Thirty-five years ago, Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel made history in Chicago with their show “Sneak Previews,” later to become “Siskel & Ebert,” “Ebert & Roeper” and “At the Movies.” On January 21st, Roger made history again by bringing back one of the longest running shows in television history. The premiere party for “Ebert Presents At the Movies” was held recently at the Peninsula and it was a glorious affair in every sense of the word. Everyone who was anyone was there – all invited personally by Roger and his devoted wife, Chaz. The Red Carpet Girls welcomed guests as they stepped into a movie lover’s dream party. There were large movie posters in every corner, flashing strobe lights and a step-and-repeat with curtains just like the ones on Roger’s previous sets. Photographers were everywhere and there were even stars on the floor a la Hollywood Boulevard. I was thrilled to see my name there alongside Mayor Daley, Mayor-Elect Rahm Emanuel, Maggie Daley, Julee White, Carrie Birkel, Sonia Evans (Chaz and Roger’s daughter), Les Coney, the Peninsula’s Marc Anderson and Sugar Rautbord among others. So exciting! Happy invitees mixed and mingled in the lobby sipping Ebertinis and Ebert-O’-Tinis before the ballroom doors opened. Inside the grand room, you were transported back to old Hollywood where everything was bigger and grander than real life. Massive columns with faux flames shooting out from the top bore the name of Roger’s new show boldly down their sides. Beautiful displays of food filled every corner and the room was lit like one of the beautiful old movie theaters we all miss so much. It was a sight to behold…and then Chaz and Roger entered the room to wild applause! Chaz wore a beautiful flowing green gown with a matching ruffled shawl and Roger was dressed in his iconic white scarf and dark suit. Chaz led Roger to his place of honor in front of the stage and the show began. A trio of singers/dancers channeling The Supremes entertained the crowd while Roger happily clapped along. Marlene Siskel Eglitzen even took a turn with Roger around the dance floor! It was a joyous moment for everyone. Then Chaz took to the stage, or I should say commanded the stage. She has been such a source of strength for Roger and has helped him through so much. Her speech was eloquent and loving and included everyone important to them both. Alderman Ed Burke was up next and he thanked the Eberts on “behalf of the Mayor and the entire City Council” for remaining so true to Chicago by keeping all of their shows here. Indeed, they have had many offers to move the show elsewhere but Chicago is where their hearts are, luckily, for us! The new hosts of the show, Christy Lemire and Ignatiy Vishnevetsky, were introduced and you could tell from their onstage banter that they are the perfect choices. Both have an extensive knowledge of the world of film, obviously. I wish Chaz and Roger the VERY best on this new show, whose pilot was produced by Howard Tullman and Tribeca Flashpoint Academy. The show appears on WTTW Channel 11 Friday nights at 8:30 PM and repeated on Saturday morning at 11 AM. I will meet you on the balcony, Roger…WELCOME BACK!!!!! (To view ALL event pics, please click here.) Our Chicago fashion world just keeps growing! Recently, the Chicago Fashion Incubator introduced the 2011 Designers in Residence as well as celebrated the success of alumni designers at the LAUNCH/CFI pop-up shop grand opening event. Over 300 fashion-loving guests showed their support for the city’s local talent, celebrating the second year of the pop up store located on Level 5 of The 900 Shops on N. Michigan Avenue. My favorite DJ, Sye Young, spun stylish beats while Ford Models (with hair done by Mario Tricoci) showcased the 2011 designs with an informal fashion show. The 2011 class of designers include Concetta Cipriano, Shavanne Dorsey, Eric Kipp, Kahindo Mateene, Taneasha Prunty and Crystal Simms. Trunk shows will run through the end of April. For more information about the Chicago Fashion Incubator, please visit www.chicagofashionincubator.org. I didn’t miss one second of Princess Diana’s wedding and I don’t intend on missing the next Royal wedding, either! It has to be the wedding of the century between Kate Middleton and Prince William and I think they