...PLUS PUBLIC CHICAGO CHANNELS STUDIO 54, FRIENDS OF CONSERVATION’S WILD GALA, CHEEKY CHICAGO’S FOURTH ANNIVERSARY, SERVICE CLUB OF CHICAGO’S “GRATITUDE” GALA, THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM CELEBRATES 30, MITCH CANOFF FINDS “SOLACE,” BARBARA BATES’ PINK FASHION SHOW, ROE CONN’S NEWSAPALOOZA, HALSTED VODKA SUPPORTS GLBT COMMUNITY, A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!
I have never attended a more exciting red carpet event than the one recently hosted by the Chicago International Film Festival. For its 48th annual event, formidable founder Michael Kutza called in the big guns of show biz who included Al Pacino (with stunning girlfriend Lucila Sola), Christopher Walken, Alan Arkin and Jon Bon Jovi for the world premiere of their new film, “Stand Up Guys”! You knew this was going to be huge as soon as you pulled up in front of the Harris Theater: For this event, there was even a red carpet OUTSIDE beginning at the curb for this exalted
group of legendary stars. And the crowds...OMGoodness! You had to fight your way through the front door and yet cooler heads prevailed inside where the crack PR team from Carol Fox and Associates and the dynamic Film Fest team had
everything well in hand. I was even told a PR associate had measured the media spacing on his hands and knees with a ruler – now THAT’S organization and planning! I was proud to be there representing my 'Candid Candace Chicago' show for Watch312.com with cameramen Alonzo Stallings and Matt Natalealong with social media queen Ashley Stevenson, who kept the Twittersphere buzzing with event pics and info. I saw WGN’s Dean Richards, Fox Chicago’s Bill Zwecker, Extra’s Jamie Blyth, Tribune’s Luis Gomez, NBC5’s LeeAnn Trotter and ABC7’s Janet Davies. (It was a thrill and a
privilege to share the red carpet with them.) Everyone was double-checking their questions so they would be prepared when the first celeb rounded the corner. Producer and Lakeshore Entertainment founder Tom Rosenberg was in a great mood for his world premiere and said, “There’s
no better place to open a film than the CIFF and this film belongs here!” He admitted to me that his Lakeshore Entertainment film company’s logo of the little boy diving into a pond was NOT him or a family member but was rather an image he selected to signify “the exuberance of youth.”
I interviewed Christopher Walken, who was probably the least talkative of the bunch. When I asked him what his new film, “Seven Psychopaths” was about, he said, “The title.” Oh boy! Jon Bon Jovi was beyond handsome with the most perfect set of teeth I’ve ever seen. When I asked
him what the two songs were about that he had written for the film, he said, “The characters.” By now, I felt like it was going to be a long night for interviews until superstar Al Pacino rounded the corner. My legs went numb and all of the intelligent questions I had went right out the
window and then he was there, standing in front of me, smiling from ear to ear. I felt I could do no wrong – he made everyone in line feel that way, I later learned...what a true star! As a matter of fact, he talked so long to each and every reporter that his in-her-own-right-world-famous publicist Pat Kingsley had to tap him on the arm to remind him to
keep moving! I couldn’t believe my good fortune and jokingly offered Steve Starr $4,000 if he could grab a photo while I was speaking to him. (He did...but I didn’t pay up, LOL!) The world is Pacino’s oyster and it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. His girlfriend, Lucila Sola, is gorgeous and
he was heading to NY from here for his already-sold-out stage performance of “Glengarry Glenn Ross.” Good for HIM!!! Screenwriter Noah Haidle couldn’t have been sweeter either and was excited that he will have his play “Smokefall” staged by the Goodman for their 2013-14 season. Alan Arkin was a
nice guy, rather low key but pleasant. I had read that in his past, he had performed as a folk singer so I asked him if there was any singing on set. He said, “Gangsters don’t usually sit around singing folk songs.” (Fortunately, he laughed along with his gorgeous wife, Suzanne Newlander
Arkin, and it was a nice moment. Whew!) Following the red carpet, more than 1,500 people watched the screening. A brief presentation preceded the 90 minute film and included host Bill Kurtis introducing the event’s lead sponsor, Columbia College’s Allen Turner. CIFF founder and
artistic director Michael Kutza introduced Rosenberg, who then presented the stars to the crowd. The film will most certainly win a basket load of awards when it debuts in January 2013. To see Walken, Arkin and Pacino onscreen together was like watching a firecracker sizzling before it exploded.
You didn’t know what was coming next. Julianna Margulies had a terrific role, too and was a great addition to the film. You will love sexy Vanessa Ferlito’s scenes as well! OMG! There is a shot of her coming up in an elevator with a baseball bat that will, for sure, become iconic. I loved this film and you will, too. After the
movie, the buzz in the crowd sounded like a swarm of bees. We all walked to the Cultural Center where the stars were expected to attend but a change of plans took them all to a private dinner at the Pump Room hosted by producer Rosenberg. Believe me, they
had done enough and deserved their down time with friends. I was thrilled to co-host this major opening night event with dynamic Film Fest Board member and RL’s Rich Varnes, whose Gibson’s Restaurant Group provided all of the delicious food for the post-party that also included the sweet jazz sounds of the Jesse Charbonier combo. I didn’t sleep a wink that night, as you can imagine. It was such a
magical evening that I will never, ever forget thanks to the genius of Michael Kutza. Long may you and the CIFF reign! Can’t wait to go to CLOSING NIGHT and see the Robert Zemeckis film,
“Flight.” Oh, the places the Chicago International Film Festival takes us! Become a member and see all of this great programming for yourself! (Fab Fotos by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr. - click here for more - and to see what happened on the red carpet, check out my Watch312.com video below!)
