...PLUS IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SHOES FOR SERVICE CLUB AND SAKS, NATIONAL PUBLIC HOUSING MUSEUM BENEFIT CELEBRATES TOP PHILANTHROPISTS, DEFENDING HEF ON NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO, WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND MORE!
The Steppenwolf Theater’s Red or White Ball began as a simple wine tasting party – hence the name “Red or White” – in 2002 but it has now mushroomed into a must-attend event for the young professional crowd. The party at Architectural Artifacts on April 13th brought out more than 500 guests for a night of music, dancing, cocktails, food tastings and a silent auction. Ensemble members and honorary co-chairs Lily Mojekwu (star of Steppenwolf’s “fml: how Carson McCullers saved my life”) and Robert Schleifer (“The Heart is a Lonely Hunter” star) mingled with guests at the VIP reception along with Kathryn Erbe, star of “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” who also served as honorary chair. Steppenwolf Executive Director David Hawkanson welcomed the crowd and introduced co-chairs Kim Davis, Bryce Cooper and Dina Searle. The VIP portion of the evening included gift bags, special access to Steppenwolf artists, delectable tasting stations from Paris Club, ZED451, Fred’s, The Pump Room and drink stations from Barrelhouse Flat and Goose Island Brewery. The party continued in the main room where guests enjoyed signature red or white cocktails with more food samplings from Limelight Catering and a dessert station courtesy of Magnolia Bakery. A DJ kept the crowd moving and the photo booth provided memories from the evening. The silent auction was loaded with nearly 70 exciting packages that included a private party on a rooftop garden, a one-night stay and a round of golf at the Grand Geneva Resort plus the highlight, round-trip airfare to NY for a Broadway show plus a taping of “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” that sold for $4,700! Other notable guests in attendance included Steppenwolf ensemble member Alana Arenas, Fran Guinan, Jon Michael Hill, Mariann Mayberry and James Vincent Meredith, Carrie Coon (currently appearing at Steppenwolf in “The March”), host Finnigan of KISS-FM, ABC-7 reporter Eric Horng, Ben Pritzker, Jason More, Stephanie and Edward Linn, Stephen Cole, Chef Jean Tippenhauer, Chef Tim Graham, Chef Moosah Reaume, Kady Yon and Chef Kate Milashus. Partygoers grabbed late night snacks from the Wagyu Wagon before moving on to the after-party at Lady Gregory’s. The party raised $80,000 benefitting Steppenwolf for Young Adults, the theater’s nationally recognized arts education program which annually impacts more than 15,000 students, teachers and families. The Red or White Ball is the primary fundraiser presented by Steppenwolf’s Auxiliary Council, a community of more than 150 dynamic young professionals. Since its inception in 2000, the AC has raised more than $1 million in contributions. (Photos by Kyle Flubaker and Manocam Photography...to view ALL event pics, please click here!)
The Service Club of Chicago, with hosts Laurie Davis, Susanna Negovan and Maria Smithburg, presented the U.S. premiere of “God Save My Shoes,” a documentary about women and their relationships with their shoes starring Kelly Rowland, Fergie, Dita Von Teese, Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik, among others. Producer Thierry Dahler and director Julie Benasra flew in from Paris a night early to attend a dinner and Q & A with 30 fashionable ladies at Maria Smithburg’s lovely Streeterville apartment. This event was a pre-party for the screening that occurred the following night at the AMC Theatre. The film had only been shown in Paris and Dubai before this first U.S. screening. The Service Club of Chicago’s next big event will be the Mad Hatter Luncheonchaired by member Sherry Lee Holson at the Chicago Club on Thursday, May 10th. This event will include guest speakers and a hat contest; tickets are $100. The SC, one of Chicago’s oldest charitable organizations founded in 1890, donates 100 percent of money raised to its grant program which distributes funds to numerous non-profits around town.
