chicago has had lots of great store opening parties, but I can’t remember one being as well publicized and exciting as Victoria’s Secret grand opening. First of all, the ads alone would make any guy have a car accident upon seeing them for the first time—the tag line is “What’s sexy now, Chicago?” and includes a very sultry model in, what else, a Victoria’s Secret black lace bra and panties. And besides the ads, there are Lucite display cases all up and down Michigan Avenue with all manner of Angel wings which were worn in past Victoria’s Secret fashion shows inside. People can step up onto a little platform for a photo of themselves “wearing” the wings. Then there are instructions below where you can e-mail the pic and compete to be an Angel….oh yeah, I’m sure they will find a lot of Angels from this promotion but it is a very clever idea and as I walked along the street earlier in the day, it seemed EVERYONE was climbing up onto the little platform and then sheepishly asking passer-bys to snap a pic for them. It was very cute and I wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t only women doing this either! In any case, I was very much looking forward to the party which was, obviously, publicized to perfection by JKLS PR (Jill Katz and Lara Shipp). You could see the store at 734 N. Michigan Ave. from a mile away since it was lit up like a Roman candle! The pink carpet out front was jam packed with banks of photographers, many of them famous in their own right like Kelli Zink, Steve Starr, Melissa and Henrique Kerch (Factio Magazine) and Sally and Kerry Shorr with Miranda Wirth (Luxe Life Chicago). Even I had a Hollywood moment when I was asked to walk the pink carpet! It was a real thrill! Inside the party was less crowded than I expected but it was so refreshing. Most event organizers think the more the merrier but I don’t agree....madhouses are never good! The party was by invitation only and the invites were non-transferable. I know PR people usually try to snag some high-profile sports stars for their parties and, in this case, I don’t think they had to do much arm-twisting. Happily mingling with fans were Bears star linebacker Lance Briggs, Chicago Bulls Taj Gibson (there with his brother Floyd) and Derrick Rose, White Sox second baseman Chris Getz and former Bear Jerry Azumah. When the stars of the evening – VS Angels Miranda Kerr, Doutzen Kroes and Marisa Miller – made their entrances, the room came alive. Upon seeing how gorgeous they all were in person, a friend said, “Well, that throws my air-brushing theory right out the window!” The store itself is gorgeous too! The front room is glamorous, dark and dramatic with shocking pink touches while the second floor houses the Pink Collection in a 5,000-square-foot space which caters to the younger VS set. This Chicago location, besides having the largest swimwear collection, is also the only store in Illinois to carry it year-round. They have VIP fit rooms as well as a Body Match Scanner that utilizes white light technology to capture body images for a perfect bra fit! The days of ill-fitting bras seem to be coming to an end! There is also ongoing open casting events in NY, Miami, LA and Chicago to find the next Runway Angel to join the supermodels as they walk in the famous Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show to be broadcast Tuesday, December 1st (10:00 p.m. EST). Other lucky guests seen sipping Limelight Catering’s signature drink of the night – the Magnificent Mile Martini – were Jerry Kleiner, Marisa Molinaro, Steve Traxler, Lee Ellison, Rebecca and Charlie Besser, Richard Roeper, The Bachlorette’s Jillian Harris and Ed Swiderski, Trevian Kutti, Rich Foreside, Tonya Adamson, Billy Dec, Dan Uslen, Diane McGrath, Cat and Joe D’Orio, Kimberly Murray, Chris Norman, Chad and Adam Kramer, Brooks Rogalski, Elizavetta Efimova, Bracken Zimmerman, Jennifer Lane, Lou Canellis, Jessica Girdwain, Alec and Jeanette Ross, Paul Lee, Schae Lewis, Aeron Lancero,  John Walcher, Jennifer Wirth, Sally and Kerry Shorr, Melissa and Henrique Kerch, Steve Starr and Kelli Zink. (Additional pics by Steve Starr and Luxe Life Chicago.) Click here to view more photos!
 
