Candid Candace

THE JOFFREY GALA STEAMS INTO UNION STATION!

I don’t think there are enough adjectives to describe the magical Joffrey Gala this past Friday night at Union Station. This event has typically been at the Hilton for the last 100 years or so (just kidding but it feels like it) so I was thrilled to experience a new location for this always exciting event and Union Station fit the bill to perfection! Event co-chairs Yolanda and Jason Tyler and Honorary Chairs Anne and Burt Kaplan raised almost $1.2 million to support our world-class ballet company and their many outreach programs. Almost 1,000 guests attended the black tie gala that began with a stellar performance by The Joffrey Ballet and the students from The Academy of Dance at the Auditorium Theatre. There were welcoming remarks by Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway and the chairs. President of the Board Fred Eychaner presented Miles White (the chairman and CEO of Abbott) with the Arpino Angel Award for their decade long support of the Joffrey and then there was a wonderful video produced by Sasha Fornari that captivated the audience. It was edgy and modern yet presented the dancers in a real and charming way. It showed them as ordinary people with extraordinary talents and made you want to know each and every one of them better. Ashley introduced 13-year-old Houston Thomas, who was the winner of the Youth American Grand Prix competition. With the expert training and under the watchful eye of Pierre Lockett, Houston is blossoming as an Academy dancer. He opened the show and wowed the audience with his performance of “Carnival in Venice.” We are so lucky to have him! And now let’s talk about our Joffrey Ballet! The evening opened with “Confetti,” danced flawlessly and choreographed by Gerald Arpino. Next up was “Paquita,” a grand pas de deux performed to perfection by Christine Rocas and Jonathan Dummar with the Academy of Dance. “Inferno,” choreographed by Joffrey dancer Derrick Agnoletti, was next on the bill and was performed by talented dancers from the Exelon Strobel Step-Up Program. And then – drum roll please! – one of my favorites: an excerpt from “Othello” (choreographed by Lar Lubovitch) performed by none other than perpetual crowd pleasers April Daley and Fabrice Calmels. The dashing new Cuban dancer, Miguel Blanco, performed with the hauntingly beautiful Victoria Jaiani in a pas de deux from “Le Corsaire” choreographed by Marius Petipa. The closing number, which will also be a part of the new Spring program beginning tomorrow, was “Crossed” choreographed by the uber talented Jessica Lang. It was a haunting piece with music by Mozart, Handel and Des Pres— nothing like you’ve ever seen on stage before. I don’t want to spoil it for you so that’s all I’m going to say! After the performance, charming trolleys laden with champagne were on hand to transport the guests to Union Station in grand style. I’ve been to several events at Union Station but have never seen it transformed as it was on this evening. The décor by Heffernan Morgan created an experience that Chuck said reminded him of the grand dining hall of Hogwart’s. I agree—pure magic! There were faux white walls in varying shapes separating the cocktail space from the dining space and massive lighting fixtures that looked like they were found on Mars. The whole room had row after row of straight tables adorned with zillions of twinkling candles. A large screen at the end of the room had black and white scenes of trains coming and going with a real train whistle that called guests to dinner. During the course of the evening, archival footage of past performances was shown. It was a surreal moment and I had to stop and pinch myself! Layer this with all of the ladies in their elegant finery and the Gentlemen of Leisure playing hot dance music and well, you get the picture. George Jewell catered this event brilliantly…I can’t even begin to figure out how he could serve 1,000 people and have the food be so delicious and hot! The dinner began with white gazpacho followed by lobster remoulade. The braised short ribs were served with mashed truffle potatoes, carrots and green beans (haricot vert) and mushroom charlotte with currant sauce. And then – get this – George had the courage to serve 1,000 people a banana split!!! How in the world did he keep it from melting?! OMG—amazing from beginning to end! The staff, including Julia Jankowski, Jen Hardin and Rhonda Brown, looked fab too and were instrumental in making this evening such a success. The Women’s Board stepped up and even served as hostesses and trolley captains so everything would run smoothly. And, as if this weren’t enough, the evening wasn’t over yet! The Auxiliary Board hosted their first Spring After-Party called “The Midnight Express” at the W Chicago from 10:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m….although I can personally tell you, this party went on long after the designated end time! Everyone came and really let their hair down with relief and happiness over the success of the evening. There was a silent auction, more “fun” food and dancing, dancing, DANCING! I hope my feet heal by then. For tickets and more info, call 800-982-2787 or visit www.Joffrey.org. (Click here for more fabulous event photos by Caitlin Saville and Steve Starr...and view Sasha Fornari's video below!)