Saks Fifth Avenue hosted one of the best in-store events I’ve attended in a long, long time. Watch312.com was the media sponsor for the evening and I emceed the “Well-Heeled Walk-Off” contest with “DishIT” host Amanda Puck serving as a judge along with Saks’ director of marketing Julie Selakovich and Francesca Moceri from Chicago Children’s Charities. (CCC received a portion of the proceeds from the evening as the event beneficiary.) The contestants tested out all of their best moves on the runway from dancing to model poses inspired by Zoolander. It was a riot and everyone had tons of fun all competing to win a pair of coveted Jimmy Choo shoes. In the end, two dynamic women scored perfect 10s from each judge to compete in the final walk-off. Everyone in the third floor 10022-SHOE Salon had chosen their favorite pairs that included sky-high heels to sequined ballet flats but only two ladies strutted their way to perfect scores. Julia Douglas and Colleen Richardson worked the crowd into a frenzy trying to win their chosen shoes...and when I asked for a show of applause from the crowd to see who they thought was the winner, it seemed to be a tie. It was all up to the judges now as they huddled together for the final decision. And THEY BOTH WON!!! It was a wise decision that brought a huge cheer from the Choo-loving crowd. Congrats to Julie Selakovich on a wonderful event for a great cause! Check out the fun on Watch312.com below and view more fun fotos here! :)
I attended a lovely event at Salvage One recently benefitting the National Public Housing Museum. The keynote speaker was Steve Pemberton, chief diversity officer and divisional vice president for Walgreens and author of “A Chance in the World: An Orphan Boy, a Mysterious Past, and How He Found a Place Called Home.” I highly recommend this book – it’s an inspirational story that crosses generations and cultures but specifically speaks to those who have had the odds stacked against them. (Steve is a fascinating man who spent most of his young life in foster care.) Three renowned philanthropists were also honored including Ford Foundation president Luis Ubinas, president of the Ford Foundation, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and founder of Universal Companies Kenny Gamble and MacArthur Foundation VP Julia Stasch. Chaired by Greg Cameron, Reuben Cannon, Pam Cullerton and Regina Taylor, the event was “An Afternoon of Good Times” that raised money for the National Public Housing Museum coming to the site of the Jane Addams Homes on W. Taylor Street in June. The Museum is dedicated to interpreting the American experience in public housing from across the nation. (For more info, please visit www.nphm.org.) I loved Greg Cameron’s closing remarks: He quoted Winston Churchill, saying, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” Amen to that, Greg! (Photos courtesy of Brian Powers of B. Powers Photography.)
Thanks to “Windy City Live” for having me back to discuss upcoming events! Check out the fun surprise at the end, too! (See video below.) Also, special thanks to WBEZ/National Public Radio for my recent interview with Steve Edwards, host of “The Afternoon Shift.” I shared the airwaves with Steven Watts, professor of history at the University of Missouri and author of “Mr. Playboy, Hugh Hefner and the American Dream” and DePaul professor Carolyn Bronstein, author of “Battling Pornography: The American Feminist Anti-Pornography Movement, 1976-1986.” It was a fun time talking about my Playboy days and defending Hef from the feminists...which seems to be an ongoing battle that just won’t go away...listen here and see the Windy City Live segment below!
And another thank you shout-out to Hillary Sawchuk and Kelly Kane of “Drink With Chicago” for another fun interview at RL! We discussed everything from, “Did I date Hef?” to “What’s the best way to meet the right guy?” Thanks to photographer Natalie Probst for the wonderful photos, too! Check out the article here!
That’s all for this week but I hope to see you here same time next week! In the meantime, enjoy this popular video about just how far a little creativity can go! :)
P.S. Are you following the Ronald McDonald House at Lurie Childrens’ Countdown? The world’s largest House will be opening on June 26th and, so far, has had lots of familiar faces participate in the countdown including Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook of the Blackhawks, actor Colin Egglesfield, former Chicago Bear Greg Olsen, pro golfer Chip Beck, former “Bachelorette” Jen Schefft, Lisa Dent and Ramblin’ Ray on US99.5 mornings, ABC-7 sports’ Mark Giangreco, Stefen Holt and Alicia Roman from NBC5 and Chef Art Smith, Jesus Salguiero and Linda O’Keefe of Common Threads! Check here to see who is represented today! Can’t wait to celebrate the World’s Largest Ronald McDonald House!
...PLUS SWAROVSKI PRESENTS “THE WALK,” STYLE NETWORK’S “CHICAGOLICIOUS,” THE DINNER PARTY, BOYS & GIRL’S CLUBS’ YOUTH OF THE YEAR, HEF'S BD, 300 FEET OF JOFFREY DANCER FABRICE CALMELS (NOT ENOUGH!), THE RED DRESS PARTY, A SMALL-DOG-ONLY PARTY AND MORE!