will live happily ever after, unlike his parents. I also think the fact that they’ve been together for so long – seven years! – will ensure this. I have a feeling William was making very sure not to make a mistake. They sure seem like the perfect match to me! So, if you’re a Royal nut like I am and are anxious to have instant updates on the wedding on April 29th, here is the 411: The official website of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s nuptials was recently launched and received almost two million hits in its first 24 hours! The site, launched by St. James Palace with the address www.officialroyalwedding2011.org, includes updates and background info, including details about the receptions, the wedding route and a chance to sign up to Clarence House’s Twitter feed. This website might also include a live feed from the wedding…oh boy! I can’t wait!!! There is a lot more to today’s reality stars than you might think. At least this is the case with former "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Dina Manzo, who founded Project Ladybug in 2007 with a wish to bring financial and emotional hope to children and their families who are undergoing rigorous medical treatments. Dina earned her wings when she launched her first fund at St. Joseph’s Regional Hospital in New Jersey. In 2010, the project was included in the acclaimed Sloan-Kettering and in December 2010 arrived in Chicago to Comer Children’s Hospital. Chicago’s first Ladybug Bash, “Treads and Threads,” will take place on Thursday, April 7th, from 7 - 10 PM at Grossinger City Autoplex, located at 1530 N. Dayton. That’s when Project Ladybug partners with Grossinger City Autoplex, Manny B & Co., and Chicago’s leading fashion designers for an evening of fashion, food and luxury with a presentation by AKIRA and a tasting from over 15 of the area’s top restaurants. There will be a “Pit Stop” for the men that will include a shoe shine, basketball competitions and online gaming. Tickets for this event are $60 and can be purchased by clicking here. Congrats Dina…we need more reality stars like YOU!
I don’t know of anyone on the planet who doesn’t love NBC’s "24/7" host Catie Keogh! She is truly one of the hardest working women I know and I love, Love, LOVE her show so when another friend of mine, Kathleen Henson of Henson Consulting, asked me if I would appear on a segment, I jumped at the chance. I was so honored to find it was a show about “Women Who Give Back” and included Lindsay Avner and Sonya Jackson. Lindsay is the founder of Bright Pink, which is the only non-profit national organization with an exclusive focus on prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in high-risk young women. Sonya Jackson is the Managing Director of Corporate Social Investment for United Airlines and the president of their Foundation. As you can see, I was in exalted company! We had a great taping at JW Marriott’s gorgeous VALEO Spa for Catie’s show, “24/7,” which airs at 12:30 AM Saturdays and six times a day on NBC Nonstop. Thanks so much for including me…it was a great day with great women! Well, I guess/hope there is room for another steakhouse in town since Michael Jordan’s Steak House will be here soon! Opening in late summer of 2011 inside the historic Intercontinental Chicago, the restaurant will be 6,300 square feet with seating for 160 plus seating in the bar. The restaurant will occupy the second floor dining room and first floor lobby bar space, replacing both Zest Restaurant and The Lobby Bar. Michael says, “I’m excited about bringing a Michael Jordan’s Steak House to Chicago, especially to the world famous Magnificent Mile. I’m already looking forward to dining here.” Oh boy, SECURITY PLEASE!!! I am sooooo excited about Victory Gardens Theater’s 2011 “Chicago Stories” fundraiser on Friday, May 13th, at the Four Seasons Hotel! I am proud to be a co-chair along with Anne Marie Peretz and Stephanie Pendexter for Artistic Director Dennis Zacek’s farewell gala. This event will be a special tribute to Dennis and will be hosted by another legendary Chicagoan, Bill Kurtis, who was also a former fellow “Chicago Stories” playwright! The night’s events will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live and silent auctions, a divine dinner in the elegant Grand Ballroom and