Everyone was dressed so elegantly but then you would expect nothing less at a party given by and for photographer/designer/Art Deco expert/artist/writer Steve Starr. It was a book launch party at Rumba for his latest book and what a perfect spot it was too, since the Latin themed restaurant mirrored the subject matter of the book, “Steve Starr Studios Presents Starrlight: Glamorous Latin Movie Stars of Early Hollywood.” The book, meticulously researched and beautifully designed, presents colorful biographical accounts of cinema stars Rita Hayworth, Lupe Velez, Carmen Miranda, Dolores Del Rio and Maria Montez. Perhaps even more interesting though was the fascinating account of Steve’s own early life. Steve grew up surrounded by Art Moderne and Art Deco elegance. His mother and father looked like movie stars themselves. They had a 10-room apartment on Roscoe that could’ve appeared in Architectural Digest since his mother Gloria had a keen eye for the unique and exquisite as far as décor. She enlisted the aid of famous interior designer Syd Simon to help her create a temple of 1940s Hollywood glamour. Every year they wintered in Miami Beach and, it was there in the old movie palaces, that Steve’s love of film grew. It was no wonder that his store and studio, Steve Starr Studios, originally on Clark Street, showcased his extensive collection of museum quality Art Deco frames which were featured in his first book, “Picture Perfect—Art Deco Frames 1926-1946” and were filled with images of the elegant Hollywood stars that he loves. The A-list crowd of fans, friends and press filled the room to the brim all in honor of “the hardest working man in Chicago.” If you don’t see Steve with his camera around his neck at an event around town, then sadly, you’re probably not at the right party. He is in demand at most of the high profile parties in every neighborhood in Chicago and covers them all with his amazing photography and coverage. You might not always like how much time he takes getting you to pose, but you can bet you will look your best when the shot is published. The lines never stopped at his book signing desk and it was no surprise since his book is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. It is an elegant silver linen bound limited edition depicting over 100 images, including 50 rarely seen photos of the featured actresses, many displayed in his exquisite Art Deco glass frames. He includes iconic film posters, sheet music illustrations and fan magazine covers as well as images of 28 other Hollywood stars famous in a world that no longer exists. Rumba was the perfect spot for this party as it reminded me of old time Miami or Havanna with the conga drums at every booth and the beautiful Spanish tiles on the Ambassador Dining Room floor. Steve’s cake was shaped like a large star with his signature triple “S” in the center. Chef Benjamin Soto’s food was delicious and plentiful and the Argentinian entertainment was superb. There was an exhibition of Tango dance by Daniel Noce and Ramona Nita with music by Los Tropicanos. I can’t wait to see what Steve does next—his creative mind never rests! Congrats Steve and thanks for the memories! To contact Steve or for book info, please call 773-252-5171 or e-mail [email protected]. (Please click this link for ALL event photos—additional pics by Caitlin Saville and Mila Samokhina.)
Happy second anniversary to Michigan Avenue Magazine who celebrated in grand style with September cover girl Jennifer Hudson performing. It’s been written up everywhere how gorgeous she looked in person! She was so thin that a friend speculated that the Weight Watchers’ stock would rise dramatically after her appearance at the House of Blues. In fact, the three-tiered anniversary cheesecake was from Eli’s and the top layer was made from Eli’s new “Skinny Eli” in chocolate just for her! At just 110 calories, 3 Weight Watcher points and no trans fat, Jennifer was thrilled that she could eat it! Her voice was in great form too and when she belted out “I Will Always Love You,” all thoughts of Whitney Houston vanished for the SRO crowd. I hadn’t been to the House of Blues in ages and was happy to see that it was still cozy for such a large venue. Our sky box was charming and I loved having friends pop in and out like a surprise party. Admittedly, it was hard to see Jennifer up close and personal but I’m not sure I could’ve survived the crush of photogs and sea of people on the main floor. I saw lots of people I wanted to say hi to but just couldn’t reach. CEO and founder of Niche Media Jason Binn flew in to celebrate along with Mich Mag editor-in-chief Susanna Negovan and publisher Dan Uslan. They proudly introduced Jennifer to the adoring crowd and then that voice…oh my. So happy to see her in grand form for such a happy occasion! Happy birthday, Mich Mag! (Please check this link for ALL event pics. Additional pics by Tasos Katopodis.)