Urban Gateways’ artists were the highlights of the evening for its annual Art for All Gala held at Venue One. Two hundred fifty guests attended this benefit to introduce the arts into the lives of children in Chicago. Co-chair Eric McKissack said, “Cheryl [McKissack] and I were very pleased to co-chair this event with Nick and Susan Pritzker. Urban Gateways is near and dear to all of us. The work of UG as a pioneer and leader in arts education helps to develop the creative potential of more than 100,000 young people a year in Chicago.” The night began with a cocktail reception and silent auction that featured the artwork of many talented UG artists. There were original works by Karolina Gnatowski, Jeff Maldonado and Kate Walsh. James Jankowiak donated an abstract acrylic on canvas while Nicole Beck created a steel maquette of one of her public sculptures at Dubuque’s Grand River Center. (Some other auction items included an “instant memory wine cellar” with personal notes affixed to each bottle that sold for $4,500.) After the guests had perused the auction offerings, emcee and president and CEO of the Better Government Association Andy Shaw took to the stage and stated, “Urban Gateways provides art experiences that the public schools can’t offer. In a perfect world, this would all be done there. They’re not doing what must be done. They’re not stepping up.” Andy is not afraid to speak his mind and always tells it like it is – so refreshing! And then the highlight of the evening: the live performances by Urban Gateways touring artists! First up was Elements Contemporary Ballet, founded in 2005 by artistic director Mike Gosney. These elegant dancers combined the beauty of classical technique with the intensity of innovative contemporary dance. Young Chicago Authors’ Louder Than a Bombpoets held the audience in the palm of their hands as they recited their views of the world. Malcolm Lundy’s poem, “Letter to My Unborn Daughter,” was a touching and cautionary tale about what he wants his future daughter to know about life and men especially. “You are preordained to despise your origins and me.” When speaking of future suitors, he said they “inhale virginities and exhale excuses.” He ended the poem with “my princess, never lose your fairytale endings. I pinky promise to be a great father.” Needless to say, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. A female poet with the single name of George delivered a powerful poem called “My Father’s Promises.” Lamar Jordan’s “Be Step” poem spoke about the joys of this dance form calling it “the choreography of kings.” If you’re not familiar with Louder Than a Bomb, Jon Siskel created a fantastic film by the same name that I highly recommend. The premise surrounds the competition. Every year, more than 600 teenagers from 60-plus Chicago area schools gather for the world’s largest youth poetry slam, a competition known as Louder Than a Bomb. Founded in 2001, Louder Than a Bomb is the only event of its kind in the country – a youth poetry slam built around teams. Rather than emphasize individual poets and performances, its structure demands that kids work collaboratively with their peers – presenting, critiquing and rewriting their pieces. To succeed, teams have to create an environment of mutual trust and support. For many kids, being a part of such an environment in an academic context is life-changing. The movie is spellbinding just like these young poets were on this night. The next act, a nationally recognized dance crew founded by UG teaching artist Leida “Lady Sol” Villegas, brought the crowd to its feet. FootworKINGz performed a high-energy dance number that defied gravity. They have appeared on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew.” You really have to see them to believe it. Guests seen mixing and mingling included Linda Johnson Rice, Abe and Angela Thompson, Valerie and Tyronne Stoudemire, Theaster Gates, Dawoud Bey, Stephanie and Gary Cole, Michelle Askew, Tarrah Cooper, Kay and Jim Mabie, Ruth Horwich and Judith Venturino. Urban Gateways is one of the largest and most comprehensive arts education organizations in the country and a recipient of the White House “Medal of Arts.” For more than 50 years, UG has brought the arts into the lives of millions of children in Chicago. They provide high-quality, customized programming before, during and after school to more than 80,000 Chicago-area youth each year in the areas of literary, media, performing and visual arts. For more info, please visit www.urbangateways.org. (Photos by Caitlin Saville Collins.)