plays written by two VERY notable Chicagoans: philanthropist Pam Crutchfield and Howard Tullman, president/CEO of Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy. The evening will close with a special tribute play to Dennis Zacek written by the VGT Playwrights Ensemble. There are also some surprises I can’t mention in case Dennis reads this! Tickets are $350 with Table Sponsorships beginning at $5,000. For tickets and more info, please call the fabulous Development Manager Kaye Oberhausen at 773-328-2146 or email [email protected]. I can’t wait to pay tribute to this beloved Chicago institution, Dennis Zacek! Internationally renowned conductor Chicago Symphony Orchestra Music Director Riccardo Muti is being honored with the Dushkin Award from the Music Institute of Chicago at its 81st anniversary gala on Wednesday, May 4th, at the Four Seasons. Chaired by Alexandra and John Nichols, the evening begins at 6 PM with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by an elegant dinner and awards presentation. Past recipients include Yo-Yo Ma, Leon Fleisher, Renee Fleming, Placido Domingo, Isaac Stern and Sir Georg Solti to name a few. Sandra and Jack Guthman will receive the “Cultural Visionary Award for Chicago.” Honorary Chairs for MIC’s 81st Anniversary Gala include Cindy Pritzker, John H. Bryan and Joan W. Harris, who were last year’s Visionary Award winners. Tickets are $550. For more info, please call 847-448-8327. I was so happy to be included in the intimate group invited by Louis Vuitton’s Director Garth Jackson to the Park Hyatt this week for a Moet Chandon tasting. It doesn’t get much better than this! Ten beautiful ladies sampled the top vintages with Moet’s Chef de Cave, Benoit Gouez. For the first time in Chicago, we tasted this venerable house’s 69th Grand Vintage, Moet Grand Vintage 2002. I’m not sure they picked the right “connoisseur” for this task since the last time I drank champagne was when I got sick on it at my bridal party 21 years ago but I plunged right in since this was an opportunity not to be missed! This rare vintage has been fermenting for seven years but it only took me seconds to knock down. Since I drink my Pinot Grigio with ice, I found the following information about an all new champagne coming out to be of particular interest. Recently in Miami, Moet introduced Moet Chandon Ice Imperial, that is INTENDED to be drunk with ice! It will be in an all white bottle. Congrats to Moet and to the cutest store director I know, Garth Jackson! To view more pics, please click here! Steve Starr has a legendary collection of film memorabilia and shared this fabulous photo of Elizabeth Taylor with me upon her sad passing. She had sent him her signature which I thought looks surprisingly childlike. She signed the slip of paper when she was 69. I think she was, and still is, the most gorgeous star I’ve ever seen. And pair her with the likes of a guy as sexy as Richard Burton and you can only imagine the fireworks! She embraced those stricken with aids before anyone else…what a grand lady. Special thanks to Jealous Magazine and reporter Nancy Plummer for including me in their fabulous new online magazine! Their mission is “to present original fashion, beauty, cultural and life-style content through a socio-political lens and capture the creativity and diversity of Chicago while promoting new and emerging talent across the nation.” I wish them the BEST in this endeavor! Check out my interview here.
Well, this is all for now! Thanks for checking in and I will “see” you next week with more of the lowdown on Chicago’s highlights!!!! In the meantime, here is something for all of you dog lovers! Love, Candace [email protected] P.S. Don’t miss Sarah Vargo’s next DIVA SERIES party on Thursday, April 7th, at JBar, located at 610 N. Rush, from 6-9 PM! Sarah’s Maven Promotions have teamed with the Aparecio Foundation and TCW Magazine to honor influential and successful women in business, PR, media, fashion, fitness, beauty, lifestyle and much more. Local divas will include Melissa Maynard De Kerch, Corri McFadden, Tamika Maria Martell, Carol Calacci, Michelle Elfvin, Anna Fong, Jessica Lindsay, Julie Blake, Nikia Jefferson and moi among many others. Please RSVP to [email protected]; I hope you can join me for this FASHIONISTA DIVA event!
