PLUS CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL STUFF; BENIHANA'S GRAND OPENING; MARIO'S HOT FASHION SHOW; CABARET CARAMBA!; MCA'S VERNISSAGE; CECE DELIVERS BIG NEWS; BELOVED CHERI IS HONORED; RANDS' CHICAGO FOOTBALL CLASSIC; CHICAGO AIR & WATER SHOW 2017; STEP UP TO THE PLATE; "OUT IN THE PARK" RETURNS TO SIX FLAGS; BRUNO'S FIRST; A DARLING VIDEO AND SOOO MUCH MORE!
During a beautiful night in the heart of summer, the Art Institute’s Old Masters Society celebrated a benefit event aptly titled Gauguin Under the Stars. A sold-out crowd of 250 Old Masters Society members and their guests gathered to celebrate and enjoy the acclaimed Gauguin: Artist as Alchemist exhibition while
dining under the night sky. The evening began with a short presentation by renowned exhibition curator and chair of the European Painting and Sculpture Department, Gloria Groom. Gloria provided insights into the artist
and the intricacies of the blockbuster exhibition. Afterwards guests were invited to view the exhibition and enjoy a reception with a signature tropical cocktail before heading to dinner. The delicious dinner was enjoyed al fresco in the
museum’s garden in McKinlock Court, truly under the stars. Old Masters Society Board members and event co-chairs, Virginia Bobins and Gary Metzner, creatively painted a fabulous dinner atmosphere with beautiful floral
tablecloths, lush tropical centerpieces, and gorgeous lighting. Guitarist, Andy Brown, set the tropical musical scene throughout the evening where everyone was transported to the dreamy tropics as they supported the Old Masters Society on a perfect
Chicago night. The Old Masters Society of the Art Institute of Chicago plays an important role in the museum’s community through contributions towards acquisitions, research, publications, exhibitions, and lectures that foster an understanding of the great art of the past and an appreciation of collecting.
Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival announced the first 25 films to be shown at the 53rd annual Festival, running Oct. 12 – 26, 2017, at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers on Aug. 22. The roster of films, announced by Mimi Plauché (recently
named Artistic Director) is replete with an array of electrifying, challenging and entertaining feature and documentary films, including likely awards-season contenders, the work of highly acclaimed directors, indie treasures and discoveries. Within the first 25 films, a range of countries are represented, including Argentina, Brazil, China, Lebanon, Slovakia,
and the United States (including two films from Chicago-based filmmakers). In addition to the Festival’s established sections, this year’s programming will also include architecture and design films in
conjunction with the Chicago Architectural Biennial and a special focus on International Film Noir. “It’s another great year for film, from dark comedies that make us laugh in spite of ourselves, to intense psychological thrillers that
expose our deep-seated anxieties, to politically minded documentaries that dare us to engage with the world in deeper ways,” said Plauché. “From Brazil to Iran, Senegal to Chicago, we are welcoming back Festival
favorites, distinguished masters, and rising talents.” Concurrently, Cinema/Chicago President and CEO Michael Kutza unveiled the 2017 Festival poster. The winning design, created by
Netherlands-born, German resident Edwin Smeenge, a self-taught painter and graphic designer, was chosen from 172 entries from more than 30 countries and features the 53rd Festival’s new
tagline, Because Life Is a Movie. “Edwin's image of a curious face looking out from the dark is perfect,” remarked Kutza. “It precisely captures the sense of curiosity, adventure and discovery that our audiences bring to the Festival. It also works so well as we have our international Film Noir section at this year's Festival." I'll see you there!