The Joffrey Ballet: 2010 Spring Gala Video from Sasha Fornari on Vimeo.

 
VYNE Magazine recently hosted “Style Wars 2010” at the Hotel Sax. It was a sell-out crowd of almost 300 fashionistas, models, photographers, designers, stylists, makeup artists, hairdressers, industry insiders and all of their friends who turned out to see seven local stylists compete for the honor of being named “Top Chicago Stylist.” Jeffrey Chiakas, Christina Demos, Allison Guglielmo, Ruben Lopez, Mena Ighodaro, Aliana Elizabeth and CT Hedden competed in five different categories. The first task was simply to show the models in your own style. The second competition required stylists to use only items within the black and white color scheme and the next hurdle gave the winner the chance to join VYNE on their next editorial issue. They were asked to create a look that depicted homelessness in Chicago. For the “Rewind” contest, the stylists were ask to rework the published piece “Make Love Not War” by famed photographer Steven Meisel and for the final “war,” they were challenged to create looks which fused music and the color Crimson in honor of their sponsor, Crimson Lounge and Hotel Sax. Judges on hand included Billy Dec (whose Underground hosted the after party), Gordon Wood (Chanel), Rino Burdi (Burdi) and Nancy Good (Artists by Timothy Priano) and moi. VYNE’s Executive Creative Director Milan-David Richardson welcomed guests and singer Nikki Lynette and her backup artists and they performed their MTV single, “Into the Light.” When winner Christina Demos was announced, the crowd went wild! It was a fun night with lots of creative people and the event benefitted the Chicago Fashion Foundation. VYNE Magazine also donates 100 percent of its subscription fees to charity. Their latest issue had a wonderful article entitled “The Non-Conformists.” Featured in the article were Kid Sister (rapper), Miss Foozie (Nightlife Host), Nikki Lynette (musical artist and writer), Billy Dec (Rockit Ranch Productions), Heather Kuzmich (model from “America’s Next Top Model”), Tarell McCranny (playwright), Maggie Morgan (Akira fashionista) and moi! :) Check out more fab fotos here!
 
The Chicago Botanic Garden held their 10th “Antiques and Garden Fair” during a recent lovely spring weekend. This year’s theme, “Great American Gardens,” featured exhibits and floral displays donated and installed by premier designers including William Heffernan, Mariani, Craig Bergmann, Rosborough Partners, Schmechtig Landscapers, Kehoe Designs, Jody and Kim Merlin. Show co-producers Donna LaPietra, Jane O’Neil and Susan Canmann helped assemble more than 100 dealers from Europe and the U.S. for this show which featured the best in antique garden furnishings, botanical art and home and garden design. Guest speaker and honorary chair was Italian designer Alessandra Branca. The booths and gardens were so inspiring they made you want to rush back home and apply the ideas to your own little slice of heaven! Click here for more images!  
 
Don’t forget on May 21st, as our dear friend and man about town, Greg Hyder, will be honored as the 2010 “Man of Vision” at the Peninsula! Benefitting the Midwest Eye-Banks, this event is annually listed as one of the city’s top fun fundraisers so mark your calendars now: With all of the friends Greg has, you can be sure this will be a sell-out! For tickets and Tribute Book info, please visit www.IllinoisEyeBank.org or call 312-706-6750.
 