Everyone was waiting in anticipation. I've never seen such a bank of photographers and press people outside of NY Fashion Week but this was the scene at top Chicago designer Borris Powell's first fashion show since winning the Oscar's Designer Challenge 2011! I was privileged to go backstage before the show to interview Borris and there it was, the winning gown, BLACK SWAN, along with its cousin, EVIL SWAN! Both gowns were breathtaking in black with feathers and intricate beading. The winning entry, Black Swan, was floor length but Evil Swan was shorter in front with a sweeping train in the back. I couldn't decide which one I loved more! When I asked Borris what the feathers were, he wisely said, "Borris feathers, of course!" You couldn't be happier for a guy as sweet as Borris to be winning all of this national and international attention for his prize-winning creations. He had a standing room only crowd for this show that also included designers Jenny Dombroski from EvLove Intimates and Ariel Simone from Adrienne Yancy. The beautiful jewelry was by Paoo and the show was produced by Rose Mandel of Mandel Productions. There was also a raffle which was one by the always adorable Dr. Stacie McClane! She won a replica of the BLACK SWAN!!! I was so jealous and happy for her all at the same time!!! The beautiful emcee for the evening was Vince Vaughn's mom, Shea Vaughn, who is also a top fitness trainer around town. I am so thrilled for Borris, who had a secret up his sleeve when I interviewed him: Stay tuned for a menswear collection in the fall/winter of 2012! Oh, the places he'll go…GOOD LUCK BORRIS!!! (Additional photos courtesy of Steve Starr and Daniel Tomei of Tutto Bene Photography…please click here to see ALL event photos.)
The Baton Show Lounge celebrated its 42nd anniversary recently with a private party at the club, located at 436 N. Clark. The room was filled with silver balloons and congratulatory flowers from well-wishers filled every inch of the bar. The club’s owner and my long-time friend, Jim Flint, opened the club using beer crates with plywood as a stage and now it is the “tops in the nation” with the best female impersonators in the world. Over the years, the club has entertained many celebs including Joan Crawford, Sammy Davis Jr., Carol Channing, Dinah Shore, Kirk Douglas, Lauren Bacall, Shirley MacLaine, Joan Rivers, Madonna and, most recently, Janet Jackson, who brought 25 of her dancers to the club and they clearly loved the show. The night before, Janet had invited several of the “girls” onstage with her at the Chicago Theater to do a number…what a thrill that must’ve been! I introduced tennis great Jimmy Connors and NY Housewife Alex McCord and her husband Simon to the show and they LOVED it, too! I think it’s the best entertainment in town and, on this anniversary evening, a new show was presented to wild applause. The costumes (many by entertainer Maya Douglas) and choreography by Harrison McEldowney are captivating and a must-see. Stars of the show include Chilli Pepper (who has been described as a Chicago institution like the Water Tower except with better jewelry), Mimi Marks (“The Body Beautiful”), Sasha Colby, Ginger Grant (who brought the house down with a Lady Gaga number), Victoria LePage, Sheri Payne and Maya Douglas. Showtimes are Wednesday through Sunday at 8:30 PM, 10:30 PM and 12:30 AM. For reservations, please call 312-644-5269. CONGRATS AND HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BATON! (To view ALL party pics, please click here!)
The Steppenwolf luncheon salute to Women in the Arts was held recently at the W Chicago Hotel. The room was packed with high powered women including Maggie Daley, Donna LaPietra, Jan Melk, Nora Daley, Helen Zell, Christie Hefner and Leslie Hindman to name a few. Artistic Director Martha Lavey conducted a spellbinding interview with honored actress and ensemble member, Martha Plimpton. Kurtis Productions created a terrific retrospective of her huge amount of work. This woman is the real deal…Martha spent her whole live in film and theater and does everything – sings, dances, acts and is charming on top of it all. What a complete bundle of talent! Martha even joked about still living in the NY apartment where she was raised: She laughed and said, “It’s rent controlled!” The 200-guest luncheon raised more than $126,000...what a great way to spend an afternoon!
I am thrilled to be a guest speaker at the upcoming “I’m Every Woman” expo on Saturday, March 26th at the Hilton Chicago, located at 720 S. Michigan Ave. from noon to 4 PM. This event will cater to every aspect of a woman’s life, including health, food, fashion, fitness, career, finance and entertainment. The goal of the event is to empower and educate women on health and wellness, entrepreneurship and personal goals. Attendees will enjoy numerous interactive workshops including info for starting a business, time management, finding a work-life balance and more. Other speakers will include publicist Dori Wilson, Liz Strauss (CEO Inside-Out Thinking), Natalie Martinez (NBC 5 news reporter), Jessica Zweig (founder of Cheeky Chicago) and Samantha Saifer (Director of Marketing for CS Magazine). For tickets (only $21!), please call 847-722-9940 or visit www.imeverywomanexpo.com. For more pics, please click here!
