HEF HOPS BACK HOME WITH HIS FAMILY AND PLAYMATES

I loved being a part of the Playboy world in the ‘70s. I was a bunny in St. Louis with Patti Connors (then McGuire) and we had so much fun together (still great friends after all of these years, too). That’s the feeling most of the girls had: Being a bunny was like being in a big, happy family…believe it or not, no jealousies or bickering, just having fun and making money in a very glamorous environment. The guests were very well behaved and treated us with respect – the security guards roaming the premises made sure of this. Moving from southern Illinois into the Mansion was like traveling from Kansas to the Emerald City. I was in awe driving up Lake Shore Drive in my MGB with one lone suitcase on my little luggage rack. I walked up to that big iron gate at 1340 N. State St. and my whole world changed, for the better. I became Chicago Playboy Bunny of the Year and December 1979 Playmate as well as appearing on eight covers for the magazine (two U.S. and six foreign editions).  I knew everyone in the Art Department and they were like relatives to me…actually, they still are! So, it was very thrilling for me to welcome my old boss back home to Chicago for the first time with his sons, Marston and Cooper. The first thing that struck me when I saw him was how VERY tall his sons are!!! Oh my, well over six feet and still growing at 20 and 21 years of age. But then their mother, Kimberly Conrad (Playmate of the Year 1989), was tall as is Keith, Hef’s brother, so I guess it all makes sense although it was shocking to see initially. Another thing I noticed at the press meet-and-greet was how very kind and solicitous both of these boys were to everyone. They have indeed been raised well with gracious manners and no rich-boys-in-LA attitude whatsoever. Hef was wearing a little fedora – he seems to have really taken to the chapeaux concept since Kendra first insisted on his wearing a sailor hat to some function when the original “Girls Next Door” was still running – and it worked for him! He’s hard of hearing in one ear but still as smart and alert as he’s always been. When I asked him about his trip home, he looked at Keith and said, “It was very emotional for us.” He visited his home in Galewood, his high school (Steinmetz), went to a Halloween Party at the PB offices and then came to the Gene Siskel Film Center to view the premiere of his documentary. This two-hour film was entertaining from beginning to end and showed me sides of Hefner I wasn’t aware of. I was asked during an interview with the Daily Herald if I was aware of his activism when I was a bunny. I told the writer, Raymond Benson, my only concerns at the time were what club would I be going to, what would I wear and who would I date. Hef, his family and friends walked the press line and talked to everyone. I could see how many times he must’ve done this in his life because he gave every photographer in the line a look right into their cameras…the mark of an ultimate professional naturally. A lot of Playboy friends from the past showed up to greet him including my old Playmate Promotions Director, Elizabeth Norris. She looked great and he was thrilled to see her along with Playboy’s Art Director Rob Wilson and his charming wife, Shanthi. PB’s Chief Content and Editorial Director Jimmy Jellinik was there, too, as well as Hef’s daughter Christie Hefner and her hubby Billy Marovitz. Playboy’s founding Art Director, Art Paul (creator of the iconic Playboy logo) was also there. After the film, Hef received a standing ovation and then made his way to the front for the Q & A. Michael Kutza, Chicago Film Fest founder, interviewed Hef and the film’s director, Brigitte Berman. As we all know, Hef is trying to buy back his company and I hope he succeeds. The brand has never been hotter since the ‘50s. The Playboy Bunny is coming back and clubs will be opening in London, Macau and Cancun in the next six months. Since these clubs will also be casinos, expect to see the stock rise along with profits. Old rabbits never die…they just hop slower until the rest of the world catches up again! :) (Pics by Caitlin Saville. To view ALL event pics, please click here!)
 
Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo are two of the most talented people I know in the world of fashion. They have written several books on the subject and are known experts the world over so when you get an invite to the launch of their latest book, you put on your Manolos, grab your leopard bag and GO! Besides all of their success, they are still two of the nicest guys I know. Their recent party was held at the Ritz in one of the coolest suites I’ve seen, the Royal Suite. It was two stories and filled to the brim with delicious items from the hottest vintage clothing store in the country, Decades! This two-day pop-up shop, Decadestwo.1, included carefully chosen vintage designer duds by owner Christos Garkinos from Hollywood bigwigs, top fashion stylists, wealthy collectors and star clients. Oh, the shoes, Chanel, handbags, jackets, dresses…I was in heaven! Saw lots of fashionistas crowding into the suite as I was leaving so I know they had a terrific turnout! Jesse and Joe’s book, “Work It: The Ultimate Women’s Guide to Dressing for Career Success,” not only included fashion tips but it also included some familiar faces such as Lynn McMahan and Amanda Puck – two more of my favorite glamour girls. And besides the fact that I was thrilled to be there shopping, the best part of the evening was the fact that a percentage of the proceeds benefitted Deborah’s Place. If you haven’t heard of Deborah’s Place, you should know about this much-needed non-profit: For 25 years, this charity has been breaking the cycle of homelessness among women through compassionate, innovative and award-winning programs. Their dedicated volunteers support women through their journeys from homelessness to permanent supportive housing. I told you Jesse and Joe were terrific guys! This gesture, along with the way they live their lives in general, is proof positive. Good luck with your fab new book! (To purchase the book, please click here and to view more photos, click here.)
 
Fall is the absolute BEST time in Old Town. I look forward every year to the Old Town Triangle’s annual get-together organized by the Mayor of Old Town, Shirley Baugher, and her crack staff at the Center. Last year, there was a chili cook-off and this year we had a meatloaf showdown! I was thrilled to be a judge along with Chef Ryan Poli of Perennial (who had brought his fabulous girlfriend, Celeb TV’s Kelli Zink), Alderman Vi Daley and Keith Thams.Winner Lucy Wojtas had tried out five versions before coming up with the winning recipe: Jalepeno and Red Pepper Stuffed Turkey Meat Loaf. And it was awesome! I would share the recipe with you but, apparently, it’s different every time she makes it! The Pied Pipers entertained the crowd and, for the first time, I saw someone play a SAW! The musician played it with a violin bow and the sound was absolutely haunting! There was also a playroom set up for the kiddies. There were more attendees this year than for any event in Old Town except for the Old Town Art Fair (scheduled next year for June 11th and 12th). The annual Holiday Party will be at the OTT Center on December 5th. Seen at the food fest this year were the Waterfields (Shannon, John, Scotty and Berit), Dan and Lucy Baldwin, Courtney Beemer, Chris Beer, Lynn Chaloupka, Chelsea Davis, Anne Giffles, Edie Scala Hampson, Bob Holmberg, Bill Lackland, Don McDougall, Barbara McGill, Shawna Owen, Stephanie Turken, Karen Pfendler, Masita Thams, Michael Warnick, Sue Apey, Alice Huff and Mary Morony among many others! For more info, please visit www.oldtowntriangle.com and click here for more pics!
 
And while we’re on the subject of food, I am trying something I’ve never tried before for Thanksgiving: a FRIED TURKEY! However, I am not foolish enough to try to do this myself – believe me, I know my limitations! – but when friend, Carlos Escabedo, suggested I order one from a friend of his, I jumped at the chance. When I heard more about his circumstances, I was thrilled to help: The economy hasn’t been kind to a lot of us and, apparently, Carlos’ friend is trying to make some extra cash frying turkeys to order with delivery for only $75! So, if you want to help out AND try something different for Thanksgiving, please give Joe Japczyk a call at 773-474-3919 or e-mail him at [email protected]. Gobble gobble!
  