PUBLIC Chicago celebrated its one-year anniversary in grand style with a Studio 54 theme on Tuesday, October 9th. The foot-long invite arrived filled with silver stars and glitter that spilled out all over your
desk and floor when you opened it. For me, it evoked two emotions: First, it made you excited to attend and relive those glory days and second, it made you wonder who in the heck was going to clean up the mess! LOL! PUBLIC Chicago is the first hotel to open under Ian Schrager’s new brand and he was on hand that night to greet
attendees. The party was planned as an homage to the renowned NYC club where, I am proud to say, I frequented when I lived in
NY in the ‘70s. And because of this fact, I was expecting grand things a la the real hotspot. The most memorable part of the original NY design was a giant moon that descended from the ceiling with an enormous coke spoon. This and the flamboyantly dressed partygoers were elements I will never forget. I was hoping to see some outrageous costumes, drag
queens, maybe even some animal elements reminiscent of the time Bianca Jagger arrived on a white horse for a party there. I was prepared and excited, even donning my old silver
spandex pants but, alas, it wasn’t that kind of party. Grace Jones, where are you when we need you?! Yes, there was a beautiful dance floor complete with flashing strobe lights and waiters with sparklers but I guess I’m a bit jaded. Don’t get me wrong, it was still a fabulous party with lots of lots of gorgeous Chicago peeps and there WERE Studio 54 personalities there including DJ Johnny “Jellybean” Benitez and the doorman, Mark Benecke. Sirius XM
Radio broadcasted live interviews as well as the event’s music on its Studio 54 channel throughout the night. The VIP room in the Library projected home movies all evening with
great footage from the early days with amazing images. This was also the first time that Schrager has ever hosted a Studio 54 event, despite numerous requests over the years. I loved the fact that he brought his first party here to Chicago and it was a wonderful treat. The hotel and the restaurant are both so chic and I think he and his team did a fantastic job reworking a legendary landmark for the 21st century! Here’s to you, Ian – even though those wild days of 54 are gone, the party still rocks! (Check out more pics here!)
The Friends of Conservation Ball really upped the ante at this year’s beautiful gala, held in the magnificent Winter Garden of the Harold Washington Library on
Friday, October 12th. Reute Butler (FOC President and Ball Chairman), resplendent in a red gown, was smiling from ear to ear for the entire evening where more than 300 black-tie clad guests were on hand to
support this worthwhile charity that is changing lives the world over. Chicago Dowel Company’s handsome Paul Iacono was entranced when he attended his first event for
the FOC last year. And, believe me, this is one guy you want to impress. His list of formidable friends and his philanthropic bent helped fill the room to bursting and Reute was so
thrilled to have him onboard as a co-chair. Established in 1982, the FOC helps prevent wildlife and habitat degradation in the Masai Mara, one of the most ecologically important
regions of the world. Their longtime royal patron, HRH The Prince of Wales, sent a moving letter that was included in the Tribute Book (another Iacono touch) for the event: “It gives me
enormous pleasure to offer my congratulations to the FOC on this the 30th anniversary of your founding. Since your early interventions to help save black rhinos from extinction in the Masai Mara, threats
to our precious wildlife have increased inexorably, everywhere, too often outstripping the pace of conservation action. Yet time and again you have demonstrated that it is possible for dedicated
people with clear vision to make a difference, stemming the loss of wildlife and critical habitat and through landmark projects, reversing the declines of some acutely endangered species. As your
Patron now for more years than I care to remember, I can only pay tribute to the role played by the FOC in one of the greatest causes imaginable – preventing the destruction of the natural
world.” Amen to that, Prince Charles! The evening began with a VIP meet-and-greet with former “Wild Kingdom” host, the fabulous and much-loved Jim Fowler, who is another long-time supporter and
FOC director. In addition to his lovely wife, Jim brought along some of his furry, feathered and scaly friends: There were adorable leopard cubs, an 8-foot-long python that Reute has known since it was tiny,
several joeys and more. CNN’s glamorous Zoraida Sambolin returned to emcee this lovefest that began with Reute and her mother, Jorie Butler Kent (FOC Founder and International Chairman), onstage describing what this organization means to
them. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Reute hugged her elegant mother and said, “You are an inspiration” following a moving video presentation produced by Manuela Hung. Everyone who attended was happy to help in some way: Caterer George Jewell donated a private dinner during the live auction
portion, Paul Iacono bought a great trip (courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent, who had donated a lot of exclusive, eye-popping travel packages) and auctioneer David Goodman – one of the best in the business – kept the paddles in the air as he helped raise money for this wonderful cause. A Heads or Tails Game had glam guest Mamie Walton in the running almost to the very end for an iPad. It was a perfectly produced event
from beginning to end and we were so thrilled to be there. One of my favorite parts of this event is watching the delighted smiles on the faces of guests as they took advantage of the opportunity to handle these wild, adorable creatures, all
captured on film by fabulous fotog/friend Mila Samokhina. FOC 2012 Co-Chairmen (besides Paul) included Kip Helverson, Rachael Phillippe, Holly Rothschild, Joan Wegner and Wendy Wood-Prince; Michael Butler, John and Jutta Maue-Kay, Geoffrey J.W. Kent and Kay and Fred Krehbiel were
honorary co-chairmen and Tara and Charles Wegner were also committee co-chairmen and benefactors. As we all
know, it takes a village to put on an event this size so special thanks to Langham Hotels (especially you, Rebecca Werner!), Anantara Resorts, Kent Wine Cellar & Trust, Leela Palace Hotels, Patagonia Sur, Sanctuary’s Gorilla Forest Camp, Sea Cloud Cruises, Suenos, The Balmoral Hotel, The Royal Scotsman and W Santiago among countless others who donated time, services or auction items. Your contributions helped so many! If you would like to learn more about the amazing work of the FOC or would like to donate, please visit www.friendsofconservation.org. (Fab fotos, of course, by Mila Samokhina. View more here!)
Cheeky turns FOUR!!! I remember when the dynamic duo of Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin started their creative website CheekyChicago.com and now they have these Vogue-worthy jutting cheekbones, fashion savvy and business
acumen that would impress the most formidable dot-com billionaires, which I’m sure they’ll be soon!!! We were so thrilled to attend this BIG event at the Four Seasons. You knew where the party was located from the moment you stepped inside the lobby as the sounds of more than 450 excited partygoers
echoed throughout the building. Everyone was so thrilled to be there to celebrate/support/love
these two women, their staffers and this awesome website geared to ALL things you need to know about the Windy City. Platinum Events (love Justin Jacobson) transformed the gorgeous Grand Ballroom into “four seasons” (Get it? Insanely clever!) Guests experienced the transitioning of seasons, Cheeky Style (which is a lot like Gangnam Style – hot, hot, HOT!). From viewing the latest
fall trends from Edith Hart to welcoming winter with Klutch Club (think health in a box), to reviving winter skin a la Elure Beauty’s medical
spa while sipping Skinnygirl cocktails (my very fav, thanks to Tom Strehle), the night offered guests so many ops to step into their favorite seasons for this Cheeky fourth-anniversary party! Four Seasons’ Executive Chef Kevin Hickey provided a veritable feast of food and live music from Stitely Entertainment kept the dance floors packed. If you’re not hooked up with this cool website yet, you’re missing out on SO MUCH!!! Check it out, sign up and strap yourself in for a very wild ride in the Windy City! Congrats Jessica and Erica! Love you, love your website...and I hope YOU love these pics!