One of Chicago’s hottest fashion shows this season, Mario Make Me A Model 2017, took place on August 10 at The Geraghty. The evening began with a cocktail reception followed by a full-blown fashion show, with styling by Lisa Marie McComb, that featured Chicago designers Azeeza Khan, Swaby, Suki + Solaine,
Misanthrope and Gidi. Executed in three phases, Mario, Make Me a Model reaches hundreds of young people looking for careers in modeling and provides photo shoots, TV appearances and the training needed to launch a career in the industry. The contest culminated with a fashion show featuring five finalists. The finale fashion show was the final test during which the finalists walked with professional models from Factor Chosen Model
Management and the winner, Kiara Clark, was revealed! (Kiara, 22, a recent high school grad, has already been picked up by Factor!) The evening's other big prize, an Ad
Competition sponsored by Perillo BMW, featured each finalist in their own print ad for a BMW car. The winning ad was announced by Susanna Homan (editor/publisher of Chicago and Splash
magazines) and Trish Perillo (managing partner Perillo Motor Group). EVERYONE was a winner! Congrats to ALL!
Notables seen on the scene included Mario and Cheryl Tricoci (natch!), Chicago Magazine editor/publisher Susanna Homan, Joe Perillo and family, CBS' Irika Sargent and Rob Johnson, Azeeza Khan, Nina Mariano, Amy Olson, Jessica Zweig, DJ Megan Taylor and many others.
After 10 lonngggggg years, one of my favorite eateries has reopened, this time in the Hancock Building at 875 N. Michigan! BENIHANA is back and I couldn't be happier! I've missed those chopping and dicing
chefs and the delectable dishes they served up! At the grand opening party on Aug. 22, it seemed like everyone in the city was there. I saw Melissa and Scott Forman, Mary Ann Rose and Heinz Kern, Erica Strama, all of the peeps
from WCIU, Dan Uslan and so many others! We got there a little late since we attended the Chicago International Film Festival poster unveiling first, and I missed the drum line to open the restaurant but the chefs were still busy as bees preparing those delicious dishes we love and remember so well! A massive
celebration cake, courtesy of Eli's Cheesecake, was shaped like a chef's hat. The over 8,000' ft. space will offer 22 Teppanyaki tables with hibachi grills, a sushi bar, three private dining rooms, a cocktail lounge and an outdoor patio on the Mag Mile! I'm in Benihana Heaven! Congrats to CEO Thomas Baldwin and all involved! For reservations, visit the website here or call 312.780.3110
and I'll see you there!
It was another exciting afternoon for the Service Club of Chicago's annual "Day on the Terrace" fashion show and luncheon held, as always, at the Peninsula. Co-chaired by SC members Jean Antoniou, Yvette Cusack,
Sharyl Mackey and Tracey DiBuono (who also produced the show through her ZZAZZ Productions), the event raised a record-breaking $100,000! I've always loved this event, not only for the first-look at fall fashions, but also because of the camaraderie this group has. As one
of the city's oldest non-profits (founded in 1890), the members have a long history of working together towards a common goal, serving those less fortunate through its Philanthropic Grant program. For this year's event,
themed "Rock the Runway," a sell-out crowd of over 350 mixed and mingled on the terrace before enjoying a 45 minute fashion extravaganza featuring fall looks from local retailers that included alice+olivia, Anne Fontaine, Basler, CH-Carolina Herrera, Eileen Fisher, Escada, L.K. Bennett, Max Mara and Maximilian Furs at
Bloomingdale's and Tom James. The thrilling finale featured evening wear from Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue and models escorted by handsome members of the U.S. Marine
Corps. Congrats, as always, to this group whose tireless dedication to its cause is a wonderful sight to behold. (Check out my Chicago Tribune coverage here) (Teddie Kossof Salon Spa official hairdresser for Day on the Terrace 2017).(Fab photos by John Reilly Photography--thank you Violet!)
The Woman’s Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital is proud to present Cabaret Caramba! on Friday, September 8. Funds raised will benefit the Nora Cooney Marra Outreach Program’s support of The Healing Boutique. The Boutique is one of the most lauded offerings of the Supportive Oncology Program, providing wigs, turbans, make-up instruction and cosmetic support to patients undergoing cancer treatment. The fall cocktail party will include four live musical acts, Black Jack and tarot card readings. For tickets,
$150, and more info, click here.