Swarovski recently hosted a cocktail reception at its Michigan Avenue flagship boutique to view the unique window installation created by grad students of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago mentored by Nick Cave, professor and chair of SAIC's fashion design department. Swarovski donated the window space and jewelry for the installation as part of its Presenting Sponsorship for Fashion 2012 and The Walk 2012, which will be held on Thursday, April 19th. The collaborative design was created by KC Winter, Kristina Sparks, Joe Leamanczyk, Justin LeBlanc and Anna Kim and inspired by Swarovski's spring jewelry collection. One hundred thirty guests attended this reception including Chicago Street Style’s Amy Creyer, Emma Arnold, Kelly Zink, Amanda Wolfson, Erica Strama, Ellen Sandor and Shirley and SAIC President Walter Massey. At The Walk 2012, the presentation of the SAIC Legend of Fashion Award will be presented to designer Cynthia Rowley and her husband, Bill Powers, by SAIC adjunct faculty member/critic Jerry Saltz. Rowley said, “As an alumna of SAIC, this award has a very special meaning to me and Bill. We both believe that a marriage between fashion and art is something to strive for in the 21st century, and we hope that future fashion and design students continue to draw inspiration from both the runway and the gallery.” The 78th annual fashion show will feature more than 300 original garments in a tented venue in Millennium Park. Seniors in the SAIC’s fashion design department will create complete collections of five garments; juniors will show three and each sophomore will present one avant-garde look in muslin. The show will be presented three times throughout the day before a final evening presentation with more than 70 Factor Runway models strutting down an 80-foot runway inside a 15,000-foot tent. The 9 a.m. show is a general admission dress rehearsal and tickets are $40, the noon and 3 p.m. shows are also general admission seating with tickets priced at $75 and the main event is $500 and includes a cocktail reception and elegant post-show dinner on the rooftop terrace of the Harris Theater. For more info, please call 312.499.4190 or visit www.said.edu/fashionshow. (To view ALL event pics by Caitlin Saville Collins, please click HERE!)
The dynamic cast from the local reality show, “Chicagolicious,” is still hard at work filming segments around town. Their latest location was at the River West hotspot Sepia located at 123 N. Jefferson. Stylists at AJ Johnson’s Salon, located at 684 W. Randolph, are starring in this upcoming “Jerseylicious” spinoff and just finished another segment at Scoop NYC where they offered free hair and makeup to the public. This drama will showcase the salon’s hairstylists, makeup artists, salon manager and marketing director and their crazy antics at this close-knit salon that caters to a high-profile clientele. (Jennifer Hudson, Iman and Angela Bassett have all been AJ-ized.) Cast members include hair stylists Valincia Saulsberry, Howard Godfrey andMaCray Huff, salon manager Niki Robinson, makeup artists Katrell Mendenhall and Austin Maxfield and marketing director Q Lacey. Even AJ’s son, Ari, appears in some segments along with Julie Darling, Liza Brooks and Jenny Sepulveda. Another segment has been filmed at the Stan Mansion but I can’t tell you anymore (we all signed confidentiality agreements) but suffice it to say, I have some great pics to share by Helena Rafeyan! I wish these lovable locals all the best and hope their hard work pays off! Stay tuned and watch for “Chicagolicious,” premiering in June on the Style Network. (To view ALL pics from this fun event, please click HERE!)
Another local production created by Fear No ART’s Elysabeth Alfano is getting rave reviews with her new online show called “The Dinner Party.” This live show is filmed with a five-camera feed at the Mayne Stage, located at1330 W. Morse, before a studio audience on the last Monday of every month. Elysabeth invites three to four creatives (artists, inventors, entrepreneurs, etc.) to a dinner created by a guest chef and over food, wine and a few impromptu performances, the conversations flow. Viewers and audience members (who share in the food tastings) can tweet questions and win prizes if their tweets are picked. On Monday, April 30th, Chef Paul Kahan, “Saturday Night Live” alum Nora Dunn, former “Project Runway” contestant and “All Stars” hopeful Peach Carr and Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s Lane Alexander will meet at “The Dinner Party.” The evening will also include a performance by the dance troupe BAM, illustrations by artist Rosemary Fanti and set paintings by Michael O’Briant. The evening ends with an open cocktail party with artists and attending audience members. For more info, please visit Fear No ART's website and to see blues legend Billy Branch singing “Hoochie Coochie Man” on a recent segment, click here! The show was recently chosen as one of the top five in the Tribune’s feature article about the best variety-type shows in the city – WOWZA! Good luck, Elysabeth: You are one of the hardest working women in showbiz and I know your new show will be a huge success!