On this same evening, the street was alive with parties! Prior to the VS party, Tod’s at 121 E. Oak St. hosted an event introducing their new limited-edition book, Italian Touch, celebrating the Italian lifestyle. And, of course, their darling CEO, Marco Giacometti, was on hand to meet and greet the happy guests. Hosts for the evening included Laura and Matthew Anderson, Astra and Tom Gamsjaeger, Kerrie and Kevin Mudd, and Kate Templin and Ben Stahl. A portion of the evening’s proceeds benefitted the Joffrey Ballet Women’s Board and was also a kick-off for their 2009 Nutcracker Family dinner which will be held on December 12th. The store was aglow and full of smiling faces which included Harriet and Irwin Ross with their two handsome sons, Artistic Director Ashley Wheater, Christopher Conway, PR whiz Monique Jones (who planned this wonderful party), Margie Habermann, Ann Waters, Liz Sharp, Dorothy Bousseau, WB Prez Christine Ott, Rhonda Brown, Liz Adams, Margaret O’Connor, Lisa Malkin and crack staff members Julia Jankowski and Jen Hardin. View more photos here! 
 
Fashion Focus started off with a bang in Millenium Park Thursday night when Macy’s presented the Designers of Chicago. Close to 1000 supporters showed up in a cold, driving rainstorm to cheer on their favorites which included Lara Miller, Blake Standard, 5p1t, Tennille White, Lauren Lein, Lee Allison, The Tiebar, Jermikko, Anna Hovet, Furio, Nora Del Busto, Cynthia Ryba and Audrey. These designers were nominated by the Mayor’s Fashion Council and are considered to be some of the best in the city. Tennille White drew the biggest applause: She creates great designs but she is also one of the very few designers who cater to the larger female figure. She had all beautiful models but one in particular caught my eye—Latesha Lipscomb. Not only is she full figured but she’s proud of it and full of attitude. The audience went crazy for her and in an e-mail to me, here’s what she had to say. “I’m a big girl doing big things and I really want to draw more attention to the struggles full-figured models and designers have in the industry.” After recently witnessing the Ralph Lauren fiasco where they had Photoshopped a photo of model Filippa Hamilton down to such a small size it appeared she had no room for her organs, this is a refreshing antidote. Winners for “Macy’s Distinction in Design” award, announced prior to the show, included jewelry designer Aya of Haji Couture who was wearing stunning earrings created entirely of feathers. Fashion czarina Melissa Gamble and Macy’s Andrea Schwartz teamed up to create this extravaganza and even though backstage flooding wreaked havoc on some of the clothes, Andrea joked, “This wet-look may start a new trend!” They also had the best DJ I’ve ever heard...DJ CY (pronounced "sigh). More images here! (Editorial photography by Jack Perno.)
 
And speaking of fashion, Latino Fashion Week begins on Monday, November 2nd with the Hair and Make-up Wars competition at Green Dolphin Street (2200 N. Ashland Ave.) from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. There are lots of fun events scheduled for this week of activities culminating with the Chicago Designers Award Presentation on Sunday, November 8th at V-Live (2047 N. Milwaukee Ave.) with the VIP reception starting at 5 p.m., fashion show from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the trade show is from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. We need to support ALL of the fabulous designers in our community and help put Chicago on the fashion map so I hope you can join me! For more info and to purchase tickets, please click here. 

As I mentioned to you last week, Bunky Cushing, hosted his wonderful “Handbags and Halos” luncheon at the Palmer House for 200 of his closest friends to benefit the Howard Brown Health Center. The exclusive, invite-only event raised more than $50,000 through its famous handbag raffle. Stanley Paul tickled the ivories and then David Easton – one of the world’s most sought-after interior designers – gave the keynote address. His eclectic design approach has transformed the residences of Carroll Petrie, Patricia Kluge and many leading industrialists. David shared a fascinating slide presentation about the evolution of design, from David Adler to his predictions for the pared down homes of tomorrow (since they aren’t traditional, I won’t be living in them). When I asked him what one would do with their beloved knickknacks, he said, “The only things you need to keep are your friends and books.” I sure can’t invite him over for tea since, as Chuck says, I have everything I’ve ever touched! Twelve lucky guests won handbags including MOI! I won a gorgeous Escada evening bag presented to me by the ever glamorous Ann Wallace. Other handbag donors included Ralph Lauren, Prada, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, 28 Shop at Macy’s and Brian Atwood among others. These bags will all go on sale at the Brown Elephant Resale Shop on November 14th. Besides Howard Brown, Bunky has supported the fundraising efforts of the Jane Addams Senior Caucus, English-Speaking Union, Chicago Historical Society and the American Friends of Versailles. Look for Bunky’s next popular Early Birds and Book Worms breakfast party at RL after David Easton’s new design book comes out November 2010. (Pics by Dan Rest.) Click here for more photos!
 