Big news coming in February for Michigan Avenue and Chicago!! Hearts a Bluhm, Northwestern Memorial Hospital/Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute’s heart-themed public awareness campaign, will be a citywide celebration and education program designed around February’s National Heart Month. Oversized and uniquely designed acrylic hearts will “bloom” throughout key high-traffic locations with the help of artistic partner Columbia College Chicago. The heart sculptures will help raise awareness for the proper diagnosis and treatment of heart disease—the leading cause of death in America. They will not only beautify the city but also serve as a reminder for good heart-healthy practices. I hope you can all join us for our VIP Kick-Off event at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab at 60 E. Grand on Monday, October 25th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests will enjoy signature hors d’oeuvres and cocktails and hear remarks from Dr. Patrick McCarthy, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Northwestern, and Warrick Carter, Ph.D. President of Columbia College. This event will also honor 11 “Women With Heart” who are known throughout Chicago for their “heart” and commitment to giving back. They include Chaz Ebert, Carrie Birkel, Janet Wood Diederichs, Nancy Glick, Sonya Jackson, Kristina McGrath, Carol “Mickey” Norton, Andrea Schwartz, Laura Schwartz, Brenda Sexton and moi. I am so honored to be included in this great group of women. Tickets are $75 with all proceeds benefitting Hearts a Bluhm! For party RSVPs and info, please e-mail [email protected] or call 630-315-2962. For more info on this campaign or to sponsor a heart, please visit www.heartsabluhm.org. Don’t forget to wear some red to the party!! Hope to see you on the 25th! Goodbye Cows and Refrigerators…Helllllooooo Hearts! Can’t wait!
Chicago Link Productions has done it again! For their second year, there was no shortage of Chicago staples at RJ and Jerrod Melman’s Santa Monica eatery, La Grande Orange, as those with Windy city ties celebrated none other than: Chicago! Four hundred-plus people showed up for this Chicago-LA Link event including celebs David Arquette, Jeff Garlin, Marilu Henner, Jaleel White (“Dreamgirls”), Ian Gomez (“Cougar Town”), Parvesh Cheena (“Outsourced”), Sonal Shah (“Scrubs”), Harry Lennix (“Ray”), D.B. Sweeney (“The Event”) and John Kapelos (“The Breakfast Club”) among others. Even former Chicago Bears Willie Gault and Tim Wrightman, now LA locals, made an appearance. Also in attendance were Second City’s Andrew Alexander and Joyce Sloan, TV director/producer Jerry Kupcinet, writers/producers Jay and Meredith Lavender and emcee Tom Dreesen. The event was produced by Brenda Sexton (formerly of the Illinois Film Office) and presented by eDrop-Off.com owner/creator Corri McFadden among others. La Grande Orange served such local favorites as Eli’s cheesecake, Lou Malnati’s deep-dish pizza, Hub51 burgers, Portillo’s Italian beef, Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab claws and Vienna hotdogs plus La Grande Orange’s signature sushi and tacos. Wow, what a party…so sorry to miss this one! Congrats Brenda for keeping those LA-based Chicagoans from getting homesick! :) (Photos by Mitch Canoff and Jesse Grant...click here for more!)