WITS (Working in the Schools) was founded in 1991 by Marion Stone and Joanne Alter and is an organization I think you should know about. WITS promotes literacy and the love of reading among Chicago’s low-income youth by providing one-on-one tutoring and volunteers to give under-resourced teachers a helping hand. To date, they partner with 31 organizations and are in 26 Chicago schools. Their fundraiser, “Blackboard Affair,” will be held on Friday, April 30th, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Chicago Illuminating Company. There will be open bar, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, live raffle and a DJ. I hope you check out their web site and see all of the good they’re doing! (Also, if you have any hardcover children’s books in good condition, they can always use them!) Tickets are $95 for general admission and $150 for VIP; visit www.WITSChicago.org/Blackboard-Affair or contact Kristen Kovach at 312-422-6210 for more information.
 
Lots of events coming up for the Service Club of Chicago! The first one will be a ROOFTOP Cubs game this Friday, April 30th! The Cubs play the Arizona Diamondbacks starting at 1:20 p.m. The Brixen Ivy Rooftop celebration includes your own personal chef who will be grilling quarter-pound gourmet hamburgers and cheeseburgers, Italian sausage, Polish sausage and chicken breast sandwiches along with homemade potato salads, pasta salads, fruit trays and their own “Brixen Ivy Brownies.” As you can see, you won’t go home hungry! Come out and see the Cubs win AND support the Service Club of Chicago (one of the oldest philanthropic organizations in town at 120 years old!) Tickets are $125. View the invite here or contact Myra Reilly for more info at 847-234-4828. Their next event is “Day at the Races” at Arlington Race Track on Sunday, May 16th. The buffet luncheon will take place in the Governor’s Room from 12:30 p.m. til 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $130. For more info, call Laurie Davis at 773-406-1823. And remember, ladies are asked to wear hats!
 
It’s spring (I think!?) and love is in the air…especially for my newly married friends, Julie Lawrence and Dave DeWitt! Congrats and I hope I see little DeWitts real soon! :)

I hope to see all of you at a few of these fun events down the road! In the meantime, have a great week and we’ll “talk” soon!
 

 

 

Love,
Candace
[email protected]
 
P.S. Check out this cool idea! Described as the “21st century solution to stiletto woes,” “Spare Pears” are flexible ballet shoes rolled into a little plastic carrying case. They’re small enough (3.5” by 2”) to fit into your tiniest clutch and practical enough to slip into at any event. What a great alternative to carrying your cumbersome tennis shoes to work!! They come in pink, black and silver and priced at $22.50, they are the perfect after-party shoe or for use as a spare pair for the office. (Congrats on this much-appreciated idea, Beata and Anna!)