Step Up Women's Network is an organization that every woman should know about. It’s a national non-profit women’s network dedicated to strengthening community resources for women and girls with chapters in New York City, LA and Chicago. Through teen empowerment programs for underserved girls, women’s health education and advocacy, professional mentorship, and social networking opportunities, they educate their members to ensure that women and girls have the tools they need to create a better future. Their largest event of the year will be at the Hotel Sax (333 N. Dearborn) on Thursday, November 12th from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The goal is to attract new members to this worthy cause. There will be an inspiring keynote address, networking opportunities, drinks and hors d’oeuvres but more importantly, you will have the opportunity to help someone in need. Please join me….tickets are only $35 and maybe you can join and change a life. For more info and to buy tickets, please click here and check out their web site at SUWN.org.
 
Just when you think the world is moving too fast and you start to long for simpler times, the Old Town Triangle hosts its annual Fall Hoe Down party and Chili Cook-Off. It was a true “family affair” organized by the “Mayor” of Old Town, Shirley Baugher, and Michael Warnick. Everyone contributed something—a plate full of homemade cupcakes, various types of cole slaw, cornbread, pumpkin cookies AND the star of the night—CHILI! There were 16 different types of chili, to be exact, all vying for the top title. Judging was led by Perennial’s Chef Ryan Poli and it was a “hotly” contested race to be sure but in the end two winners emerged victorious. Lucy Baldwin won in the “Best New & Different” category (recipe follows) and Lucy Wojis won for her “Best Traditional & Classic” recipe. There was Bluegrass music by the Whiskey Hollow Band, a moonwalk and balloon artists for the kids and lots of mixing and mingling. Partygoers included Alice and Judge John Huff, Monika Betts, Norman Baugher, Dan Baldwin, Alderman Vi Daley, Shannon and John Waterfied with Berit and Scotty, Deborah and Ed Howlett, Rob Katz, Carolyn Armenita David, Karen Stephenson, Sharon O’Brien, Chris Lon, Mary Martel, Tom and Tessa Bracken and Linda Short. Click here for more photos but simply scroll down for Lucy Baldwin's winning recipe: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Prepare chili whatever way is your family’s favorite.
3. Place chili mixture in a Pyrex dish and top with Trader Joe’s Cornbread Mix (prepare as directed).
4. Bake for 40 minutes and top with shredded Chihuahua cheese when finished.
 
And last but certainly not least, I want to congratulate friends Greg Hyder, Tom Kehoe and Emmanuel Nony on their upcoming profiles in Chicago magazine. We all know they are the “ones to watch!” As a matter of fact, just today, Tom Kehoe was tapped by the White House to do the Obamas’ Halloween celebration with 2,000 children. Tim Burton will be supplying some props to make the party perfect!! Congrats guys…you ALL deserve it!
 
I love the wonders of the seasons changing and I especially love seeing the little kids dressed up for Halloween! Please be kind and welcome your neighborhood children to your homes for this very special and memorable time in their lives and have a great week! :)
 
Love,
Candace :)

P.S. Don’t forget tonight’s preview party at the Joffrey Tower at 10 E. Randolph from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission is just $20, well worth it for the first ever look into the Joffrey Costume Vault featuring more than 200 one-of-a-kind Joffrey costumes plus vintage clothing and accessories for sale from some of the city’s top fashionistas! The event continues on Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Co-chairs for this unique event are Corinne Melchior, Gretchen Klotz and Nico Rodriguez.

IS 70 THE NEW 50?