Speaking of big events, this one will be a GIANT! The Woman’s Board of the Art Institute will host a black tie dinner evening to celebrate Mayor Richard Daley and wife Maggie for their extraordinary contributions to the arts on Friday, April 15th beginning at 6:30 PM. in the Modern Wing. Gala co-chairs for this event are Anne Nelson Reyes and Betsy Bergman Rosenfield. Individual tickets are $1,500. For further info, please contact Mary Lou Perkins at 312-443-3905 or via email to [email protected]. Proceeds will support the educational mission of the Art Institute which reaches nearly 2 million people annually, more than 250,000 of whom are school children. Congrats Mayor Daley and Maggie…you will ALWAYS be Mayor and First Lady of Chicago to me!
The much anticipated Joffrey Spring Gala is right around the corner: Friday, April 29th! I hope you’ve begun your search for the perfect gown and tux! This year’s event will be an elegant black tie affair as witnessed by the exquisite photo of dancer Victoria Jaiani’s legs on the cover of the invite. Co-chairs Wendy Chronister and Courtney Thompson have planned an evening you’ll never forget at the magnificent Palmer House, located at 17 E. Monroe. The night begins with a performance at the Auditorium Theater followed by cocktails, dinner and dancing to Rich Daniels and the City Lights Orchestra. The program will feature a tribute to the beloved long-time supporter, the late Dr. David Kipper, as well as a performance by students of the Exelon Strobel Step-Up Program. Academy trainees of The Joffrey Ballet will perform a new work from Creative Force: the Joffrey’s Choreographers of Color Award winner. There will also be ONE live auction package offered before dinner begins. It will be a seven night journey to Bhutan followed by two nights on Phuket Island courtesy of Amanresorts plus airfare provided by United Airlines, the Joffrey’s official and exclusive airline. Tickets are $600. For more info and to reserve space, please call 312-386-8921 or [email protected]. See you all at the ballet! Oh, what a night we’ll have…
A sure sign that spring is around the corner is the arrival of the Antiques & Garden Fair at the Chicago Botanic Garden beginning on Thursday, April 14th, with a Preview Party from 6 – 10 PM. and running through Sunday, April 17th. Co-chairs Katherine Buehler, Tricia Hagenah and Jen Kasten have brought together over 100 exhibitors offering art, antiques, garden furnishings and jewelry from all over the world. This year’s theme is “Landscapes Transformed: Gardens of a New Era.” Sample gardens will be installed by Craig Bergmann Landscape Design, William Heffernan Landscapes, Mariana Landscape, Schmechtig Landscape and Maria Smithburg with Manfredini Designs. Preview party tickets are $200 and can be purchased by calling 847-835-6944 or visiting www.chicagobotanic.org/antiques.
Thanks so much to Elysabeth Alfano, executive producer and host of “Fear No Art Chicago,” for the wonderful feature she did on me and my art collections recently. I’ve known Elysabeth and her mother, Nancy, for a long time through our mutual attraction to the world of antique paperweight collecting. I am enthralled by these miniature orbs of glass and have been a long-time collector. She also highlighted some of our rare book collection. Elysabeth’s show, “Fear No Art Chicago,” goes behind the scenes to take the mystery out of the world of art. Her latest interview with actress Joan Cusack and Joyce Piven is riveting! The WTTW Channel 11 show schedule is Thursday, 3/31 at 10 PM, Sunday, 4/3 at 12 PM, Wednesday, 4/6 at 10:30 PM and Saturday, 4/23 at 11:30 PM. WTTW Prime will air on Friday, 4/1 at 4 PM, Thursday, 4/7, 4:30 PM and Saturday, 4/9 at 5 PM. Thanks to the shows sponsors, LH Selman Gallery, Disaster Planning and Response Art Rescue, Chicago Art Leasing and Columbia College Chicago, for recognizing and supporting this hard working, talented woman, my friend, Elysabeth Alfano.