VICTORY GARDENS THEATER’S “CHICAGO STORIES” 2010

Quite simply, it was the thrill of a lifetime! My experience as a playwright for Victory Gardens Theater’s “Chicago Stories” was something I will never forget. For the 20th anniversary of their annual fundraiser, VGT chose three playwrights to share the stage for this evening. First, Bernard Sahlins, a co-founder, producer and director of Second City Chicago as well as co-founder of The International Theatre Festival of Chicago, who has been a writer and producer for both HBO and NBC and is a published playwright for his work. The third 2010 playwright was Peter Sagal, host of NPR and WBEZ’s Peabody Award-winning “Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!” one of the most popular shows on public radio for the past decade heard by 2.5 million listeners per week. He is also the author of numerous plays and was the literary manager for a regional theater. Needless to say, I was more than a little awed by being included with these two powerhouses, but I am proud to say, my little play, “A Facebook Fairytale,” held its own and came across as funny and charming just as I had hoped. My amazing cast who brought it to life included my stepson/actor Charley Jordan, Meg Thalken, Audrey Morgan, Matt DeCaro, Gwendolyn Whiteside and Jaime Totti. The play is the story of a romance in the world of social media. Two people create alternate fantasy lives on Facebook with a surprise ending. (I can’t tell you anymore. I would rather you be surprised when you see it on Broadway…) Bernie Sahlins’ play was entitled “Veridia” and Peter’s play, “Mile 22,” both made wonderful, poignant points and the audience enjoyed them all. It was a magical evening that included an extensive silent auction as well as a live auction. There were creative fundraising ideas presented, too: For instance, you had to purchase sets of keys to see if the “Stage Door” would open for you to choose from dozens of delightful baskets of prizes. Bob Golant and Executive Director Jan Kallish were two of the lucky winners. Some of the silent auction offerings included tickets for two to “Endgame” starring William Petersen plus dinner and a meet-and-greet with him backstage. Another top auction prize included lunch with actor John Mahoney and Artistic Director Dennis Zacek. There were also original artwork, a wonderful Joffrey Ballet package, shopping and wine parties and lots more. After cocktails, guests moved into the Grand Ballroom where the President of the Board Jeffrey Rappin gave a welcome speech. He introduced the hard-working co-chairs Sylvia Margolies and Ann Marie Peretz and the MC/Executive Director Jan Kallish then Leslie Hindman, a veteran “Chicago Stories” playwright, presented the live auction with Dennis. And finally, THE PLAYS!!! Bernie Sahlins’ play was first up, then my play made its debut and lastly, Peter Sagal’s play was performed. Renowned theater critic Richard Christiansen (so renowned, in fact, that Victory Gardens recently named a theater after him!) was on hand to critique the plays. Here is what he had to say about “A Facebook Fairytale”: “Comedy via the internet. A fresh new source of satire. Neatly performed.”  (I’ve already framed it!) The food was delicious and included roast chicken breast with lentils, Brussels sprouts and butternut squash in a red wine reduction and there were so many desserts offered, it made one dizzy! The evening was perfect and the Victory Gardens’ family could not have been more inviting and welcoming to everyone. Development Manager Kaye Oberhausen was so very supportive as well as Aaron Carter who made sure everyone was in their proper places at all times. The evening raised over $170K for VGT’s new play mission, education outreach and Access Project programming for people with disabilities. If you haven’t had a chance to visit Victory Gardens Theater at 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., you are missing out on an amazing theater experience. Located in the old Biograph Theater, the setting is so inviting and intimate that audience members often feel as though they are onstage. Upcoming plays include “How Theater Failed America” starting 4/26 and “The Last Cargo Cult” starting May 5th, both by Mike Daisey. “Jacob and Jack,” a world premiere, will be performed May 14th through June 20th. Written by James Sherman, it is described as “a time-traveling comedic farce on the dizzying life in the Yiddish Theatre.” For more information, visit www.VictoryGardens.org or call 773-549-5788. Extra pics by Charley Jordan and Joel Wanek...click here to view more!
 