It was a very cold evening and I wondered whether I really wanted to go out or stay home and cozy up to the fireplace. Well, you can guess what I decided. I never like to miss an event that Brenda Sexton of Chicago Link Productions plans and this night was no exception. The occasion was a launch party at Martini Park for Virginia Madsen and her Emmy-Award winning mother, Elaine Madsen, for their documentary entitled “I Know a Woman Like That.” Virginia produced and Elaine directed this story featuring live interviews with extraordinary women ages 64 through 94. These women are fully engaged in their lives in the arts, athletics, social justice, environmentalism and high finance. Their unconventional choices, attitudes and discoveries about the opportunities they find at this time in their lives will motivate and inspire people of all ages. Chaz Ebert spoke eloquently on Roger’s behalf describing the film and no words could ever match his, so in his own words, I am proud to share this with you: “Its description may sound innocuous, but Elaine Madsen’s documentary is transformative in the way it regards life from the perspective of age. She talks intimately with 16 women in their 70’s or above, who didn’t put life on pause but kept right on living. Barbara Hillary skied to the North Pole, and says women her age are expected to feel ‘mindless, useless and sexless.’ Lauren Hutton smiles, ‘I’m better in bed.’ Elaine Kaufman presides nightly over the most famous saloon in New York. Lorraine Morton was elected mayor of Evanston at 74, and is still mayor 14 years later. After a famous career in prose, Maxine Hong Kingston has returned to poetry, her childhood love. Gloria Steinem thinks maybe at 70 you find out who you really were at 14. Madsen doesn’t ask celeb-trash questions, but is an adult talking to adults—even when she and Suzanne Adams (her daughter Virginia’s drama teacher) are lying on a rug on their tummies, talking face to face like two seven-year-old girls. Extraordinary.” Some of the guests for this exciting evening included Roger Ebert, Amanda Puck, Susanna Negovan, LeeAnn Trotter, Sherren Leigh, Janet Davies, Lisa Skolnik, Terry Savage, Richard Roeper, Suzanne LeMignot, Ruth Ratny, Larry Wert, Bill Zwecker, Chef Art Smith and Jesus Salguiero, Marisa Molinaro, Marlene Glitzen (better known as Marlene Siskel), Bruno Cohen (the new head of CBS), Lisa Aprati, Jane Davies, Kevin and Lim Kline, WTTW’s Elizabeth Brackett, Alice and John Sabl, Lyn McKeaney, Stanley Paul and Terry Savage among others. For more photos, click here!
 
We attended the Carl Sandburg Literary Awards dinner at the Public Library as guests of darling Leslie Hindman. She had a wonderfully “bookish” table that included Thomas Joyce (the famous book appraiser, rare bookseller and former star of HGTV’s “The Appraisal Fair”) as well as Mary Williams (the head of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers Rare Book Dept.), Matt Kohnke, Ann Marie Lipinski, Steve Kaplan and Nancy O’Shea. Since Chuck and I are book collectors, this evening was a special treat for us. Francie Comer and Miles White were the co-chairs and this year’s recipient of the prestigious Carl Sandburg Literary Award went to Salman Rushdie. The 21st Century Award went to author Patrick Somerville. Both gave witty, charming and informative speeches and then Mayor Daley spoke, stressing the importance of libraries in our neighborhoods not only for knowledge but also to provide a safe haven for children after school. Leslie is a strong supporter of this wonderful cause and was proud to point out that we (Chicago) have the best library system in the country and many people come to our city to study it. Clever table designs by Heffernan Morgan included books by both authors surrounded by candlelight and flowers. Guests were encouraged to take the books and have them autographed after the dinner. Other supporters at the event included Governor and Jayne Thompson, Mary Lou Gorno, Cindy Pritzker, Ralph Hughes and Bill Zwecker among others. Click here to learn more! 

