The World Famous Carmen, Chilli’s Birthday, Clara’s Tea Party and More!

On October 7th, the top model in the world came to town—CARMEN! At 77 years of age, she is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful women you will ever meet. She’s 5’9” with the most glorious mane of silver hair and was the main attraction for Bunky Cushing’s annual Handbags and Halos luncheon which benefits the Howard Brown Health Center. The Patron’s Tea and Reception was held the day before at Stanley Paul’s fabulous art deco penthouse on Wells Street – all glittering glass and silver with a giant fur throw tumbling onto the floor from the white sofa adjacent to the piano…overlooking a grand terrace…well, you get the picture. The reception was attended by Shauna Montgomery, Lynn McMahan, Michelle Parillo, Robin Berger, Rebecca Besser, Mary Ann Rose, Zarada Gowenlock, Laura Sawchyn, Karen Goodyear, Mamie Walton and others. Everyone feels very lucky to be a part of Bunky’s events; he always hosts the most wonderful and interesting luncheons featuring speakers you can’t wait to hear (in the past, he has had Dina Merrill, Lynn Wyatt and Tippi Hedren). His philanthropic endeavors are far-reaching, with more plans to help on his horizon. Thanks for being you, Bunky! Photos: top right, Carmen with Bunky Cushing; left, Lynn McMahan, me and Shauna Montgomery; bottom right, Laura Barnett, Karen Goodyear and Hazel Barr.

Carmen had gone to 13 public schools by the time she was 12 years old. Her mother told her she had ears like sedan doors and feet like coffins; how someone can become the most enduring model of all time with “support” like that is pretty amazing. When I asked her what beauty products she uses to keep her skin so glowing, she had a surprise answer: She was a heavy tanner in her early years until her doctor in New York, Dr. Orentreich, suggested a facial planing. I believe this is now called a facial peel but, at this time, it was a very new technique. She said she looked like a Halloween mummy for quite a while and after her skin healed, she was advised to use sunscreen morning, noon and night. She gave a marvelous and honest talk about herself and her life and accepted any and all questions, no matter how personal. When I asked her to sign my invitation, she asked if she could draw a mustache on her photo by Victor Skrebneski. She is a lovely lady with a beautiful spirit to match. Photos: top left, Barbara Kipper, Carmen, me and Helen Melchior; bottom right, Stanley Paul and Victor Skrebneski.

 

Well, Chilli Pepper’s birthday party on October 6th was a wonderful celebration for a much loved Chicago icon (she’s even been honored by the Mayor!) but she makes it very clear that this party was not ALL about her: It was also intended to thank her many friends for their continuing love and support. This year, it was held at Real Tenochtitlan Restaurante at 2451 N. Milwaukee and the whole restaurant was taken over for the party.There were lots of heartfelt speeches and a marvelous meal prepared by Chef Geno Bahena that included choices of pork chops in green mole sauce, carne asada with greens and black beans or pollo en mole rojo (in Chef’s hometown, red mole sauce). Among her admirers were Todd Hatoff and his partner Marshall Erb, Donald Snead, Maya Douglas, Leticia Herrera, Sherry Payne, Elizabeth Bertucci, Roberto Gonzalez and many more. The after party was held at Leticia Herrera’s chic home on W. Grand and lasted into the wee hours. Photos: top left, Marshall Erb, Chilli Pepper and Todd Hatoff; top right, Maya Douglas, Donald Snead, Jesus Fabian, Kathryn Cole and Rob Cole; bottom left, me and Roberto Gonzalez; bottom right, Chilli Pepper and me.

 

There was a terrific cocktail reception held at Tod’s on Oak Street on Tuesday, October, 21st in conjunction with W Magazine for the President’s Leadership Council of the Field Museum. This well-attended event was planned by PR woman extraordinaire, Monique Jones. I particularly had my eye on the same coat and bag purchased by Vogue’s Anna Wintour; she named the shearling coat with fox collar one of the “hot picks” of the season. There were eight of these coats made and this is the only one in Chicago. It’s priced at $6,795. Another find at Tod’s, the “Dokt” pink alligator handbag, was priced at $25,000. Photos: top left, Francine Turk, Sophie Bross and Susan Billey; right, Monique Jones; bottom left, Ken Cook and Brenda Sexton; bottom right, Tod's manager Nadia Jeha modeling shearling coat and "Dokt" handbag.
 

On Saturday, November 8th, The Joffrey Ballet will present Clara’s Nutcracker Tea Party at the Palmer House from 1 to 3 p.m. If you love this classic ballet and have children you would like to introduce it to, then this is the way to do it in grand style. There will be an afternoon of fun, fantasy and whimsy that no child or adult will ever forget. As a guest of Clara, you will also receive tickets to opening night on Thursday, December 18th. This marvelous event is presented by the Joffrey Women’s Board and co-chaired by Whitney Lasky and Shawna Owen. Tickets are $200 for an adult and $150 for children. The Nutcracker performance runs December 18th through 28th at the Auditorium Theatre. For tickets, please call (312) 386-8944. 

In fashion news, I was so depressed looking for new wardrobe for fall and winter: The prices, especially in this economy, are out of sight! It seemed that everything I touched was so expensive so I have come up with some other ideas on how to update my clothes for the season. For instance, Louis Vuitton is selling the most gorgeous purse charms to attach to your handbags. Just clip them on to give new life to old handbags and to create a very chic look—all of the women in Paris are doing it so it must be so! Also, instead of a new jacket, I am just buying a couple of new scarves and throwing it over my existing ones. I love the Hermes oversized silk and cashmere ones and since they’re classics, they will always be in style.  A good investment all around… Photo: top left, Louis Vuitton Monogramouflage cag charm.  

 

And finally, don’t forget to vote today! This is a photo of Barack Obama signing his book for my friends Patti and Jimmy Connors. They attended Oprah’s fundraiser in California and used this pic for their Christmas card last year. If I had a personal photo of John McCain and me, it would be included, too!  🙂 Photos: top right, me with Barack Obama; bottom left, Michelle and Barack Obama with Jimmy and Patti Connors and Oprah Winfrey.

 

Thanks for visiting again! I hope you’ve enjoyed it!!!