I just love the wonderful work that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago do for our kids! They recently honored 17-year-old Nora Martinez, a General Robert E. Wood club member, as its 2012 Youth of the Year at an awards ceremony at Navy Pier. Martinez lovingly refers to her club located in South Lawndale as “My Little World,” the place that gave her support to achieve her goals in academics and athletics and inspired her to give back to her community. During the speech competition, 10 semi-finalists representing clubs throughout Chicago, shared their challenges, hopes and heartfelt experiences as BGCC members. Besides Nora, members at the event included Michel Lopez, Odalys Garcia, Lucy Onoh, Dajanee Tate, Jeremy O’Brian, Jose Gonzalez, Vincent Poole-Oliphant, Darius Smallwood, Jonathan Pittman, Briana Burtley and Brittany Barraza. Honorary Chairman of the Corporate Board of Directors Mayor Rahm Emanuel said, “Nothing is more important than our investment in our children and striving to put every one of them on a path to success.” Martinez is currently the vice president of the Keystone Club and volunteers for multiple service events in her community. Martinez has even hosted service events at her club and brought together a group of her friends to raise money for Children’s Memorial Hospital. BGCC provides services through 16 locations for 10,000 children each year. Congrats, Nora!! (For more info, please visit www.bgcc.org.)
Playboy’s Hugh Hefner had a very special 86th birthday party recently, surrounded by admirers at his Holmby Hills mansion for the screening of his favorite film, “Casablanca.” They dressed in costume for the occasion, and after the screening, shared champagne and caviar by candlelight in the dining room that had been converted into Rick’s Café. Hef was presented with a special birthday cake which had his face superimposed on Humphrey Bogart’s body from the original film poster. Happy birthday Hef and I wish you many more happy occasions as “time goes by.”
Pet lovers should NOT miss this party to benefit Annie’s Little Angels Small Breed Dog and Cat Rescue on Sunday, May 6th, at Chicago Party Animals, located at 1133 W. Fulton Market from 1 to 4 p.m. Hosted by Chicago’s newest canine clothing and accessory line, Perry Dog, this event will be the first in a series of benefits called “Perry Dog Presents Perry to the Rescue Party.” This party will cater to tiny canines (less than 30 lbs.) with massages by Canine Massage Chicago, nail trims by Pet Care Plus and lots of treats. Julia Morel, who was inspired by her rescue Chihuahua Perry, co-founded Perry Dog in 2010. Her mission is to raise money for animal welfare rescue groups with the first benefitting Annie’s Little Angels. Tickets are $10 per dog and admission for humans is FREE! For tickets and more info, please visit www.perrydogchicago.com.
Chicago’s second annual “Red Dress Party” will be held at the Joffrey Ballet Studios, located at10 E. Randolph, on Saturday, April 21st, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Beverly McClellan of “The Voice” has been confirmed to perform with GMA’s weekend (and former NBC Chicago) meteorologist Ginger Zee serving as emcee. The evening will begin with a decadent VIP red carpet reception hosted by Chicago’s own Miss Lucy Foozie at 8 p.m. followed by Beverly’s inspirational performance at 10:30 p.m. The only rule for the evening is that all guests must wear red. The Red Dress Party is dedicated to both raising awareness for the HIV/AIDS movement and funds for organizations that provide vital community services. I was proud to co-host this event last year with NBC’s Marcus Riley and it is a must-attend, fun-filled party for a great cause! Chair Kyler Ashton Powell and his dynamic committee are working hard to make this event something very memorable and I know it will be! Tickets begin at $100 and can be purchased by visiting www.chicagoreddressparty.org. To see the fun from last year’s event on Watch312.com, see below!
Watch for an exciting art installation coming the first week of May to the riverfront beneath the Trump Tower! Anyone who is a fan (and who isn’t?!), of the dashing 6’6” Joffrey dancer Fabrice Calmels will love this! Renowned Joffrey photographer Herbert Migdoll has created a 300-foot long and 15-foot high photo of Fabrice swimming!!!! I can’t wait to see this and wish it could be permanent but sadly, it will only be up through July 7th. I can’t wait to ogle, I mean see, this fantastic artwork of much-loved Fabrice! Congrats to Herb and The Joffrey Ballet for yet another “first” for Chicago! (THIS HAS JUST BEEN NIXED BY TRUMP...DETAILS TO FOLLOW...Je suis desolee!)
The countdown to the grand opening of the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House has begun! Only 69 more days until the House at 211 E. Grand Ave. opens its doors on June 26th and I’m joining in to help! Each day on their website, www.RonaldHouseChicago.org, and on their Facebook and Twitter they’re featuring a new Countdown Photo of a “famous face or place” (their words, not mine) in Chicago and today, they have an adorable puppy! (I was proud to be #70 yesterday). They’re encouraging the city to join in on the fun, by downloading your own number card here, and posting your photos to their Facebook page – hundreds have already posted their pics! And if you have a cute pet pic, please post that! Don’t forget to tweet about it using the hashtag #86DayCountdown! For more info, please click here!