Mitchell Canoff – one of Chicago’s most colorful photographers – has been covering social and political events for decades and traveling the world to capture people and places
through the lens of his camera. On one of his recent journeys, he spent hours of solitude photographing the landscapes of Death Valley in the Mojave Desert in eastern California and Great
Dunes National Park in Colorado. What resulted was a collection of work entitled “Solace” and the debut exhibition of his work and Mitch’s 70th birthday party were celebrated by longtime friends and clients
at a party on October 8th at Paris Club. Friends in attendance included Suzie, Ross and Todd Glickman, Jimmy Rittenberg, Kimberly Gleeson, Richard Doermer, Rich Melman, Jerrod
Melman, Christie Hefner, Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano, Jennifer Girard, Cheri Eisenberg, Joan Hackett, Charels Cherney, Tony Fitzpatrick, Sue Chernoff, Sunny Fisher,
Thad Wong, Billy Marovitz, Jack Kellman, Danny Coval, Joan Steele, Mickey Norton and Gary Gordon, Bonnie and Jim Spurlock, Christine and John Mallul, Deborah Chapman, Skip Weiss and Patrick Reedy; John Strazinsky (grandson of Igor Stravinsky) and Domenica Scorsese (daughter of Martin Scorsese) were also in attendance. Congratulations, Mitch...what beautiful work!
A not-to-be-missed event, NEWSAPALOOZA, will be held at Park West on Saturday, November 10th beginning at 7:30 p.m. Hosted by much-loved radio and TV host Roe Conn and his beautiful wife Barbara, this event will benefit Clearbrook, the state’s largest provider of services to people with developmental disabilities. Roe’s long-time friend, Grammy Award winner Richard Marx, will perform and serve as musical director for the third year along with lots of other media personalities
including Rob Johnson, Richard Roeper, Ryan Chiaverini, Val Warner, Steve Sanders, Anna Davlantes, Dan and Anthony Ponce, Steve Dahl, Natalie Martinez, Paula Faris and more. I’ve been told to expect the unexpected as far as talent from our town’s news people and I can’t wait! Tickets are $75; for more info, please visit www.roeconn.com. I hope to see YOU there!
The Chicago Children’s Museum Gala 2012 will be held at Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom on Saturday, November 3rd, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This year’s gala
celebrates 30 years of families and honors the Museum’s commitment to providing playful learning opportunities that bring families and children of all ages, backgrounds and abilities together. The honorary host committee includes the Crown, Goodman and Pritzker Pucker families and Joan Harris. For tickets and more info, please visit chicagochildrensmuseum.org.
Mark your calendars for beloved designer Barbara Bates’ Winning the Fight Against Breast Cancer Fashion Show on Sunday, October 28th from 2 to 6 p.m. at Prentice Women’s Hospital at Northwestern Memorial Hospital (3rd level). This event will help raise money for the Barbara Bates Foundation’s Institutional Grant on Disparity and Education
of Breast Cancer which will serve to educate and address the disparities in breast cancer care faced by women in the African American and Latino communities. This event also marks the launch of a partnership between the Barbara Bates Foundation in conjunction with the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation benefiting the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University and the Sinai Health System. More than 50 breast cancer survivors will model Barbara’s designs for this great cause! To purchase tickets ($250) please click here!
The Service Club of Chicago is celebrating its 122nd gala, themed “With Gratitude”, on Friday, November 2nd at the Four Seasons Hotel. Co-chaired
by Elizabeth Brodsky and Kimberly Gleeson, the evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception. This black-tie event will also include live and silent auctions, fabulous raffle drawings and a wine auction. The Stanley Paul Orchestra will keep the crowd on the dance floor and the after-party will feature Peter Oprisco. (Tickets are $400 or $122 for after-party only and can be purchased by clicking here!)
DRINK IT!! Founded to champion GLBT community building and human rights, Halsted Vodka is a totally new concept in spirits that has been created with the help and inspiration of the community on Chicago’s North Halsted Street. It was developed with the help of consumers of the street’s popular bars and clubs who were invited to
take part in blind tastings. Designed to taste good and DO good, this all-American spirit donates 15 percent of its profits to GLBT causes. For more info, please visit www.blinkbeverage.com. I can’t wait to try it!
Who saw our town’s “Squire”, Bunky Cushing, in this month 40th anniversary issue of W Magazine!? It was a great article on the world’s classiest women and the men who love them and squire them! Congrats Bunky!
I can’t wait to share all of the news from NEXT Fashion Chicago and Susan G. Komen’s fantastic Pink Tie Gala that honored some of our town’s top guys next week so stay tuned and thanks so much for checking in!
P.S. I hope you can join me at TCW Magazine’s 30th Anniversary Halloween Party, “Costumes & Cocktails”, on Tuesday, October 30th, at the Cultural Center from 6 to 10 p.m. This event will provide 30 grants for 30 area charities with buffet stations, full bar, music, dancing and “Pumpkins on Parade” silent auction! Tickets are $150 and can be purchased here.
...PLUS RENAISSANCE SOCIETY GALA, RANDE GERBER’S RUM PARTY, FACING HISTORY & OURSELVES EXHIBITION, ABE THOMPSON’S “LEGENDARY” HONOR, PAUL STUART’S COOL BRAND AMBASSADORS, A CUBAN DANCE OPPORTUNITY, LUXURY GARAGE SALE, WATCH312.COM RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE DOC, PAWS CHICAGO’S BIG HOWL-O-WEEN, MY FAV PUMPKIN PATCH AND SO MUCH MORE!
The Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails, now in its seventh year, is one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year. This year, glamour queens Kristina McGrath and Sonya Jackson co-chaired the event that attracted more than 500 trendsetters. This party has always been known for its exciting venues and, this year, the new McGrath Acura dealership was the place to be! With more than 50,000 sq. feet of dramatic space, guests were filled with excitement and anticipation as they walked the red carpet leading into the party. Ivan Carlson’s décor set the tone with flashing pink strobe lights while chic bars filled with Skinnygirl cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres from Stefani Catering were major crowd pleasers. A vintage couture auction presented by LUXURY GARAGE SALE had partygoers oohing, ahhing and bidding. At 7:30 p.m., white curtains parted to reveal another gorgeous space filled with a huge runway and row upon row of Lucite chairs. Bartenders served the seated VIP guests who included “Chicagolicious” star AJ Johnson, Jan Flanagan, Lynn and John McMahan, Jacqueline and Leon Kinloch, Michaela Parrillo, Rebecca and Charlie Besser, Gale and Jay Gottlieb, Toni and Rick Canada, Daniel DeVos and designer/wife Pamella Roland DeVos, Chef Art Smith and Jesus Salgueiro and Mike McGrath among others. To open the fashion show, co-chairs Kristina and Sonya roared into the space in a $380,000 cherry red Lexus LFA. After inviting Leon Kinloch and orchestra leader turned auctioneer David Rothstein to the stage, the quartet began the live auction portion of the night. Packages included exotic trips on United Airlines with hotel stays at the Langham Hotel Group among other exciting offerings. After the live auction, more donations were raised with a “runway strut,” where guests could take a turn on the runway for varying amounts – there were some pretty fancy moves up there and it was a very clever idea for additional fundraising. And then, the main event: Pamella Roland’s Spring 2013 collection presented by Neiman Marcus! I will tell you that I wanted almost every single thing I saw on that runway. From simple daytime dresses to elegant, entrance-making gowns, Pamella’s creations had the crowd cheering and clapping in appreciation. When I interviewed her for Watch312.com, she told me her inspiration was the minimalistic paintings by Ellsworth Kelly...and indeed, her black-and-white theme made a dramatic yet elegant statement. The peplum dresses were gorgeous enough on their own as the models glided down the runway but when they turned and the crowd saw that the entire backs were sheer, it made everyone moan. At the end of the show, when Pamella made her triumphant runway walk, a standing ovation rattled the walls. Guests were then shuttled to another magnificent room for the post-show reception while this space was transformed into a dance floor. The McGrath Acura space, with its soaring ceilings and exquisite artwork, could be a museum if it wasn’t an uber successful dealership. White leather furniture was arranged for special VIP seating that included darling pillows emblazoned with McGrath Acura and champagne waiting patiently in elegant containers. Beginning at 9 p.m., the dance party was kicked off by the world-famous Joffrey dancers led by Mauro Villanueva and David Gombert, April Daley and Miguel Blanco, Victoria Jaiani and Temur Suluashvili, Derrick Agnoletti, Fabrice Calmels, Erica Lynette Edwards, Dylan Guiterrez and Tian Shuai among others. Food trucks were stationed in the entrance space and included delicious mac and cheese from Southern Mac & Cheese, Chef Leah’s perfect pancakes from Babycakes, Two Italians' delicious meatballs and pizza, Mexican fare from La Adelita and vegan, dairy-free offerings from Ste Martaen. No one wanted this exciting night to end at this glorious new venue on the river but sadly, we will all have to wait till next year to find out what new adventure C & C takes us on! Congrats to Sonya and Kristina and the Joffrey on this fun-filled night that raised more than $275K for Joffrey programming and outreach. This event has grown exponentially in size since its inception in 2007 with past featured designers including David Meister, Carmen Marc Valvo, Maria Pinto, Temperley London and Escada. A special thanks to this year’s sponsors United Airlines, McGrath Imports, Pamella Roland, Neiman Marcus, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Laura Mercier, Beam Global Spirits & Wine (love Tom Strehle!), Skinnygirl, Constellation Brands, Inc., Exelon, The Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation and the beautiful sweet tables from Sugar Chic Designs! (To see ALL party pics by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr, please click here!)
The Renaissance Society welcomed more than 340 guests, including prominent business leaders, curators and artists for its 2012 Benefit Gala at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on Saturday, September 8th. The event grossed more than $677,000 in support of The Renaissance Society’s 2012-2013 exhibition season and celebrated director Susanne Ghez’s 40th year at this internationally-renowned non-collecting museum of contemporary art. Guests enjoyed an evening that began with a cocktail reception and silent art auction featuring pieces by past Renaissance Society artists, alongside a special preview of a limited edition photo portfolio curated by guest of honor Susanne Ghez in celebration of her tenure as director of The Renaissance Society. During a lavish dinner by Radisson Blu Catering paired with wines from Todd Hess/H2Vino, guests were treated to the visually stunning décor and table arrangements of Paul Buenvenida and Gary Heiferman. A special tribute to Ghez included remarks from Renaissance Society Board of Directors President Greg Cameron, who warmly congratulated her on 40 years of inspiring leadership and generosity of spirit in supporting artists, noting the profound impact Ghez has had in creating one of the world’s most important contemporary art exhibition venues. The evening concluded with a live auction of cutting-edge art by Matt Saunders, Kara Walker and Kerry James Marshall and a luxury trip to a private villa in the Mexican Riviera. The 2012 Benefit Gala Chair was Deirdre McBreen, Executive Vice President of Corporate Secretary and Principal at Peter J. McBreen & Associates. Distinguished guests at the event included Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago Director Madeleine Grynsztejn and curators Naomi Beckwith and Michael Darling, Art Institute of Chicago director Douglas Druick and curators Peter Zegers, James Rondeau, Matt Witkovsky and Lisa Dorin, Columbia College Museum of Contemporary Photography director Natasha Egan, darling City of Chicago Cultural Affairs commissioner Michelle Boone, Northwestern University Block Museum director Lisa Corrin, Chicago Humanities Festival artistic director Matti Bunzl, Santa Monica Museum of Art director Elsa Longhauser, Terra Foundation director Elizabeth Glassman, Richard Wright of Wright Auction, Tang Museum curator Ian Berry, Arts Club director Janine Mileaf, Jane Addams Hull House Museum director Lisa Lee, and EXPO CHICAGO president/director Tony Karman. (Photos by Erin Drewitz.)