Don’t miss an evening of GLAMOUR when Chicago’s own, designer Elda de la Rosa, presents her Spring/Summer 2011 collection at the chic and newly stylish Allerton Hotel, 701 N. Michigan, on Thursday, March 31st. The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 7:30 PM and the show starts at 8 PM. (If you haven’t visited the Allerton Hotel recently, you’re in for a delightful experience! The renovations are GORGEOUS!!) Congrats Elda…can’t wait to see your latest creations!!! Guest models include ABC 7’s Diana Palomar, WCIU 26’s Jeanne Sparrow and moi! Show production by Tracey Tarantino of ZZazz Productions. Please RSVP by March 25th to [email protected]. For more pics, please click here!
Love and flowers go hand in hand when Macy’s presents two big events at the end of this month. The Tower of Flowers Show begins on March 27th and runs through April 10th. Macy’s Visual Director, Jon Jones, has transformed this venerable space into a garden lover’s delight. I can’t wait to stop and smell the roses! On Wednesday, March 30th from 6 – 9 PM, love enters the picture at the Palmer House when Macy’s presents an exclusive runway show featuring their exquisite bridal gowns. The show will be held in the magnificent Grand Lobby and will include makeovers, tablescape ideas, Landau jewels and tasty treats from Take the Cake! RSVP to 312-274-2506 by March 28th. Click herefor more pics!
Well, this is the lowdown on Chicago’s highlights! I hope to see you somewhere fun around town soon!!
P.S. I hope you can join me for “The Red Hot Runway” fashion show on Tuesday, March 29th beginning at 8 PM at 618 S. Michigan Ave., Stage 2. This show, featuring 15 designers, will be presented by Columbia College Chicago and the Chicago Red Dress Party as a kick-off for the main event on Saturday, April 16th. Free admission! Dress to impress and please RSVP to [email protected]. (I will be judging so please come out and cheer on our local talent!!)
Every time I’ve attended an event at the Elysian Hotel, the staff greets you as if you’re visiting royalty. And this is exactly how this grand space makes you feel. The event was The Black Tie Ball benefitting Common Threads and it was an elegant and oh-so exciting affair. Guests were greeted at the elevator for the champagne reception as photographers flashed away. Everyone looked like they had just stepped out of the pages of Town & Country. The Small Threads assisted the servers in passing out delicious hors d’oeuvres while the Elysian’s Director of Operations, Attila Gyulai, and VP of Sales and Marketing, Joe Aguilera, kept a watchful eye. After the reception, fellow co-chairs Danny and Ann Wirtz, welcomed the intimate crowd of 100. Then handsome Australian and former "American Idol" contestant Michael Johns took to the stage. His beautiful voice transported the crowd as the candles twinkled on the tables underneath the dimmed crystal chandeliers. It was a beautifully surreal scene. Then Common Threads co-founder and artist, Jesus Salguiero, spoke and told the guests how the idea for this amazing organization came about. I was privileged to speak about my experiences with the Small Threads as well as introduce Executive Director Linda O’Keefe. Her eyes filled with tears when she spoke about the Small Threads saying their creed before every class. It was a moving moment. The courses were all prepared by famous chefs including Ria’s own Danny Grant who prepared a starter dish of scallops and octopus served with a Fumet Blanc. Chef Anita Lo from NYC prepared a slow-cooked egg with kabocha, maitake paired with Podda Classico Lo Annisa for the second course. Chef Michelle Bernstein from Miami introduced her famous sautéed cobia with Malaysian curry, coconut rice and plantains. The dishes were all fantastic but my favorite was Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s, which consisted of beer-braised short ribs, smoked greens and sweet potatoes. An exquisite dessert made with brown butter, huckleberries and cinnamon came courtesy of Chef Stephanie Prida. After dinner, the live auction began led by professional auctioneer Jeff Brown. There was a Blackhawks Bonanza package that was so coveted, it was doubled for a total of $17,000. A Silver Sea Cruise with Chef Art Smith brought $7,750 and was won by my tablemates, Katie and Jason McClenaghan. Rob Katz, co-owner of Boka Group, offered an amazing dining package for 12 that brought $8,750. The lucky winner was new board member Margaret Rainone! After the auction, guests moved to the stylish bar, Bernard’s, to mix and mingle with the chefs and recap this magical evening! Co-chairs for this event and World Festival were Danny and Anne Wirtz, Rama Dandamudi and Merita Tan and Chuck and me. Oh, what a night!