Bunky Cushing always has the best guests for his Handbags and Halos luncheon every year benefitting the Howard Brown Health Center but this year he outdid himself! Maybe it’s because I love the world of interior design but I think when it’s coupled with the world famous designer David Easton, it makes it doubly interesting for me (and I am pretty sure everyone who attended would agree)! I met David the night before at the fabulous and oh-so-elegant Patron’s Tea hosted by long-time friend of Bunky’s, Stanley Paul. His penthouse has been featured in so many magazines that I’ve lost count but every time I’ve been there, I felt like I’ve taken a trip to Paris—Art Deco Paristhat is….everything about his home is sheer elegance but it’s also so very warm and cozy. Patricia Zadony did the catering (call 773-495- 8463 for more info) and offerings included chicken curry tea sandwiches, goat cheese and watercress tea sandwiches, apple-Boursin cheese fingers and smoked salmon with capers and dill on black bread. Delicious!!! Bunky came up with the idea for this Patron’s Tea for his third luncheon featuring Lynn Wyatt as the keynote speaker because he felt, and rightfully so, that some of the ladies would love a chance to meet her on a one-on-one basis. For this Patron’s Tea, about 35 supporters attended including Cynthia Olson, Linda Heister, Zarada Gowenlock, Sherren Leigh, Cheryl Bollinger (with her darling granddaughter), Gerri Shute, Toni Canada, Dusty Stemer, Karen Goodyear, John Ansehl, Robin Berger, Cookie Cohen, Mamie Walton, Mary Ann Rose, Peg Lombardo, Lynn McMahan, Carlette McMullen, Gia McDermott, HBHC President and CEO Michael Cook, Paul Fairchild and Alan Brainerd among others. Stay tuned for pics from the luncheon coming next week. :) Great job again, as always Bunky!!! Check out more photos here!

The standing ovations never seemed to end on opening night of The Joffrey Ballet's "Othello" Wednesday evening. The company danced their hearts for a sell out crowd and the excitement was over the top. The scenery, costumes and music all came together for a perfect performance and the reviews were outstanding! This is Chicago-born choreographer Lar Lubovitch's Midwest premier of Shakespeare's classic tale portrayed with an amazing mix of classical and modern movement. The set design by George Tsypin is sheer genius with glass mixed with moving images and even dream sequences projected onto the wall. Fabrice Calmels performed as Othello, April Daley as Desdemona, Matthew Adamczyk as Iago, Aaron Rogers as Cassio, Allison Walsh as Bianco and Emila was portrayed by Valerie Robin. There are only six more performances through October 25th. This 2009-2010 season of Legends will continue on December 11th through 27th with "The Nutcracker" and "Cinderella" will begin on February 17th and run through the 28th. Congratulations to the Joffrey Ballet: Every step they take makes us breathless with anticipation for the next performance!

Speaking of performances, have YOU ever dreamed of being on stage? Now is your chance at the Victory Garden’s Theater Annual Casting Auction Benefit and Performance on Saturday, November 14th. Now in its 28th year, the Casting Auction is Victory Garden’s unique fundraising event in which all the roles (chorus, cameo, supporting and children’s) of a professionally-directed and produced classic American musical are sold at auction! You don’t need to be a professional actor but you should have the appetite to perform and the desire to be onstage in the spotlight. The winners of the roles will have the opportunity to play their parts in performances directed by Artistic Director Dennis Zacek, to be scheduled for a weekend in February 2010 before an audience of more than 400 each night. The event at the Victory Gardens Theater (located at 2433 N. Lincoln Ave.) on Saturday, November 14th, will include a performance of “Anything Goes,” with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. So polish off those paddles and get ready for your close-up! Casting auction co-chairs are Stuart Burstein, Nancy Studenroth and Fred Zar. For more info, please call 773-549-5788 or click here.
 
On Friday, October 23rd, the Palm Court at the Drake Hotel will be hosting a unique fundraiser to benefit the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation during this month of breast cancer awareness. Shaun Rajah has planned an event called “50 & Beautiful—Catwalk Fridays Special” which will celebrate influential women ages 50 and above with an afternoon tea and a fashion show showcasing collections from six of Chicago’s most exclusive designers: Mira Couture; Quinton De Alexander; Elizabeth M Fashion; Sylwia W; milliner Joy Scott; and jewelry designer Sophia Forero. Featured models are Cookie Cohen, Juell Kadet, Lynn McMahan, Dorothy Whealan, Susan Fierro, Joan Sosano, Salome St. Clair, Michelle Yeadon, Marlene Laport, Sheryl Dyer and moi! There will be two shows – the first from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. and the second from 3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. – that will include three-tiered tea service. Tickets are $29 and reservations can be made by calling Shaun Rajah at 312-932-4619 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Thanks for all of your hard work Shaun! All of your events are such fun! :) For more photos, click here!
 