I am on sensory overload thinking about all of these great happenings in the greatest city in America! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing about it! Have a great week and I will see you here next time, I hope! (And don't forget to sign up for Watch312's VIP Club here and see the new video here! Lots of gift giveaways to come plus some of my favorite spots around town!)
...PLUS ALLIUM’S OPENING (REALLY THIS TIME, NO KIDDING!), JOFFREY’S GRAND GALA, KELSEY GRAMMER’S HUGO HONOR, BEBE’S FIRST BRIDAL SHOP, EVENING IN BLOOM, BIRTHDAY SHOUT-OUTS, COMMON THREADS’ COME PAINT IT BLACK TIE GALA, “ROUTE 66” FLOWER POWER, MERCHANDISE MART’S GLOBAL ANTIQUE SHOW AND TWO NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEOS!
If you missed this year’s fourth annual Fleurotica Fashion Show, please put it on your calendars NOW for next year! I’ve never seen anything quite like this show which benefitted Garfield Park Conservatory with all of the designs created from flowers, leaves, moss and any other type of plant material imaginable. The backstage action was almost as exciting as the runway with designers scrambling to get the last petal glued on before the show began. I loved seeing the stunning wedding gown floating down the runway by Flower Petal. The Virgin Mary was certainly a show-stopper too with the model clasping her hands in prayer before she walked off the stage. And the tulip skirt was too darling for words by Whole Food Market South Loop. But I’m getting ahead of myself...the cocktail reception was delightful, too, with some of the best food tastings I’ve sampled in a long, long time. Marcello’s served turkey, artichoke and sun-dried tomato paninis. Phil Stefani’s was dishing out delicious Korean noodles with bok choy and mushrooms in a soy-ginger sauce. Kenmare Catering couldn’t keep the blue shrimp coming fast enough! One of the highlights was Goose Island’s clever food and beer pairings: Pulled pork was infused with their latest brew called Pepe Nero and salmon was soaked in Sofie beer. Beyond Events was serving six kinds of bruschetta and Wishbone Restaurant had a line every time I looked so I’m not sure what they were serving! A five-piece band, Visions, played while guests perused the extensive silent auction offerings. Soon, we were all summoned to the second level of Venue One where the show was about to begin. Participating designers included Flower Child, A Stem Above, Zuzu’s Petals, Ildiko Phillips Designs, Natural Beauties Florals, Luxe Floral Chicago, Flower Petal, Anna Held, Scarlet Petal, Blumgarten & Co., Stem Line, Green Jean’s and Whole Foods Market South Loop. Even real life fashion designer Peach Carr showed a stunning creation titled “Driving Miss Daisy” to wild applause, with styling and makeup by AJ’s Salon (who was there filming his “Chicagolicious” reality show). Judging was difficult with all of the breathtaking designs but Borris Powell, Dennis Remer, Christy Webby and Adam Schwerner seemed to have a lot of fun doing it and awarded “Best in Show” to Blumgarten & Co.’s Lance Larsen. Darling LeeAnn Trotter (NBC 5 entertainment reporter) returned as emcee this year and did a great job, of course! Who doesn’t love LeeAnn?! She introduced the president of Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, Eunita Rushing, who reminded us that all proceeds from this event will help to rebuild the roof of the Conservatory which was damaged by a freak hailstorm last summer. (Sixty percent of the roof was destroyed in the Fern Room, Show House and Desert House.) There was also a live auction that included a Jamaican getaway that sold for $2,500, a Chicago Stay-Cation that sold for $1,750, and a Taste of Chicago package and a yacht experience that included dinner for eight – all included in the more than $80,000 that was raised for the Conservatory. Opened in 1908 and designed by noted landscape architect Jens Jensen, the Garfield Park Conservatory is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Please see my fun Watch312.com video below and to see ALL event photos by Caitlin Saville Collins, please click here! (For more info, please visit www.garfieldconcervatory.org.)