On the heels of successful launches in LA, NY, Miami and Dallas, creator Rande Gerber (husband of gorgeous supermodel Cindy Crawford) was joined by family and friends in Chicago recently to celebrate the launch of Caliche Rum, a rum six generations in the making and exclusively from the Serrallés Family Distillery, the birthplace of premium Puerto Rican rum. Since launching in March 2012, Caliche Rum has been very well received among consumers and trade alike being honored with some of the highest rated reviews in the industry. Congrats Rande and bring Cindy back home! :)
The Chicago office of international educational nonprofit Facing History and Ourselves welcomed Mayor Rahm Emanuel along with more than 200 partners, donors and supporters of its acclaimed multimedia exhibition Choosing to Participate for a private party on Monday, September 24th in the Winter Garden of the Chicago Public Library’s Harold Washington Library Center. Guests enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and guided tours of the exhibition (which is on display at the Harold Washington Library Center now through November 11th). In addition to Mayor Emanuel and his wife, Amy Rule, other distinguished guests included event emcee and Emmy Award-winning ABC 7 News co-anchor Cheryl Burton, Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard, Choosing to Participate co-chair and Aon president and CEO Greg Case, Walmart Chicagoland Market manager Reginald Reese, Facing History co-founder and Klarman Family executive director Margot Stern Strom, Facing History Chicago co-founder Judy Wise, Loop Capital Markets co-founder and president Albert R. Grace, Jr., Facing History Chicago Advisory Board chairman Jill Garling and her husband Tom Wilson (Allstate Chairman, President and CEO), Facing History Chicago director Bonnie Oberman and her husband Marty Oberman (former 43rd Ward Alderman and private practice lawyer) and Choosing to Participate Upstander honorees Mazher Ahmed, Henry Henderson, Nikki Jarvis and Tony Wasilewski. Facing History’s Choosing to Participate is a powerful multimedia exhibition examining the impact and history of bigotry and injustice that features five installations telling stories in the first-person about people and communities that have experienced racism and injustice, and how courage and compassion are necessary to protect democracy. The two local components of the exhibition are Upstanders: Portraits of Courage, featuring photographs and narratives celebrating 12 individuals and groups making a difference in Chicago and pARTicipation: Young Artists Speak Up, a display of original artwork from Chicagoland students in grades 7 - 12 that illustrates the importance of choices we make in our daily lives. For more information, please visit www.choosingtoparticipate.org. Facing History and Ourselves is an international educational and professional development organization whose mission is to engage students of diverse backgrounds in an examination of racism, prejudice and anti-Semitism in order to promote the development of a more humane and informed citizenry. For more information, visit facinghistory.org. (Photos by Bob Carl.)
Congrats to the Joffrey Ballet’s Christopher Clinton Conway and Park 52’s Marc Brooks on being named the Fall 2012 Chicago Brand Ambassadors for Paul Stuart and its Phineas Cole Collection! They couldn’t have picked more perfect candidates for this honor than Christopher and Marc, whose chic style is always inspiring and uniquely their own. Since 1938, Paul Stuart has been a leading arbiter of taste, style and fashion for luxury menswear in the U.S. The store has dressed world leaders, dignitaries, celebrities and titans of business for over 70 years. In the fall of 2007, Paul Stuart launched Phineas Cole, the first new brand in the company’s history. Its slimmer, more contemporary silhouette is perfectly suited for our town’s best dressed guys! Congrats CCC and MB – they are very lucky to have you in their beautiful new brand! Join them on Thursday, October 18th, for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate this new line from 6 to 8 p.m. at 107 E. Oak St. [email protected].
Dance devotee Cheryl Tama Oblander is helping plan a major ballet festival in Havana, Cuba, scheduled for October 27th through November 4th (leaving from Miami). Cheryl has been named as the representative for the Center for Cuban Studies and is organizing an amazing itinerary that includes eight nights, welcome and farewell dinners, motor coach tours, exclusive museum passes, five festival performances and so much more! The trip is limited to 25 to 30 guests so email [email protected] or visit www.festivalballethabana.cult.cu/ for more info!
I was so honored to have been asked by LUXURY GARAGE SALE to sift through their fabulous fashions and pick my top five! It was no easy task with pages upon pages of beautiful couture offerings but it was a very fun challenge that I happily accepted. Check out my choices and see what you think...and then check out YOURS here! LUXURY GARAGE SALE – an upscale consignment service that specializes in selling new and gently-used contemporary, designer and vintage clothing and accessories – was co-founded by partners Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal. Childhood friends, Brielle and Lindsay always had a love of collecting beginning with stickers and erasers and evolving to shoes and handbags. Over the years, however, their assorted collections soon overwhelmed their available storage space. Utilizing their backgrounds in fashion and sales, Brielle and Lindsay began selling their unwanted items and after realizing that their friends had the same predicament as well, a light flashed and voila – LUXURY GARAGE SALE was born! Happy Hunting!
Who wouldn’t like to party with Nate Berkus!!??? Join handsome and talented Nate as he celebrates the launch of his new book, “The Things That Matter” on Tuesday, October 23rd from 5 to 8 p.m. at Jayson Home and Garden, located at1885 N Clybourn Ave. EVERYONE is welcome! Also, bubbly and bites are being provided by Francis Coppola Winery and Chicago's Real Kitchen. I can't wait to read your new book and see YOU, Nate – we love you!
Chicago Sister Cities International (CSCI) brings Chicagoans a festive evening of cultural discovery with From Chicago to Lahore: A Cultural Nexus. This party with our Pakistani sister city will celebrate the work of artists from Chicago and Pakistan and will highlight our similarities and the impact of arts upon people of all cultures. Free and open to the public, this event will be at the Chicago Cultural Center (located at 77 E. Randolph) on Wednesday, October 17th, from 6 to 9 p.m. The night will include an exhibition of visual arts, a brief speaking program, film screenings, musical performances, poetry readings and so much more. For more info, please click here!
Many thanks to journalist/producer extraordinaire Elysabeth Alfano for including me in her recent fabulous Huffington Post article about the Art Institute’s Rubloff paperweight collection! This one-woman dynamo is also the creator and producer for “Fear No Art” and “The Dinner Party.” To read her latest article, please click here. What a great piece...nice work, Elysabeth!
What a perfect way to spend Sweetest Day on Saturday, October 20th! Join me as I host “Here’s to Life Concert 2” presented by the very irresistible jazz soloist Zemrah at Prairie State College’s Main Auditorium, located at 202 S. Halsted St. (Chicago Heights), beginning at 7 p.m. (A VIP reception will begin at 5 p.m.) Zemrah has been performing and perfecting her musical style since childhood becoming the lead female vocalist of the duet “Fire & Ice” to being selected as the Crown Royale Female Vocalist of the Year. She continued as a solo artist opening for Nancy Wilson to now having her own inspirational concert. The night’s musical director Syd Brown will be joined by guest artist Marcus Gentry. For show information and tickets beginning at $55, please visit www.zemrahsongstress.com or call 318.936.7241. (Her first CD, “Irresistible Zemrah,” is – quite simply – irresistible!) I hope to see you there!