The festivities continued the FOLLOWING NIGHT when we celebrated the Sixth Annual World Festival in the gigantic United Club at Soldier Field! Seven hundred guests came to sample the delectable cuisine of 60 chefs who came from coast to coast to participate in this fundraiser to support the much needed programs of Common Threads. The evening began with a VIP reception that featured a darling Small Threads Fashion Show (produced by Tracey Tarantino along with Melissa Gamble). The fun, stylish outfits were courtesy of Bloomingdale’s (thanks Peggy Lanigan!) and made the kiddies feel so very special. And to top it off (pun intended), local designers created hats for them to wear for the finale promoting healthy eating. Designer Elda de la Rosa’s hat was a nod to the importance of seafood in your diet: Her hat had a complete dragon roll on top with chopsticks and crystal eyes and hand beading…GORGEOUS! Handsome Richie Porter won this hat in the auction that followed and I saw him wearing it all over the party afterwards! Designers Paul Sisti and John Schultz found inspiration in a trip to NYC. Their hats were covered in fresh fruit and veggies with hand weaving details. John had the big winner for the evening with his hat raising the most money. Other participating designers included Jermikko, Miriam Cecelia Carlson, Lauren Lein (whose own dress matched her charming creation), Horacio Nieto, Jonnie Rettele of Nonnie Threads and Anastasia Chatzka. After, the VIP party, guests dispersed into the crowd for food and fun. There was also a live and silent auction as well as a performance by K’Naan, who performed at the World Cup last year. One of my favorite DJs, Sye Young, played hot, hot mixes throughout the evening. The after-party followed at The James Hotel where the chefs and guests mixed and mingled. Over $350,000 was raised during this two-day event. Congrats to Executive Director Linda Novick O’Keefe and her remarkable team!! (Additional photos by Caitlin Saville. To view ALL event pics, please click here.) On this same night, Chicago’s first JW Marriott Hotel celebrated with its grand opening hosted by Chairman and CEO, J.W. Marriott, Jr. The event featured exclusive live performances by Emmy Rossum (singer/songwriter and star of Showtime’s new Chicago-based series, “Shameless”) as well as some of our city’s greatest talent including the Joffrey Ballet and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. DJ Kiss performed throughout the evening for 400 guests. Attendees also included Emmy’s “Shameless” co-star, Ethan Cutkosky, renowned architect Lucien Lagrange, plus everyone’s favorite man-about-town, Bill Kurtis. To view more event pics, please click here. (Photos by Mila Samokhina unless otherwise noted). On another night, hundreds of guests turned up at the Chicago Hilton to attend a Fashion Show Benefit for Little City. Neiman Marcus unveiled the latest trends for 2011 from collections that included Diane Von Furstenburg, Tory Burch, Oscar de la Renta, Escada, Valentino, Vionnet, Vera Wang, Marchesa, Badgley Mischka, Carmen Marc Valvo and alice + olivia among many others. Gorgeous jewels by Lana Jewelry twinkled from the Ford Models' necks and ears. The benefit brought together Chicago's most fashion-forward talent to present the latest spring and summer fashions while raising awareness for children and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities served by Little City Foundation. The event included cocktails and a sit-down dinner with fun raffle prizes as well. Co-chairs for the evening were Eleni Bousis and Susanna Negovan and the fashion show was once again produced by ZZazz Productions. Check out the fun pics by Caitlin Saville and Mila Samokhina here! What a whirlwind evening for "Macy's Chicago Takes Off" at the Park West recently! Lido des Boyz treated guests to a variety of performances that left you feeling like you'd attended 20 Broadway shows! Host Murray Hill was fabulous and kept the crowd on its toes with hilarious zingers while introducing the fantastic lineup for the evening including acts that ranged from sexy Can Can dancers to Polly the Prancing Poodle and everything in between! Co-chairs Kyle Heath and Dan Paterno, along with a very supportive committee, introduced the sell-out crowd to over 130 exciting volunteer entertainers and dancers who included Molly Callinan, Kim Hayes, Frenchie Kiss, Michelle L'Amour, Midnight Circus, Kelli Morgan and Juliet Petrus. The Chi-Town She Devils performed along with Lily Bouquet, D'Manda Donation, DiDa Ritz and Teri Yaki. It was such a fun-filled evening benefitting TPAN (Test Positive Aware Network). A huge congrats to TPAN's Bill Farrand and Rhett Lindsay for their dedication and hard work! Additional pics by Steve Starr. To view ALL event pics, please click here!