When I received the invite for Modern Vintage Chicago at the Randolph Street Market this weekend from Jada Russell, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I guess I was thinking about the antique stalls lined up along Randolph Street but it wasn’t this event at all. (Not that there’s anything wrong with antiques—I love them!) But THIS show was right up my fashion alley! Show founder/producer Sally Schwartz assembled over 60 dealers and 15 local emerging designers who presented their top stuff at Plumbers Hall, located at 1340 W. Washington St., on this bright, sunny day. The event began with an early champagne reception with style icon Nena Ivon, who is MVC’s new fashion director. They couldn’t have picked a better person—she is already brimming with unique ideas, one of which includes a “fashion train” to the suburbs. I won’t tell you more but it will be something entirely fun and new! As we all know, she is the designer’s friend and all of the talent there were VERY excited that she is on board. The event had vintage dealers from NYC, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Texas along with local dealers such a J. Brett Benson and Silver Moon. There was gorgeous costume and estate jewelry, men’s and women’s clothing, handbags, shoes, hats, belts, scarves and textiles from the Mid-Century, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Victorian and 60’s and 70’s eras. One dealer had all things Louis Vuitton including antique furniture upholstered in LV leather. Even his vest was created from LV luggage fabric! I saw exquisite Hermes and Chanel bags, scarves and jewelry, and other finds from the legendary houses of Pucci, Dior and Vivienne Westwood among many others. The Antique Roadshow’s charming Caroline Ashleigh was on hand with her new book, “Warman’s Shoes Field Guide.” After appraising so many items on the show, she realized that there was no price guide for shoes. This pocket-size guide will let you know if you’re paying fair prices. There was a lovely fashion show during the reception which highlighted some terrific attire for young girls picking out their prom wardrobes. This is such a great idea since your outfit would undoubtedly be one-of-a-kind and it will be at prices, as a rule, much cheaper than local department stores. Mothers and daughters, take note! The designers on hand at MVC included Lauren Lein, Agga B, Double Stitch, Lisa Strecker, Axis of Evelyn (Evelyn Daitchman), LUCIUS Fine Jewelry (Christy Lucius), Bobbi Kahn Design (Barb Mason), Ladysmith Jewelry Studio (Amy Butts), Paoo Jewelry (Courtney Russo) and Happy Katt (Gini Lenni). There was so much to see and so many things I wanted to buy! Seen on the scene was the founder of Latino Fashion Week, Arabel Rosales and her beautiful daughter Alina, NBC’s LeeAnn Trotter, Michael Hawley, Lynne Bredfeldt, Scott Bobek, Peggy Martay, Michael Hawley, Jeff Franks, Amy Schlaff, Monika and Erika Simmons (the striking Double Stitch twins), Agga B., Asia Borycka, Liz Meyer, Mark Moran, Ira Scheck, Dorothy Loud, Colleen Soisson, Holly Erlich, Celeb TV’s Kelli Zink, Chicago History Museum curator Timothy Long and Sophie Bross among many other fans. The next Modern Vintage Chicago will be October 23rd and 24th with a preview shopping party Friday night, Oct. 22nd from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Don’t miss it!! (Extra photos by Steve Starr who, by the way, was just recently named “Outstanding Celebrity Photographer” by Red Carpet Concierge! Congrats Steve!!!!) View more photos here!
 
I want to remind you about Vyne Magazine’s “Style Wars 2010” event on Thursday, April 22nd at Hotel Sax starting at 7 p.m. You will see something you’ve never seen before—the spotlight turned on stylists in a competition to name “Chicago’s TOP Stylist!” We all know they can make or break a celebrity’s look and now you can see the process up close and personal. The stylists will be creating “collections” for the runway by pulling clothing and accessories from local designers. Nikki Lynette will be performing her MTV song, “Model in the Mirror,” live for the first time! It’s going to be an AWESOME party!!! General admission is $35 and private reception tickets are $60. The after party will be held at The Underground hosted by fellow judge, Billy Dec. Proceeds from the event benefit the Chicago Fashion Foundation. Hope 2 C U there! :)

“The Gown Elephant” event benefitting Howard Brown Health Center will take place on Tuesday, April 27th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Brown Elephant Resale Shop, located at 5404 N. Clark St. This unique event will feature notable gowns, jewelry and handbags from Chicago’s top fashionistas which will be donated to raise funds for this worthy cause. The dress is “Slumdog Millionaire” so put on your best Bollywood attitude and join us! Co-chairs Susanna Negovan and Whitney Lasky will be thrilled to see you there as will Honorary Chair, Bunky Cushing! Tickets are $25 in advance and $50 at the door. For tickets and more info, call Anthony McClellon at 773-388-8988 or e-mail [email protected]. (Also, if you have something wonderful to donate, please call!) 
 