At Cheeky Chicago’s 4th Anniversary Party (coverage coming soon!), I had the opportunity to sample DavidsTea, which will be making its debut in Chicago on October 13th at 1645 N. Damen. Now, I’m not a big tea drinker but with flavors like Read My Lips (a black tea with chocolate, vanilla, mint and red candy lips), Pumpkin Chai (black tea with cinnamon, cloves, lemon peel, squash, carrot and caramel bits) and Banana Nut Bread(dates, currants, almonds and freeze-dried bananas), I stand up and take notice! I also love the fact that all proceeds for their Haitian-inspired KANPE Tea (a blend of hibiscus, mango, cinnamon, papaya, banana, coconut and stevia) will go toward the KANPE organization dedicated to long-term relief in Haiti. The company opened last year with two locations in NYC and plans locations this month in San Francisco. DavidsTea is also available online at www.davidstea.com. Congrats to owners David Segal and his cousin Herschel Segal and WELCOME to Chicago!
Don’t miss this new fall event benefitting PAWS Chicago! PAWS at the Park Hyatt Costume Party “Howl-O-Ween” will be coming to the Grand Salon of the Park Hyatt on Sunday, October 28th from 2 to 5 p.m. You and your family are invited to join in this spooky, fun-filled event featuring a costume contest at 3 p.m. for people and pets with celebrity judges, prizes for Best in Show for Dog, Family, Favorite Duo and Most Outrageous. Co-chaired by Nancy Timmers and Walter Brindell, the party will also include delectable desserts by pastry chef Meg Galus, pawtastic bites by executive chef Ryan LaRoche, beer, wine and Tail-tinis for adults from NoMI Lounge! There will also be a live auction, children’s face painting, photographer Greg Szoda and intuitive dog readings by Denise Zak. Tickets are $75 (adult and 13-up), $25 (6-12) and $20 per pet. (For tickets and more info, please click here!)
A special thanks to all of you who voted for me as “Chicago’s Most Social Scenester” in the contest recently hosted by RackedChicago.com! I know I terrorized so many of you to vote but it worked and I won!! :) So thanks for being so patient and so supportive! ALL of the nominees are dynamite social scenesters and included Amanda Puck, Billy Dec, Ryan Beschel, Lisa Frame, Cece & Melinda, Marcus Riley, Emma Arnold, Graham Kostic, Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin and Monica Dimperio. I am so honored and promise to live up to this title! :) Thanks so much to Jared Hatch for the nomination!
From humble desires to complete fruition, the story of the building of the World’s Largest Ronald McDonald House is an inspiring one. This love-filled Watch312.com documentary will make you laugh, cry and believe that goodness and hope can overcome all obstacles. The new Ronald McDonald house near Lurie Children's opened June 26th and is located at 211 East Grand in Streeterville. Its14 stories offers 86 guest rooms and amenities to comfort families in time of need. If you would like to help support this worthwhile cause please click here. I also hope you enjoy my video that was a labor of love from beginning to end!
I hope your fall is off to a beautiful start and I hope you get a chance to celebrate with a visit to a pumpkin patch! One of our favorites is County Line Orchard, located at 200 S. County Line Road in Hobart, Indiana. I love their apple cinnamon and pumpkin donuts but they also have a corn maize, petting zoo, live band performances and, of course, a pumpkin patch! Their country store offers fresh jam, homemade pies, kettle corn and lots of other tasty treats. A perfect way to enjoy the change of seasons!
P.S. My friend Rhonda Sanderson recently shared a story of her bout with breast cancer in this inspiring video. For every new Facebook fan, story shared or purchase made through Hungry Howie’s Pizza chain, a donation will be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Please click here to see it and share it with your friends to help make a difference. :) Great job, Rhonda!
...PLUS EXPO CHICAGO HIGHLIGHTS, DEBI LILLY "LET'S THEM EAT CAKE", THE SKY IS FALLING AT HERITAGE AUCTIONS, SARAH’S RED MOON PARTY, FCACC’S FURRY FUN, LUNA NEGRA’S NOCHE DE LUNA GALA, MITCH CANOFF’S BIG NIGHT, CAMP COSMETICS, MICH MAG AND VS CHICAGO MAG PHOTO SHOOTS, NEWCITY STYLE, WRIST WISHES FOR CHARITY AND SO MUCH MORE!
Gene & Georgetti’s, one of my favorite restaurants in town, hosted a party for one of my favorite people in town, Stella Foster. Held upstairs in the Fireplace Room (which is so cozy, it makes you cry), more than 30 close friends came together to celebrate this Chicago icon. The cocktails flowed along with the most delicious food that included sausage and peppers, chicken, lamb chops, beef tenderloin, shrimp cocktail, cake, their world famous spumoni and so much more. Guests took turns sharing their thoughts. Warner Saunders said, “I’m going to quote Shakespeare when I say it is the summer of our discontent to have Stella leaving. There has been no one in this city who has done it quite like her – a combination of news and kindness and whenever she shoots an arrow of criticism, she makes sure the tip is coated in honey.” The always eloquent Dominic DiFrisco said, “Stella, as you know, means star and you have illuminated our city and we love and honor you. What you do is prove that America is not so much a melting pot but more a beautiful mosaic. We are not homogenized; in fact, we make up that mosaic with our different cultures and religions and we come together and celebrate that standing together.” NBC5’s Alison Rosati said, “Thank you for being so kind, authentic and genuine and for really knowing the people that you write about. I pray that God will bring you whatever is meant for you and thank you for having such a beautiful heart. You are Stellalicious!” Stella spoke last and her memory amazed me. She went around the room and spoke lovingly about each and every guest – she even knew their kids’ names and grandkids! Friends included Dori Wilson, Marion and Tony Durpetti, Michelle Durpetti, Abe and Angela Thompson, Dominic and Carole DiFrisco, Sadako and Warner Saunders, Nina Mariano, Celeste and Bill Van Dahm, Susan Wexler-Mazzoni and Don Mazzoni, Channel 2’s Suzanne LeMignot, Joann Serpico, Tony Romanucci, Dr. Maria Ashley, Lou Rago, Merri Dee, Vince SanFillipo, Shell Reyes, Regina Daniels, Michael Foster, Vera Chitty, Michelle Molise and Lynn and Richard Ciota among others. I sure hope she doesn’t stay “retired” for long! “I know I can be replaced, but I cannot be duplicated,” said Stella....amen to that!