And last but not least, please join me at the annual “Taste of TCW” on Wednesday, October 28th at The Chopping Block. All monies raised benefits the TCW Foundation which supports organizations helping women and children with operating budgets under $500K. The event, emceed by Steve Dolinsky (a.k.a. The Hungry Hound), is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will feature a contest between Chefs Radhika Desai, Jennifer Gavin and Elaina Vasquez as well as hors ‘d’oeuvres created from the chef’s favorite recipes, signature cocktails by Sunda mixologist Sherrie Geslak and a high-end raffle. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased by calling 312-951-7600, ext. 171 or by visiting tcwmag.com. I hope to see you there! For more photos, click here!

Some personal congrats are in order for my friends Lydia Fisher and Gregg Zgonena! Lydia’s first book, Cinderella of Wall Street, is out now!! After two decades with a century-old Wall Street investment bank, she writes of the far-reaching consequences after its sudden takeover in the spring of 2008 in a totally unique way. A very timely book for these tumultuous times. As for my dear friend Gregg, he has left Ultimo to take on a new and exciting challenge as the sales manager of the Michael Kors Boutique due to open later this month at 900 N. Michigan Ave. A huge congrats to these two go-getters – I am so happy and proud for you both!!!
 
I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition of Candid Candace. This link will make you vividly recall your difficulties as a child learning to ride a bike….I am now ashamed of my need for training wheels…

Love,

Candace :)

[email protected] 

WORLD FASHION CHICAGO IS WORLD CLASS!

Chicago’s recent World Fashion Show was world class thanks to the efforts of ZZAZZ Production’s Tracey Tarantino and the incredible support from our fashion community. More than 35 designers inspired by Chicago’s 28 sister cities were featured alongside international designers from Milan, Italy; Shanghai, China; Durban, South Africa; Petach Tikva, Israel and Vilnius, Lithuania. This year’s show featured local talent such as Melissa Serpico, Vika Brown, Anna Fong, Yana German, Mira Couture, Paul Sisti, Sylwia, Kate Jacobson, Bobbie Chi and John Shultz as well as three designers from Israel, Lithuania and China who had travelled to Chicago especially for this event. These global fashions represented the wonderful cultural diversity that our great city has to offer and were presented on the Harris Theater Rooftop Terrace. At the beginning of the show there was a “Hello Sister” video narrated by Oprah Winfrey which was originally created for the IOC visit (we all know the sad results of this). It was a very exciting event and as you approached the Rooftop, dramatic lighting pointed the way to the tent enclosed venue. There were photographers everywhere and video cameras were recording all of the moments. The designers were being interviewed in front of the step-and-repeat and ticket holders were air kissing their friends and taking photos—the atmosphere was abuzz with activity and reminded me of the excitement of NY Fashion Week. Guests were all chicly dressed and even though there was a chill in the air, everyone was very warm in spirit. The Chicago Sister Cities International Program, under the auspices of the City of Chicago, provides leadership to develop, manage, and coordinate programs and projects with Chicago’s sister cities. Besides the cities already mentioned, our sister cities include Accra, Ghana; Amman, Jordan; Athens, Greece; Belgrade, Serbia; Birmingham, England; Bogota, Columbia; Busan, Republic of Korea; Casablanca, Morocco; Delhi, India; Durban, South Africa; Galway, Ireland; Gothenburg, Sweden; Hamburg, Germany; Kyiv, Ukraine; Lahore, Pakistan; Lucerne, Switzerland; Mexico City, Mexico; Milan, Italy; Moscow, Russia; Osaka, Japan; Paris, France; Prague, Czech Republic; Shenyang, China; Toronto, Canada and Warsaw, Poland. Who KNEW?! Wow, we have a lot of friends here, don’t we? Sponsors for this event included RL Restaurant, Richard Driehaus Charitable Trust, Park Hyatt Chicago, TCW, Chicago magazine and Factio magazine and Charles Ifergan among others. (Charles and his terrific styling team created the gorgeous runway looks and a lot of people don’t realize the many charitable events he donates his time and efforts toward. Thanks for all you do Charles! It doesn’t go unnoticed). Other fashionistas seen at this stylish event  included Melissa Gamble (Director of Fashion Arts & Events at Dept. of Cultural Affairs) and her hubby, Richard Gamble (new publisher of Chicago magazine), Hazel Barr, Greg Hyder, Amy Wimer, Vonita Reescer, Peggy Martay, Laurie Davis, Darby Hill, Bree Lara, Sheryl Dyer, Melissa and Heinrich Kerch, Charles Ifergan (who’s styling team did the hair for the event), Jean Antoniou, Barbara Glass, Rich Varnes, John Colletti, Telemundo’s Tsi-tsi-ki Felix and Andrew Hayes, Jennifer Lane and Ann Estsas among many others. For more info, check out worldfashionchicago.com and chicagosistercities.com. (Additional pics by Steve Starr; click here to view the gallery.)
 