One of my favorite jewelers and the winner of this year’s CFDA “Accessory Designer of the Year” award, Alexis Bittar, is having a grand opening party for his newest retail store at 1710 N. Damen on Friday, March 25th from 6 – 9 p.m. Bittar says, “I draw my inspiration from a myriad of areas, from antique furniture to vintage fabrics to old classic films. Pieces from the 1800’s and 1900’s were so beautifully crafted. I’m always scouring antique shows to find interesting pieces to sell at my stores as part of my vintage jewelry collection.” For the interior design concept of his Wicker Park store, he drew inspiration from a scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest,” where Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint find themselves in the Drake Hotel. I think I could live in this jewel box of a store! Vivacious author Rima Suqi will also be signing copies of her latest book, “American Fashion Designers at Home.” To secure your place at this sure-to-be fantastic event, e-mail [email protected].
Congratulations to the six designers who have been chosen for the Chicago Fashion Incubator 2011 program! CFI will partner with the 900 North Michigan Shops on a pop-up store to celebrate the success of the alumni designers and to introduce these incoming designers with a dedicated retail store on Level 5. The Launch Party and fundraiser will be on Tuesday, March 15th from 6 – 8 p.m. Incoming designers include Concetta Cipriano, Shavonne Dorsey, Eric Kipp, Kahindo Mateene, Taneasha Prunty and Crystal Simms. So please come out to support our design community on Tuesday and shop the fashions from CFI designers past and present. To purchase tickets, $25, please click here. Over 150 guests attended the First Annual Martinis and Mutts fundraiser hosted by Dominique Scalise and Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions for the Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control. Dressed to impress, guests were greeted with champagne, cocktails, Swirlz cupcakes and appetizers at Proof Lounge. Chicago legends Bill Kurtis and Donna La Pietra joined in the celebration with Chicago Wolves players Jason Krog and Darren Haydar. Over $8,000 was raised for this first annual event for the FCACC. I love any event that helps our furry friends!!! (Pics by Caitlin Saville...please click hereto view more!)
The Four Seasons Hotel and Michigan Avenue Magazine hosted the “Definition of a Party” recently showcasing the key ingredients that define a good party. Four hundred guests filled the ballroom for an evening of cocktails, dancing and fashion amidst a clubby lounge scene created by Studio AG and XA. DJ Rock City spun the latest dance hits and NBC 5 meteorologist Ginger Zee served as emcee. There were Arthur Murray dance lessons, a fashion show from Saks Fifth Avenue, mixologist Adam Seger and creative bits from Four Seasons Executive Chef Kevin Hickey. Love the lounge vignettes!!!! Soooo cooool!
Hope you’re coping through the last gasps of winter…I am so ready for some sunshine!!! Here’s to a bright, happy SPRING!!!
P.S. Town treasure Victor Skrebneski will have an exhibition of his photographic works at Julia Buckingham Edelmann, located at 1820 W. Grand, on Friday, March 18th beginning at 6 p.m. To RSVP, e-mail [email protected] or call 312-243-9975. Hope to see everyone there!