The Women’s Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Chicago will host Vernissage, the opening-night benefit and preview of EXPO CHICAGO, the International Exposition of Modern & Contemporary Art Wednesday, September 13. Guests will be treated to an exclusive first look at art from 135 of the world’s leading international galleries participating in the sixth annual exposition (Sept. 13 – 17) in Navy Pier’s Festival Hall (600 E. Grand Ave.). This unique celebration will be co-chaired by MCA Women’s Board members Tonya Geesman, Christine Poggianti and Ellen Wallace. Tickets for Vernissage (starting at $100) and the VIP patron reception (starting
at $300) are on sale now and can be purchased here.
A BIG congratulations to Cece from Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions. She and husband John Kemnitzer are ecstatic to expand their family this fall as they are expecting twin boys! Being pregnant has not stopped Cece from working on her upcoming events, Taste of Streeterville and Mac & Cheese Fest (Nov 4th). Cece can't wait for motherhood and is ready for her 2 little angels any week now! Congrats with love, oohs and ahhs!
And now, a few more fashion and beauty suggestions. :-) First of all, I don't pretend to be an expert but, to be honest, I've had years of experience in these sectors. Since the age of 13, I've been modeling. I started
with catalog work for a well known St. Louis retailer, Famous-Barr, and advanced from there to heading up its live modeling presentations while I was still in high school. I loved every minute of it and learned a lot. From there, my move to Chicago included modeling with a variety of
agencies during the course of my ongoing career. In Chicago, I was listed with Shirley Hamilton, A+, Playboy Models, David Lee and FORD. Other agencies included Talent Plus (St. Louis), Covers Agency (Barcelona) and Wilhelmina (NY). I cherish these memories and am glad I'm such a packrat since I still have almost all of my modeling photos, tear sheets and more. Today, I'm newly registered with Lily's Talent and am still learning. The world of fashion has always intrigued me since I was very young. I remember doing hair and makeup for every single
person in my family since I was little, and I was very good at it. During my Playboy Bunny years, I continued my love of styling on a whole
new set of "victims." During a stint with Today's Chicago Woman Magazine, I served as its fashion director and prided myself on my styling abilities. At the time, only "real" women were used on the cover
and I loved helping them find their best looks, both in makeup and fashion. Many still use these images to this day for their social media. So, as you can see, I feel like I am uniquely qualified to share some tips about what I've learned along
the way. And, even though there are NO rules, I still have some of my own that I adhere to. You decide: 1) Jewelry--either wear a lot or a little. Anything in-between looks tentative, like you don't know what
you like. If you're Iris Apfel, you can let your fantasy run free, but if you're like me, one statement piece is enough. And, as the old, but true adage,
goes....look in the mirror and take one piece off before you walk out the door. This always works. 2) Dresses, tops with sleeves--I know we all try our hardest to stay in shape but sometimes those bat-wing arms just won't go away. And, even though I'm all for free spirits and "doing your own thing", this is where I draw the line. NO ONE likes seeing flabby arms--on men or women--so, either grab those 3/4 t-shirts when you see them or head for the weight room. 3) Capri pants--I know Ellen Warren (Answer Angel Ellen in the Chicago T
ribune) HATES capri pants! I feel completely the opposite, but of course, there are different lengths. No one looks good in the really cropped versions, but I think just above the ankle is a very chic look. I found THE perfect pants at Palm Produce Resortwear in Palm Beach (also in Key Biscayne and Coconut Grove). They have a bit of stretch and are the best-fitting pants I've ever found. (217 Royal Poinciana Way, 561.835.9777). 4) Nail polish--I know dark shades are fun but I don't think they look good on older hands. Period. That's it. Merely my opinion. 5) Silver foxes--I know a lot of people color their hair and, in many cases, with great success. However, some of the chic-est people I know (Carmen dell' Orefice comes to mind) have embraced their natural hair color and look spectacular! As a matter of fact, there is an entire movement, Silver Sisters, (of which I'm a member) devoted to
embracing your natural color! Join us! :-) 6) Over-plucked eyebrows--I know a lot of women just can't leave their brows alone. My mom was one of them to the point where we finally had to tattoo her completely missing eyebrows (and they did look great!). I never thought brows could grow back, but I was (happily) wrong! I've been using a product (that I swear by) called neuBROW. I was introduced to it by eyebrow/makeup expert/dear friend Nicole Jacob Delahanty, and I've never looked back, but you must use it as directed and, I won't lie, it's pricey. The product, and Nicole's fabulous makeup services, are available at Nicole Jacob Cosmetics, 1009 N. Rush St., 312.934.3011 (Also at Che Sguardo, 161 W. Illinois).