I hope you’ve all been enjoying our spring weather! And now take a peek at something to make you smile: Although I don’t condone harboring wild animals in your home, this little koala clearly needed some help when the temps in Australia reached a record high of 120 degrees!
 
Love,
Candace :)
[email protected]

HEMINGWAY’S TYPEWRITER AND THE MAN ON THE MOON

I know a lot of us are fans of New York. It seems I can never go there often enough and every time we’re there, new adventures pop up. A famous actor (I can’t remember who) once said, “Chicago is like New York without the stress.” No truer words were ever spoken. And even though the pear trees were in full bloom, there is nothing quite like the crab apples blooming on Lincoln Park West to show me where my true loyalties lie. We stayed at The Standard for the first time in the Meat Packing District, an inexpensive hotel with a very high cool factor. As a matter of fact, every night The Standard Grill was packed to the rafters and there were lines two blocks long every afternoon waiting to get into the outdoor beer garden. In other words, there was LOTS of activity…just the way we like it! We came to NY this time to attend the Antiquarian Book Fair at the Park Avenue Armory, the largest rare book show in the world with over 200 dealers who specialize in not only rare books, but autographs, manuscripts, original artwork and maps spanning five centuries. In other words, there is something for everyone—it’s really like walking through a museum because you find such priceless rarities. (Although the dealers have indeed managed to put a price on them… in many cases, a very high price.) Take for instance, Ernest Hemingway’s typewriter (I was even allowed to poke a few keys!), which was priced at a mere $100,000. It has his personal sticker on the top of the case and, supposedly, he wrote his last great works on it. Besides rare books, I also saw letters from Abraham Lincoln, a photo of Amelia Earhart that she had signed “Flying is fun!” (priced at $10,000), 23 color Kodachrome slides of candid shots of Marilyn Monroe on the set of “Bus Stop” from 1956 (priced at $1500), an early 15th century page from an illuminated manuscript (priced at $395,000), an E.H. Shepard original drawing from “Winnie the Pooh” featuring Piglet and Pooh for $30,000, two small (2” X 3”) but delightful and intricate Beatrix Potter watercolor drawings each priced at $90,000, a team photo of the Homestead Grays from 1935 for $2500 and a watercolor by Woodie Guthrie for $15,000 along with a gazillion other rarities, not to mention all of the great books we saw! For instance there was F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” for $175,000, James Joyce’s “Ulysses” (one of 750) for $55,000, Hemingway’s second book, “In Our Time” (one of 170 copies) for $85,000, Dashiell Hammett’s “Maltese Falcon” for $45,000 and a book published here in Chicago – “The Wizard of Oz” – for $40,000. One dealer had an archive spanning 60 years of personal correspondence between Hugh Hefner and his high school and lifelong friend Jane (Janie) Sellers. She has stated, “At 16, I knew he was destined to do amazing things, so I saved every scrap of paper he ever sent or gave me.” They are still friends and when she asked him if he’d mind if she sold it, he told her to “Go ahead!” As a matter of fact, the dealer has even spoken to Hef himself concerning the material. The price tag for this piece of history is $250,000 and includes letters, original cartoons, invitations to the Mansion, news clippings on and about Hef, PB music, Form S-1 for Playboy’s IPO and the first issue of Playboy signed twice by Hefner and much more. In one of the letters, concerning a return visit to Chicago, he writes, “That first night we went back and revisited the original Playboy Mansion. I donated it to the Art Institute many years ago, but it is closed up now and will probably eventually be sold and converted into apartments. The main ballroom, my bedroom and the study where I wrote “The Playboy Philosophy” were still in pretty good shape, but the secret panels didn’t work anymore. The swimming pool was still intact but there was no water in it. The underwater bar was still there too, but the Playmates’ pictures had disappeared long ago from the wall.” It was a real thrill to go through this archive and even the dealer said he looks at Hefner in a different light than he had before reading all of the personal letters. Lots of celebs are book collectors too and during this show, Yoko Ono had visited. In the past, Steve Martin, Martin Scorsese, Whoopi Goldberg, Charlie Rose, Mick Jagger, George Steinbrenner and Leslie Stahl have been seen browsing through the cases as well. The first day we checked out the shops near the hotel including one of my favorites, Jeffrey. We also paid homage at the Alexander McQueen store. I still can’t believe his genius is gone…just seeing the new line that he never lived to see in the stores was so very sad. The first night, we had vowed to dine at the Waverly Inn owned by Vanity Fair’s Graydon Carter. It is a well known hot spot with no number to call for a reservation so we made nice with the maitre d’ and snagged a reservation for Friday night. It is a cozy, charming and romantic little place in SoHo (16 Bank St. to be precise) and when you walk down the stairs and squeeze through the small little door, you feel like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. The tiny bar only seats six and even the doors in the bathroom are only 13 inches wide. And yet, the food and the clientele are sheer perfection. (On Friday night, we saw Prince Albert of Monaco’s fiancée, Charlene Wittstock.) It is now one of our favorite spots and as a matter of fact, we went there the next evening, too! Saturday night, I shook hands with a man who walked on the moon because Buzz Aldrin and his wife Lois were there. We had met them a couple of times before at Playboy Mansion New Year’s Eve parties and they seem to be a very devoted couple although I noticed he spent a lot of time on his Blackberry while she entertained friends. My friend Lynne Bredfeldt, who’s been to the Waverly before, spotted Daniel Craig and Steve Buscemi the week before and in the past, she’s run into Blair Underwood, Michael Douglas and former couple Reese Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal. And, of course, no trip is complete without a trip to the Temple of Shopping: Bergdorf’s! We managed some face time on Madison Avenue and I even got to spend some time with fellow Playmate and friend Laura Lyons (February 1976). Her two daughters, Ruby and Lily Aldridge, are superstar models with lots of major shows and ad campaigns already under their belts (look for Ruby in the next Marc Jacobs ads!). And their darling friend, Ali Huffstetler, is a well-known actress there and has been working since she was 13! I love NY…never a dull moment! Click here for more pics from this fun-filled trip!
 