There are some VERY special birthdays to celebrate this month! First up, the Mayor of Old Town, Shirley Baugher, was surprised for her birthday! Yes, I said it…surprised! She has eyes and ears all over her head and yet a small band of friends/fans managed to surprise her and bring her to tears in the Old Town Triangle Center office! We were all quite pleased with ourselves and her husband Norman and Chris Beer were our co-conspirators. This woman has a heart so big that everyone she knows fits into it. It is a wonderful feeling to be Shirley’s friend. It is a not-so-secret society where we all feel very blessed to be included. Also, look for Shirley’s next book, “The Hidden History of Old Town,” which will be published by History Press out of South Carolina. Congrats, love and happy birthday Shirley! Another wonderful birthday party was planned by Helen Melchior for our dear Joffrey Executive Director, Christopher Clinton Conway, at her beautiful Lake Shore Drive, Nate Berkus-designed home. Christopher has done such an amazing job bringing this company to the country and world’s attention. He works tirelessly on our behalf to make sure the Joffrey’s path is always climbing for the stars. Oh, did I mention the All Stars season is absolutely breathtaking—nice segue, Candace! I went to opening night and you could’ve heard a pin drop during the company’s performance which will include five Joffrey premieres and two world premieres this season. Christopher Wheeldon, a longtime friend of Artistic Director Ashley Wheater, choreographed “After the Rain,” which was danced in its entirety for the first time Saturday night. The pairings were also perfect with real life husband/wife, Victoria Jaiani and Temur Suluashvili, dancing together for the first time in years as well as boyfriend/girlfriend April Daley and Miguel Blanco. The company also performed Jerome Robbin’s “The Concert (or the Perils of Everybody).” We knew they could dance, but now we know they are all born actors too! Reviews are glowing, of course, and the company has never looked better. Well, honey…just buy the tickets (through October 24th at www.Joffrey.org ). This weekend was also Bill Farley’s birthday. His beautiful wife, Shelley MacArthur Farley, threw a grand party and EVERYONE came! It wasn’t an A-list party, it was an A+ list party. The Jersey Boys performed and his boys gave heartfelt speeches about their dad. The venue, the Modern Wing’s magnificent Terzo Piano, was filled with loving friends on this beautiful Indian summer evening. Happy Birthday Bill! :)
Ronald McDonald House Charities is breaking ground on Tuesday, November 9th, for the largest Ronald McDonald House in the world!!! I’m so excited to be a part of this wonderful project and can’t wait to watch this House come to life. Thanks to your support, the House will open in 2012 providing care and comfort for 86 families of hospitalized children every night!! We’ve raised over $17 million of the $30 million we need, and will have lots of fabulous activities in the new year. I will keep you posted and will hope to see you at some of these events as they come up. :)
The Art of Fashion 2010 show will be Friday, October 22nd in the Fashion Tent at Millennium Park, located at 201 E. Randolph. VIP party begins at 6 p.m. with general admission beginning at 7:30 p.m. Featured designers showcasing their Spring 2011 collections include Elda de la Rosa, Lauren Lein, Borris Powell, Kirk James Collection, Lara Miller and Paul Sisti as well as emerging designers Hector-Javier MonArrez, Fraley Le and Lydia Wawrzyniak. The show will be produced by ZZazz Productions’ Tracey DiBuono so you know it will be TERRIFIC! General admission tickets are $35 and VIP tickets are $95…and $20 of every VIP ticket benefits the Service Club of Chicago! For more info, please visit www.StyleChicago.com. Hope to see you there!
I took the week off to do some much-needed housecleaning—no exotic trip here! To start, I transformed our “Silence of the Lambs” basement into something more usable. I’ve also cleaned out almost every closet and crammed-full drawer in the house! But, because of this time off, I’ve got so much to tell you and not enough space! So, sadly, the rest of the news will have to wait until next week! Hope to “see” you then!
Love,
Candace
P.S. Huge congrats to Chef Art Smith for his amazing Chicago Marathon run! After a 90-pound weight loss, he finished in the top third and ran the course in 4 hours, 32 minutes! (To see his Celebration Party pics, please click here…)
I am reading your blog for the first time and I must say your approach is different. What sets bloggers apart is how they connect to their readers; you really connected with me. Great post!
Posted by: HCG Diet | July 1, 2011 at 10:26 AM
I made it into the blog!!! Love the post as usual. Love the photo with Shaun! Thanks for everything and for keeping up the energy to attend these events and keep us all posted!
Posted by: lynne jordan | October 18, 2010 at 01:56 AM