I couldn't be happier about The Chicago Lighthouse's next choice for honoree, Cheri Lawrence! This women is one of the most caring and philanthropic people I know and I'm sure she will have a sellout crowd for FLAIR 2017, a fashion show featuring fall looks from Macy's Street Street on Tuesday, Sept. 12 in the store's Walnut Room! Born in France and raised in Connecticut, Cheri moved to Chicago shortly before her first daughter, Kelsi, was born. When
2nd daughter Taylor started pre-school, she chaired both years of the school's annual fundraiser with, of course, fantastic results. Her giving has not ended. She is a proud member of PAWS Chicago, the English-Speaking Union, The Service Club of Chicago and many others! Help celebrate Cheri and raise funds for Chicago Lighthouse, a non-profit that helps children and adolescents who are blind, visually impaired or disabled meet developmental and educational milestones. (For info, click here).
The Chicago Football Classic returns to Soldier Field on September 30 for its 20th anniversary game between two of the best in college football, the Grambling State University Tigers and the Clark Atlanta University Panthers! Hosted by brothers Everett and Tim Rand, along with Larry Huggins, The Classic's mission has been to inspire African-American high school and college students through their support of programs, initiatives and events that will increase awareness of historically black Colleges and Universities. (For tickets and more info, click here)!
The Chicago Air Show 2017 was one exciting weekend in Chicago! And no matter how many times I see the performances, I never, ever get tired of it! (Rooney might beg to differ since he's usually hiding under a sofa but everyone else I
know, just loves it!) We started the day off with friends at Michael and Teri Wilkie's penthouse high atop one of the most exclusive buildings on Lake Shore Drive. They always deliver as the perfect hosts and this year was no different! A band rocked the massive lawn
underneath a giant U.S. flag as the jets careened across the sky, seemingly just for us. Next stop was at Leslie Hindman's "palazzo, another historic spot on LSD. Her magnificent rooftop terrace had guests oohing and ahhing all
over the place. And, last but certainly not least, we ended our day at Kristina and Mike McGrath's, another pair of awesome hosts who generously opened their exquisite Streeterville home up for air show guests. Whew, our heads were reeling from all the day's excitement! Thanks also to the happy band of merrymakers who shared the afternoon with us!
The Joe Niekro Foundation will host "Step Up to the Plate", a fundraiser to be held on September 9 at the Thompson Hotel. The foundation was lovingly established by Natalie Niekro, daughter of former MLB player, Joe Niekro, whose tragic and sudden death was a result of a brain aneurysm. Since its inception in 2006, the non-profit has been committed to supporting patients and families, research, treatments and awareness of this life-threatening condition. (For more
info, click here!)
"Out in the Park" returns to Six Flags on Sept. 9 for a private night to celebrate LGBTQ diversity. For tickets and more info, click here!
Bruno Abate and his Recipe for Change board of directors will host its 1st annual fundraiser on Thursday, Sept. 21, at Morgan's on Fulton (950 W. Fulton). The non-profit provides mentoring
and guidance to detainees in the jail and prison systems through culinary, fine arts and life skills training while reinforcing the value of work and personal responsibility. It operates an active educational program five days per week in the Cook County Jail (Illinois, USA) and are working towards the goal of establishing a community based program offering support and continued training for recently released detainees. Congrats on all your good work Bruno! (For tickets and more info, click here!)
It's been yet another great week of fun and fundraising in Chicago! I hope you've enjoyed this latest edition of Candid Candace! Please follow along by subscribing here! And, if you have any fun events that benefit a great cause, please email me at [email protected], as I would love to include it.
Love, as always,
Candace
[email protected]
P.S. And, of course, something to make you smile. Meet Mojie the golden snuggle pot, a darling Sun conure. I want one.