Back in Chicago, local designer and all around nice person Elda de la Rosa previewed her glamorous evening gown collection at Fishman’s Fabric store last week and although this seems like an unlikely gathering spot, it was the perfect place for her lux fabrics to make their debut to an adoring crowd. Elda was one of nine finalists competing this year in the Oscars Designer Challenge for 2010 (fellow Chicago designer Sam Kori George won). Her gown for the competition was called “Lucero” – meaning “shining star” – and she said it was inspired by the women in her life who helped her become a designer, including her mother, grandmother and former sewing teachers. Elda grew up in Rockford and attended the Illinois Institute of Art. She started out as a freelance designer for film and photography shoots in Chicago and opened her own boutique nine years ago. She presents two collections per year—consisting mostly of evening gowns, cocktail and wedding dresses. She has a sense of old Hollywood glamour that is very appealing and on top of all of her talent, she is so very nice! As a matter of fact, she may be designing my gown for the Joffrey Gala on Friday, April 23rd. You should stop by her Edgewater boutique (located at 5555 N. Sheridan Road) and check out her creations for yourself or call 773-769-3128 or visit www.eldadelarosa.com for more info. (Pics by Steve Starr and Michael Collinsworth…click here for more show photos!).
 
Superstar chef Art Smith and longtime partner, Jesus Salguiero, have exciting news: They will wed in the fall in Washington, D.C. at the Liaison Affinia Hotel – home of Art’s restaurant, Art & Soul. They have been inseparable for 10 years and in an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, Art said, “I’ve had an amazing career and life because Jesus taught me to dream and believe. We are a dynamic and creative duo who love to bring beauty to people’s lives, as well as our own.” I couldn’t be happier for Art and Jesus! Congrats in advance on continuing your loving life!
 