I guess there might be an event with cuter attendees but I don’t think so! This year’s 7th Annual Tails in the City Halloween Pet Parade featured over 200 four-legged friends in all of their costume finery. They paraded down Delaware to Washington Square Park to compete for prizes and there was an exhibition of doggie agility from K9 University plus delicious $1 hotdogs from Downtown Dogs. There was lots of creativity, including my favorite: Chihuahuas dressed as Dorothy, the Tin Man and the Scarecrow! The judges, Bobbie Panter and Kathy Stevens, had a tough time deciding who would win in categories such as “Best Overall” (won by Blago and the Senate Seat), Most Glamorous (a pup dressed as a Victoria’s Secret model), Best Duo (a farmer with her pup dressed as a pea in a farmer’s market) among other cute stuff. Proceeds from the event went to PAWS Chicago. Congrats to Bruce Haas and Phillip Emigh, owners of Tails in the City, for all of the wonderful pet friendly events you bring to Chicago! Their next party will be on December 4th and 5th for holiday pics with Santa Claus. Keep ‘em comin’! :) (See more pics here!)
 
As you’re planning your holiday Christmas cards this year, please check with your favorite charity first to see if they offer them! In years past, I’ve just ordered them from Neiman’s (not that there’s anything wrong with this) but this time I am being more conscious of all of those many children, people and pets in need and am trying to make my money count. Ronald McDonald House offers some charming cards with images painted by the children and families they have helped. The cards come in a box of 24 for only $25. If you’re interested in more info or to order, please call Anne at 773-348-5322.  
 
And now some congratulations are in order! First up is Urban Prep founder Tim King, who has recently been named by People magazine as the “HERO OF THE YEAR! This annual award is bestowed upon individuals who “have found a way to fix the world around them—one life at a time.” And, Chicago’s own handsome, hunky Bally king, Brian Atwood, has been named “Shoe Designer of the Year” by the CFDA! Here’s a Halloween pic of Brian with uber stylist Rachel Zoe and friend Jake Deutsch dressed as Fashion Whores, what else?! Congrats Tim and Brian! :)

Speaking of fashion, Mary Ann Murphy, is one of the chicest women I know so it thrilled me to find out she has created her own design firm, House of MAM, which is a virtual lifestyle experience featuring her stunning designs and custom furnishings. And the best news of all is that you can see her glorious pieces at The Haute Launch Event on Thursday, November 11th, from noon until 5 p.m. at 1205 N. Astor! Hosts Hollye Jacobs, Lynne Bredfeldt and Whitney Lasky have assembled star designers such as Graff Jewelers and alligator handbag designer Alexandra Knight for this one-day-only event. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Dream Foundation, which makes dreams come true for terminally ill adults. So come out and enjoy a day of fashion with friends!  Please RSVP to [email protected].
 
Whew, another packed week of events around Chicago! I hope you’re enjoying our beautiful fall weather since we all know it won’t last long and I hope to “see” you next week! Also, I hope you visit my other Candid Candace sites, too, on Chicago Now, Facebook and Twitter!
 
Love,
Candace
[email protected] 
 
P.S. Globe trotting friends Rachel Schwanz (The Entertaining Co.) and Lynne Bredfeldt (Park Hyatt PR) brightened up the streets of Paris recently. They stayed at the beautiful Park Hyatt Place Vendome, visited hot spots Market, Plaza Athenee, Le Comptoir, Hotel Costes, the new Ralph’s in St.-Germain-des-Pres and Colette all the while looking like visions out of French Vogue! :)

Comments

[Playboy Playmates]

I haven’t been with a woman in 8 months, and I’m about to go crazy. If it weren’t for the pictures in Playboy, I would be walking around with a raincoat on. Let me tell you, there’s this one Playmate that really gets to me.

[business legal advice]

all posting is very sweet and wonderful..i like to there sometimes.

[Candace Jordan]

Dear Lynne! You are always so supportive with your comments and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it! I am glad to be your friend and glad to know you enjoy Candid Candace!!! Hope to see you soon!! :-) CJ

[Lynne]

Thanks for another great post Candace! I especially loved the piece on Hugh Hefner. I so wanted to attend that event but the meet & greet part had sold out by the time I got wind of it! Thanks for bringing it to me!