The recent grand opening party for the new Allium restaurant attracted an overflow crowd of 600 foodies and fashionistas to the seventh floor of the Four Seasons recently. Host for the night was funnyman Jeff Garlin (see our interview on Watch312.com below). This American restaurant with a farm-to-table menu is by Chef Kevin Hickey whose inspiration was his multi-cultural neighborhood in Chicago where he grew up. The menu features Tallgrass beef (in a brilliant collaboration with CBS’ Bill Kurtis), game bird sausage, suckling pig flat bread, Wagyu beef short-rib sliders, bison tartare, Chicago-style hotdogs, Wisconsin walleye, chorizo cheese chips, oysters, lamb neck agnolotti and crab fritters to name just a few of the delicious offerings. Allium, a name derived from Latin origins, meaning “onion,” pays homage to Chicago whose name comes from the Native American “Shikaakwa” or “wild onion.” The restaurant’s beverage program also echoes the restaurant’s commitment to American artisan producers. The beer list is strictly Midwestern, including the limited-release Allium Roseus, a Belgian red ale created by Chef Hickey and Goose Island’s head brewer, Jared Rouben. The entire renovation of the Four Seasons by Brayton Hughes is one of relaxed elegance with artwork fit for a museum including several Warhols. It’s a must-go! I was proud to be a co-host along with Monika Dixon, Toni Canada, Alexis Cozzini, Vince Anzalone, Lonnie Rodriguez, Jerry Azumah and Susanna Negovan. I hope you enjoy my Watch312.com video of this fabulous night in Chicago! (For more info, please visit www.alliumchicago.com and to see ALL event photos, please click here!)
I am so excited to share the news about this year’s Joffrey Ballet Celebration Gala on Sunday, May 6th at the historic Palmer House Hilton, located at17 E. Monroe. This year’s event will be a tribute to the Joffrey’s dynamic Women’s Board who have raised a staggering $16 million in ten years for the Joffrey, making them the largest single contributor to this organization! The night will begin with a special performance at the Auditorium Theatre beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. Afterwards, trolleys will whisk guests to the Palmer House where a cocktail reception will begin in the State Ballroom around 7:30 p.m. The Rich Daniels Orchestra will provide elegant background music to start our evening off in style. A special commemorative tribute video will be presented by co-chair Donna LaPietra of Kurtis Productions with a very clever surprise thrown in. The Arpino Angel Awards will be given to the producers of the film “Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance” and they include Jay Alix, Una Jackman and Erica and Harold Ramis. And for the first time, we are partnering with the Joffrey Auxiliary Board for an exciting “Grand Finale” party in the Empire Room. For this part of the evening (starting at 8 p.m.), tickets will be sold online ($95) and also sold at the entrance ($110) and will include a DJ, fun food, raffle prizes and more. If you buy your ticket for the Grand Finale party online, you can also see the performance! I hope I will see ALL of you there! For Gala tickets/info and Grand Finale tickets/info, please click here! (I am thrilled to be a chair along with Helen Melchior. Our co-chairs are Joan Colmar, Mary Jo Basler, Donna LaPietra, Leslie Hindman, Jan Melk, Mary Pat Burns, Victoria Holdren, Pamella Roland DeVos, Nancy Gottlieb Bauer, Liz Sharp, Kate Benson and Anne Kaplan.)
Chicago’s springtime coming out party, “An Evening in Bloom,” previewed at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show on March 9th at Navy Pier. Twenty-five stylized gardens were featured this year with proceeds benefitting Chicago Gateway Green and Friends of the Parks. In keeping with this night’s theme, which reflected the influence of fashion and design in floral, plant and landscape creations, models strolled through the show wearing new creations by local young designers from the Chicago Fashion Incubator. Cast members from the NBC daytime drama “Days of Our Lives” had a featured garden in the show and greeted guests as they sampled fine wines and hors d’oeuvres from Harry Caray’s, Dirk’s Fish and Gourmet Shop and Cyrano’s Bistrot Wine Bar, among others. Highlights from this year’s show featured a White House vegetable garden and a lifestyle rooftop garden. Co-chairs for this night were Lee and Sandy Golub. If you missed this delightful show that serves as our harbinger of spring, be sure to mark your calendars for next year!