Chicago’s Man About Town Bunky Cushing is launching his own web site called “The Squire of Society” which will be debuting today, April 13th. Bunky knows the scene and his style and flair will have us all watching! Check it out at www.BunkyCushing.com and put it on your list of favorites! Welcome to the World Wide Web, Bunkster! :)

Speaking of high society, have you seen our very own Katherine Chez smack dab in the middle of Town & Country magazine?! OMG! She looks amazing (as always!) and the article and photos of her home in L.A. are gorrrrgeousssss!
 
There are many more fun, worthy and important events on the horizon. Here are some highlights:
 
Don’t forget Victory Gardens’ “Chicago Stories” fundraiser at the Fairmont on Friday, April 16th! I am so excited to be one of the playwrights along with NPR’s Peter Sagal and Second City’s Bernie Sahlins. For tickets and more info, please call 773-328-2146 or visit www.VictoryGardens.org (Festive attire—I’ll say! :)) View the invitation here!
 
Next up is the Joffrey Spring Gala on Friday, April 23rd at Union Station with a performance preceding at the Auditorium Theatre. Tickets to this black tie gala start at $600 and can be purchased by calling 312-386-8921 or e-mailing [email protected]. Come dance with the dancers and then join all of us for the After Party at the W City Center on Adams!
 
The Costume Council of the Chicago Historical Society will be hosting a stylish luncheon and private viewing of the upcoming exhibit “I Do! Chicago Ties the Knot,” which will showcase timeless wedding styles and traditions of fashionable Chicagoans through the ages. This event will be at the Chicago History Museum on Friday, May 21st, starting at 11 a.m. with proceeds supporting the Costume Collection. Everyone will be there and I hope you will be, too! For tickets and more info, please contact Melissa Hayes at 312-799-2160 or [email protected]. View the invitation here!
 
On Thursday, April 15th, at 8 PM, The International Academy of Design and Technology will host its annual student fashion show – “Imagine 2010” – at Union Station. Hosted by NBC’s Ginger Zee, this student-produced exhibition will showcase the talent and production of IADT’s talented students. The event will feature over 100 original designs with Miss Illinois 2010, Ashley Bradarich, helping out on the runway and Shiny Toy Guns will rock out for a night of fashion. Tickets are just $40 and are available by calling 312-980-9295 or e-mailing [email protected].
 
Vyne Magazine will be presenting Style Wars 2010 at the Sax Hotel on Thursday, April 22nd starting at 7 p.m. I will be one of the judges at the runway competition along with Billy Dec, Jane Stewart, Nikki Lynette, Nancy Good and Jeff Sciortino among others. Stylists will compete to create never before seen avant-garde, couture masterpieces in a number of creative competitions. As the invite says, “It’s a new kind of affair.” And I can’t wait to see it! For ticket info, visit www.stylewars2010.com. 
 
On Monday, April 19th, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Susan Crown, Naomi Reese and Kate Neisser will co-host a champagne soiree for fab writer Amy Tara Koch at Harry Winston (55 E. Oak St.) to celebrate her latest book, “Bump it Up” which is a hilarious how-to style bible on pregnancy dressing. Kate Spade, Donna Karan and Simon Doonan are fans and describe it as “witty, brilliant and spot-on.” To RSVP, call 312-705-1820 or e-mail [email protected] by April 14th.
 
My dear friend Cindy Burns will be the host for the Luca Luca Shopping Party at 59 E. Oak on Tuesday, April 20th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be wine, champagne, appetizers and a gorgeous raffle prize! And the best part is that 10 percent of sales will benefit the Service Club of Chicago! We also love the manager, Simona Groza Garcia! :) All good! To RSVP, call 312-664-1512. View the invitation here!
 
Whew, there is so much going on around town…I loved getting away to NY but if you’re gone for a minute, see what you miss?! Well, I know I missed YOU and am happy to be home!
 
Love,
Candace
[email protected]