Chilli Pepper’s birthday party is always a much coveted invite and this year was no exception. Todd Hatoff of Allen Brothers and chefs Mario Santiago and Guadalupe Aguilar co-hosted her party at May St. Café (located at 1146 W. Cermak) and over 60 friends came to celebrate with her. The first thing you noticed upon entering the restaurant was the massive floral display with little chili peppers from her friend Oprah. Chilli (spelled with TWO L’s) knows everyone and it seems everyone knows her too. She was the gracious hostess greeting everyone at the door and taking photos with her ever-present camera. (And she never fails to send you the photos either!) Chef Mario showed us around the restaurant and it was lovely with an outdoor patio and a massive grill which is used in the summer for parties and chef demonstrations. The sit-down dinner had a marvelous menu (Chilli is a well known foodie and has been to Tru Restaurant over 100 times!) which included quesadillas, French double cream brie and pear, chorizo with Chihuahua cheese, escargot with strawberry garlic butter in phyllo, carne quisado (beef stew), Allen Brothers beef tenderloin tips made with garden fresh herbs (Mario and Guadalupe have an organic garden off of the parking lot), slow roasted pork marinated in mojo criollo. For dessert, there was Chef Art Smith’s famous hummingbird cake and the May Street Café’s white chocolate flan (which will be featured on the food network show “The Best Thing I Ever Ate”). Alpana Singh chose all of the dinner’s wine selections and they were perfect, of course!  She also created a “Chilli Pepper Punch” which she said was, “sweet but deadly!” The restaurant is decorated with beautiful paintings by Art’s partner, Jesus Salguiero. Lucky guests included artists Alexander Espinosa and Bob Clark, JoAnn Buccini, Charles Blackstone, Charlene Acciari, Maya Douglas, Rafael Reudas, Nadine and Ira Epstein, Rosa and Lou Ebling, Shell Reyes, Dan Bacon, Jennifer Fox, Brent Ochs and Tim O’Hare, Matt Nudelman, Brian Butterfield,  Prosecco’s Jason Clark and Katherine Alvera, Jon Cochran, Paul Escriva, JoAnne F. Fehn (who is a candidate for Cook County judge) and Barney Moles among others.  The after-party was hosted by Robert and Luis Miguel. I wish you a happy birthday YEAR, Chilli! :) Click here for more photos from this fantastic fete.
 