Don’t miss bebe’s first bridal salon in the U.S. at 109 E. Oak St.! Designer Rami Kashou (a “Project Runway” finalist and “All-Star” contestant) created a collection that covers all price points and is modern, glamorous and feminine. His exquisite couture styling uses luxurious fabrics such as silk taffeta, silk stain, charmeuse, georgette, organza and chiffon to offer something for even the most finicky bride-to-be! I interviewed him for an upcoming new segment on Watch312.com called “Candid Candace Recommends” and you will soon see why! (I will also be offering a $150 gift certificate for our Watch312 VIP Club in the segment so please look for it!) :)
Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival will present actor Kelsey Grammer, currently starring in STARZ’ hit show, “Boss,” with the Career Achievement Award at the 48th Hugo Television Awards Ceremony on April 19th at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago. Hosts will be Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini of "Windy City Live." Best known for his award-winning role as Dr. Frasier Crane, among countless other roles, the evening’s tribute to actor/producer/director Kelsey Grammer will include highlights from his illustrious television career in addition to the Career Achievement Award presentation. Grammer has won four Emmys, two Golden Globes, a SAG Award, an unparalleled 16 Emmy nominations, eight Golden Globe nominations, 16 SAG nominations and NOW a Hugo! Awards will also be presented to the year’s winning television commercials and productions, as well as the Commitment to Excellence Award to OPTIMUS. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased at www.chicagofilmfestival.com or by calling 312-683-0121.
“Come Paint it Black Tie” on Thursday, May 3rd, for Common Threads' elegant benefit as they merge classic rock ‘n’ roll vibes (music by JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound) with an upscale black-tie dinner created by some of the nation's finest celebrity chefs. Culinary rock star chefs Jose Garces, Bill Telepan, Paul Kahan, Marc Vetri, Jared Van Camp and Michael Laiskonis will serve an iconic menu at Chicago’s newest hotspot, Nellcôte, located at 833 W. Randolph. Chef Jared Van Camp and his Element Collective team created Nellcôte, a mirror of Villa Nellcôte, an ornate 16-room mansion on the waterfront of Ville Franche-sur-Mer in the Côte d'Azur region of southern France. The evening’s theme originated from the Rolling Stones album “Exile on Main Street,” which was recorded at the villa during the summer of 1971. Come join CT’s Chef Art Smith and Jesus Salguiero along with Executive Director Linda O’Keefe as they take you on another exciting culinary journey to benefit Common Threads! (For more info and tickets, please click here!)
The International Antiques Fair is coming back to town on April 27th with more than 100 dealers from around the world! The Private Preview Party will kick-off this event which runs through April 30th at the Merchandise Mart from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The event will benefit the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and will feature live music, refreshments and early bird shopping. For more info and tickets, please click here.
The Garden Guild of Winnetka will host “Route 66 – A Garden Club of America Flower Show” on May 16th and 17th. The show will interpret this iconic piece of American history with floral designs, horticulture and photography. More than 75 entries from the Garden Guild and other GCA clubs will incorporate a theme of the historic Route 66 highway, also known as America’s Main Street. Built in the late 1920’s, this highway stretched from downtown Chicago more than 2,000 miles westward to California. To “get your kicks,” please click here.
And now for some birthday wishes! Man-about-town with a real job, Paul Iacono, celebrated his birthday on March 29th, with an intimate dinner for friends at RPM Italian Restaurant. Guest Rachel Schwanz of The Entertaining Company did an outstanding job of decorating the private room with beautiful flowers and candlelight much to the delight of Gayle and Jim Anthony, Saira and Chris Cooper, Rhonda Sanderson (who was also celebrating a birthday), William Holdeman, Jennifer Sutton, Cindy Burns, Paul’s sweet dad Ralph Iacono, Monika and Geoff Dixon, Eva Pawlus, Diana Iacono and Cadey and Andrew Hershoff. May it never end, Paul! :) (To see ALL party pics, please click here!)
Another birthday shout-out goes to the ageless, beloved and beautiful Hedwig Golant! Her unique party was held at Ten Pin, where guests tested their bowling skills...some were good, some not so good but everyone had a great time! Love you, Hedwig!
Dear friend and all-around terrific designer, Peach Carr, needs your help! Please tweet and Facebook your friends and ask them to help make her a “Project Runway All-Star” for next season. She sure deserves it! Please vote here, it’s so easy!
WHEW, that’s a lot of news this week! I hope you’re all enjoying the first signs of spring and that you will visit me again next week!
P.S. Don’t miss designers Omar Villalobos and Gordana Rasic’s fall/winter fashion show, “The Elegance of Maturity” from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 13th at Room 1520, located at 1520 W. Fulton. Both emerging designers have shown during NY Fashion Week and are officially launching their collection here in Chicago! A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Arts of Life. For tickets and more info, please click here! Congrats, Omar and Gordana!