EXPO Chicago brought its world-class art show back to town after an eight-year hiatus and more than 3,000 attendees couldn’t have been happier! I'd been to one at the Merchandise Mart in an earlier incarnation and agree with the event planners, that it wasn’t the place to be. Important art needs to be seen in a dramatic space and nothing could’ve been more exciting than being at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall for the opening night event, Vernissage. Benefitting the Museum of Contemporary Art, this night included art, sculpture, photographs, large-scale installations and so much more. Vernissage – a French term for art openings – means “varnishing day” and evokes the energy and excitement that surround the opening of this major art event. Vernissage first began in 1982 as the opening celebration for the Chicago Intl. Art Fair. Over the years (1982 - 2004), the MCA welcomed more than 40,000 guests who enjoyed what became one of Chicago’s most sought out and influential art events of the year. Co-chairs for opening night included MCA trustee Jennifer Aubrey and MCA Women’s Board member Marilyn Fields. Ms. Aubrey, known for her keen eye and exquisite taste, is the creative director for local jeweler, Sidney Garber. Ms. Fields is a long-time MCA supporter and is a notable collector of contemporary art. Tony Karman, president and director of EXPO Chicago, attracted more than 100 major dealers to the fair including Anthony Meier Fine Arts, Richard Gray Gallery, David Zwirner, Landau Fine Art Gallery, Kavi Gupta and Annely Juda Fine Art Gallery (where the Mayor was seen browsing). Top restaurants served up their tastiest fare with Marc Brooks’ Park 52 being a standout with its crawfish etouffee. The night raised more than $375K for the MCA and I can’t wait to see it return next year! Seen on the scene were Mayor Rahm Emanuel (honorary chair) and wife Amy Rule, MCA Pritzker Director Madeleine Grynsztejn, critic and Chicago native Jerry Saltz, actor Billy Zane, artists Theaster Gates and Dawoud Bay, M.K. Pritzker, MCA Trustees including Sara Albrecht, Liz and Eric Lefkofsky, Liza and Marc Brooks, Lois and Steve Eisen, Larry Fields, King Harris, Penny Pritzker, Cari Sacks, Helen and Sam Zell, Sven Asmus, Elysabeth Alfano (“The Dinner Party”), Martha and Rich Melman, Chef Michael Kornick, Grant DePorter, Randy Zweiban, Carol Prins and John Hart, Gregg Zgonena and Chicago Look’s Isa Giallorenzo among others. (To view more pics from this amazing evening, please click here!)
Debi Lilly is a nationally-renowned event planning expert based in Chicago. She is the founder and president of A Perfect Event – one of Chicago's most successful special event companies with a faithful (and famous) following, including Oprah Winfrey! She regularly appears on “The Nate Berkus Show” with delightful party planning tips and now, for her own eMag Launch Party recently, her jewel box of a store (located at 3050 N. Lincoln) was transformed into Versailles' 18th century France with the theme “Marie Antoinette Champagne and Let Them Eat Cake Fete”! Imagine vanilla pink champagne cakes paired with vanilla moscato cakes filled with luscious champagne sabayon and this was just for starters! There was even a real-life Marie Antoinette perched atop the elaborate sweets table saying “Let them eat cake”...and everyone happily obeyed! Even the cocktails were reminiscent of something Louis XVI would serve! The visuals were astounding (as only Debi Lilly and her team can do) and what a perfect Launch Party for her latest creation, A Perfect Event eMagazine! We were happily transported to an elegant and most stylish place in time! Congrats to my Francophile friend, who continues to amaze us ALL!! (Additional photos by Steve Starr...and to see ALL party pics, please click here!)
I’m a great lover of antiques – my husband says I collect so many things that the only thing left that he can afford to collect are toothpicks...LOL! Sadly, things are so expensive nowadays that my collecting efforts are nonexistent but I do love to keep abreast of the auctions and see what’s going on out there. Of course, my favorite auction house in the world is Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, but sometimes I receive catalogs from places I’ve never done business with but which are still very interesting. On October 14th, in New York at the Fletcher Sinclair Mansion, Heritage Auctions will host the largest meteorite auction ever! Some 125 meteorites will be offered. You can buy the largest piece of the moon – four pounds – ever offered to the public (estimated to sell for $340K+); a large slice from the most famous meteorite in the world, the Williamette, which is housed at the Rose Planetarium/American Museum of Natural History (est. $85K-$110K) or a small meteorite that fell in 1492 and was later chained up in a church so it couldn’t fly back into the sky (estimate $4K-$5K). A number of these rarities and novelties are from the Macovich Collection, which is curated by NY’s own “meteorite man” Darryl Pitt and is considered one of the largest and most important private collections in the world. This auction also coincides with the 20th Anniversary of the Peekskill fireball – the most videotaped meteorite descent of all time – which burnished its legacy by puncturing a Chevy Malibu in its final act just 30 miles outside of Manhattan (estimated to sell for $45K). A special highlight of the auction will be a meteorite from a piece of the planet Mars that legendary recording artist Herbie Hancock had in his pocket during a gala performance at The Kennedy Center last fall for the Thelonious Monk Institute. This bit of Mars, along with Hancock, were “gazed upon” by the likes of Jennifer Hudson, Colin Powell, Madeleine Albright and Aretha Franklin, among others. (One hundred percent of the auction proceeds of this lot go to The Monk Institute, which is devoted to nurturing musical excellence. For more info on this fascinating event, please click here!
Speaking of the moon (how ‘bout that segue?), Luna Negra Dance Theater’s Board of Directors and Gala Host Committee including co-chairs Kristin Conley and Jennifer Edgcomb, Executive Director Joanna Naftali and handsome Artistic Director Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, kicked off their 2012-2013 season and saluted Hispanic Heritage Month with the annual Noche de Luna Gala on September 13th. More than 400 attendees helped raise over $234K to support the on-going work of Luna Negra as a springboard for Latino contemporary choreographers. At the Gala, the company presented its Luna de Honor Award to Pamela Crutchfield, who has been a tremendous advocate for the company for many years. Chicago Community Trust was also presented with a Luna de Honor Award for its ongoing support. The evening, which took place at Venue SIX10, began with a cocktail reception where guests could admire the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class and enjoy improvised performances by the LN dancers throughout the space. The crowd then entered the Feinberg Theater to enjoy a performance of LN repertory excerpts, including work by Sansano, Argentinian choreographer Asun Noales and Brazilian choreographer Fernando Melo. Following a dinner by Wolfgang Puck Catering, guests enjoyed dancing to the sounds of Latin band Son de la Habana in the delightful Kehoe designed space. For more info about the fantastic dance company, please visit www.lunanegra.org. (Photos by Cheryl Mann...to view more pics, please click here!)