Brenda Sexton has been one busy lady! Recently, she organized a star-studded reunion of Chicago’s entertainment icons in L.A. with the help of Rich Melman, Tom Dreesen and friends. Together, they revived a 15-year-old tradition of bringing together Chicago’s A-list in entertainment for a night of Chicago food, fun and camaraderie. This time it was in Santa Monica at Melman’s newly opened restaurant, La Grande Orange, which is owned by Rich’s sons RJ and Jerrod and fellow Chicagoan Bob Lynn. In addition to serving LGO favorites, the restaurant icons served classic Chicago staples including Lou Malnati’s pizza, Italian beef sandwiches from Portillo’s, Fluky’s Chicago hot dogs and Eli’s cheesecake all flown in for the event. In addition to Chris O’Donnell, Virginia Madsen, Jeff Garlin, Joe Mantegna, Peter Jacobson, Nia Vardalos, Hayes MacArthur and Harold Ramis, 350 loyal Chicagoans gathered for this Chicago Link/LA City Link Reunion Party. They included Peggy and Steve Lombardo, Lynn McMahan, Les Coney, Lyn and Lauren McKeaney, Sean Conroy, Chaz Ebert, Lou Weisbach, Julee White, Mary Beth and Kevin Malone, Ken Cook, Christine Ryndak, Debbie Marchese and her daughter Regina among others. Bill Zwecker and columnist/film critic Richard Roeper were on hand to host the red carpet while Tom Dreesen emceed the event. The event was televised and will air in both Chicago and LA on October 31st and November 1st as a 30-minute TV special and includes interviews with Harold Ramis, Jeff Garlin, Peter Jacobson, Bonnie Hunt, Joe Mantegna, Virginia Madsen, Andrew Alexander of Second City, Martha Lavey of Steppenwolf and others. The film premiere will be at the Elysian Hotel on October 27th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Event hosts include Larry Wert, LeeAnn Trotter, Bob Sirott and Marianne Marciano, Christopher Clinton Conway, Helen Melchior, Liz Crokin, Steve Traxler, Richard Roeper, Chaz Ebert, Ruth Ratny and moi among others. Tickets are $100 and space is limited. For more info, contact Brenda Sexton at [email protected]. (Fab Fotos by Mitch Canoff.)
 
Beautiful author/socialite Amanda Brooks has been photographed for every major magazine. Her sense of style sets her apart from the crowd and now she has written a book, I Love Your Style, documenting how she has been inspired by style icons of yesterday and tomorrow. Using hundreds of candid photos, she demonstrates every possible fashion trend and tells you how to find your own inner fashion icon. She says, “There is hope for everybody. People who have style come from the most unlikely places. Money is more of an encumbrance to style than it is an asset.” I’m not so sure about this last part but I think what she is saying is that lack of funds make you rely more on your own creativity which is actually what true style is all about. The book signing party was held at Chanel and hosted by our own city’s fashionable young things: Kimberly Burt, Caroline Beak-Crown, Meredith Wood-Prince and Alexis Ross. Amanda is a natural and casual beauty and obviously practices what she preaches! Check out this link to see her video and for more info.
 
The Joffrey Ballet will open their new season of Legends on Wednesday, October 14th with the Midwest premiere of “Othello.” This is Chicago-born choreographer Lar Lubovitch’s full length story/ballet in three acts with a stunning score by Academy Award winner Elliot Goldenthal. The entire 42-strong company of Joffrey dancers will participate in this production and it is recommended that you try to see both casts since each showcase different aspects of the company. In one production, 6’ 6” Fabrice Calmels will be paired with April Daley. New dancer, Cuban-born Miguel Blanco, and Victoria Jaiani, will be featured in the other cast. Choreographer Lubovitch has received many awards including a Tony Award nomination for “Into the Woods” as well as an Astaire Award for his highly praised dance sequences for the Broadway show, “The Red Shoes.” He danced in numerous modern, ballet, jazz and ethnic companies before forming the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company in 1968. Since there will be only nine performances, I recommend you get your tickets ASAP! This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity! I will be seeing both companies and I hope to see you there! For a sneak preview video peak and ticket info, click here.
 
Well, that’s it for this week…I hope you’ve enjoyed Candid Candace! I would like to thank Flashpoint Academy’s Howard Tullman for the video of my interview with Pamella Roland and her family at the recent Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails. Check it out here. I would also like to thank CS Magazine for including me this month in Amalie Drury’s article, “Reality Mights,” for the real dish on “Windy City Wives.” Check out the article here. I hope you all have a great week and we will “talk” again soon!
 
Love,
Candace :)
 
(As always, if you would like to contact me, please e-mail me at [email protected]. If you or someone you know would like to be added to the blog alert list, just send me your address and I will send you a weekly e-mail when Candid Candace comes out. :) Thanks so much!)