I’ve been to quite a few birthday celebrations in my day but none quite as interesting and creative as Sarah Beardsley’s which was held at the Red Moon Theater Company warehouse! I’d never been to this Wonka-esque spot before but I sure won’t ever forget it! As we wound our way around the large building to the back entrance, whimsical characters directed us to the entrance which was lit by two spotlights. Once you entered the space, there was a riot of activity – lights flashing, bubble-blowing DJs, cranes lit with Christmas lighting, spiral moss-covered spinning cones, mountains of food as art, a huge bar, a large space cleared for dancing and lots and lots of Sarah’s friends. No one really knew what to expect since the invite had no mention of a birthday but I ferreted out this info at the party. I should’ve known something like this was afoot when she climbed onstage to happily belt out tunes with the band The Breakfast Club with girlfriend Kate Murray! Attendees included Dr. Lauren Streicher and husband Jason Brett, Becky and Scott Etzler, Dr. Chris Randolph, Susan and Joe Credle, her lifelong friends Mary Jo Fasan and Cindy Lucaccioni, Helen Melchior, Christopher Clinton Conway, Ashley Wheater and Brian Johnson, Jan Melk, Gale and Jay Gottlieb, Chris Long, Lyn McKeaney, Magda Krance, Rebecca Besser, Andreas Zafiridis, Janet Owen and Brian Smith among many others. Congrats and Happy Birthday Sarah! (Additional pics by Glenn Kaupert...click here to view more fun pics!)
I love events that benefit our four-legged friends and the amazing Big Night Celebrity Chefs Benefit, hosted by Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control, did just that on an exciting evening on September 19th. Guests mixed and mingled under the fabulous Tiffany Dome of Preston Bradley Hall in the Cultural Center while renowned Chef Jackie Shen, along with a dozen of her well-known celebrity chef friends, prepared delicious dishes. As the Geof Bradfield Trio played, guests enjoyed specialty drinks such as the Cosmopoodlitan and the Muttini! A live auction included diamond jewelry from Sidney Garber and a dinner in-home prepared by Chef Shen. For the past 11 years, FCACC has been dedicated to caring for animals from babies who have to be bottle-fed, to animals with injuries to elderly animals who just need someone to love and care for them. (To learn more, please visit www.fcass.org and check out more photos here!)
Mitchell Canoff is one helluva photographer and his friends want you to know it so we’re hosting a wonderful, love-filled exhibition of his work at Paris Club on Monday, October 8th from 5 to 8 p.m. Host committee members include the Melman family, Judy and Howard Tullman, Suzie and Ross Glickman, Sugar Rautbord, Cheryl Sloan and Chris “Hambone” Cameron among others. A percentage of photography sales will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The night, which will also be Mitch’s 70th birthday party, will include a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres and music by Lilianna Wosko. (RSVP to [email protected] and visit www.mitchellcanoffphotography.com for more info.)
A reminder! Friends of Conservation (FOC) will celebrate its 30th anniversary, on Friday, October 12th with “Chicago Celebrates the Whole Wild World.” The Conservation Ball, founded by Reute Butler and her family, will feature silent and live auctions, dinner, and a thrilling wildlife exposition. Paul Iacono is super-sizing this event (it will be at Harold Washington Library Winter Garden, located 400 S. State St.) so you won’t want to miss it! Tickets are $350 for general admission and $250 for guests 35 or younger. Hope to see you there!
So many thanks to CAMP Cosmetics and founder Michael Perich, who I mentioned in an earlier posting as honoring me with my very own lipstick, “Candid Candace Coral.” We shot the campaign this week with photographer Amie Hana at her beautiful home in Lindenhurst – she has her very own lake right outside her doorstep and the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful! I was even more honored that Michigan Avenue Magazine sent OnAirr videographer Peter Lambrinatos to capture the session for its “behind the scenes” online content. Congrats to Michael on his wonderful cosmetics line which is botanically-extract based. He launched his career working for some of the biggest makeup and skin care names in the business while living in Chicago. As his clientele portfolio grew so did his recognition: He’s been seen on FOX, WGN and CBS to name a few. In 2003, he decided to embark on his own unique business venture and CAMP COSMETICS – whose slogan is “Women are beautiful…We make them pretty” – was created. On May 1, 2004, Michael officially opened CAMP COSMETICS with his first store location in Glen Ellyn; with its mixture of modern minimalistic décor and stainless steel, the store has a chic vibe that attracts women from all over Chicago. I’m thrilled to be the face of this fabulous cosmetics company and hope you get a chance to try it for yourselves! :-)
I was also honored to be included as the cover feature story for VS Chicago Magazine, the premier Russian language luxury lifestyle magazine in the United States. Based in Chicago, they are the go-to source covering a variety of topics for all Eastern European communities. I had a delightful interview with marketing and advertising manager Olga Ruda and journalist Natalie Berezovska and I hope you’ll enjoy it in the October issue. Pierre Burnaugh shot the cover with wardrobe courtesy of Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue (thank you, Tina Koegel and Cynthia Holbrook!!!) and Adelaide on Wells Street. I’m lusting after the black J. Mendel dress from Neiman’s!
More big thanks go out to fashion blogger Isa Giallorenzo for featuring me in her NewCity style column. If you aren’t aware of her blog, “Chicago Looks,” then you’re missing out on some great street style fashions! Congrats Isa and keep up the good work!
That’s it for this week! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it! As always, please send me any suggestions or comments (good or bad) and I will try to implement them. My goal is to keep you entertained, informed and grateful to live in this great city like me! :)
P.S. I just love this “gift with heart” idea from Wrist Wishes! WW was created by Nicole LaCross as a way to combine her love of fashion with her love of charity and she succeeded on both counts. Built on the concept of shining little glimmers of hope into the lives of all who wrap them around their wrists, these organdy ribbons include charms representing Animal Abuse, Childhood Cancer Awareness, Heart Disease, Fashion For a Cure and many more. Aside from adding a pop of color and style to any outfit, WW donates $2 from every purchase ($10) directly to the charity represented by your bracelet. Congrats Nicole!!! (To buy YOURS, please click here!)
