PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ WITH BUNKY!

The ladies of Bunky Cushing’s “Red Brigade” were out in force for his annual Valentine’s Day Tea on Tuesday, February 10th at the Ritz-Carlton. One hundred of Chicago’s social butterflies, power players and top philanthropists all wore red as instructed on the elegant Tiffany stationary that announced the event. Bunky greeted each guest at the entrance to the Greenhouse with his usual flourish and everyone was honored to be there and thrilled to have Bunky’s attention. Harper’s Bazaar described it as “one of Chicago’s most sought after invitations” and has been for 15 years. Bunky explains, “There are so many wonderful women in my life. They are talented, giving ladies who contribute their time and resources to Chicago’s cultural and charitable endeavors. This tea is my way to express my special affection for them.” The Chicago Tribune writes that “Bunky knows everybody who’s anybody—at least any society lady who’s anybody.” Lucky guests included Maria Pappas, Helen Melchior, Hazel Barr, Sara Swift, Wendy Wood-Prince Sherman, Cathy Bell, Shauna Montgomery and her mother Shirley Michaels, Noren Ungaretti, Carrie Lannon, Laurie Davis, Dusty Stemer, Gerri Shute, Natasha Isaacs, Melinda Swift, Marty Higgins, Maria Smithburg, Barbara Samuels, Vonita Reescer, Peggy Jester, Lori Daniels, Toni Canada, Amalie Drury, Greg Hyder, Jean Antoniou, Sheryl Dyer, Sharyl Mackey, Lynda Silverman, Holly Barr, Liz Sharp, Astrid McKinnon, Susan Ellefson, Lisa Malkin, Diane Edelman, Deirdre Pratt, Dori Wilson, Sherren Leigh, Vicki Hood, Sherrill Bodine and Cynthia Burns among many others. A surprise visit by Mayor Daley was a highlight of the 2007 tea. Bunky hosts several events during the course of the year but the Valentine’s Day Tea is the only non-charity event. One of his most notable charitable events is the Handbags and Halos luncheon which benefits the Howard Brown Clinic. My hat is off to Bunky for all that HE does for our great city! He is truly one of Chicago’s own and the icing on our Valentine’s Day cupcake. We love you Bunkste
r! :) Photos from top right: me and Bunky Cushing; Liz Sharp, Noren Ungaretti and Helen Melchior; Jean Antoniou, Hazel Barr, Sheryl Dyer and Susan Elefson; Toni Canada and Dusty Stemer; Amalie Drury and Deirdre Pratt; Sharyl Mackey; Peggy Jester, Laurie Davis and Lori Daniels; party decor; Barbara Samuels, me, Dori Wilson and Donna Hodge; Lisa Malkin and Lynda Silverman; Holly Barr and Astrid McKinnon; Maria Smithburg and Marty Higgins.

Thursday night at the Merchandise Mart, Janus et Cie hosted a party with CS Magazine to benefit PAWS Chicago. Korey Karnes, editor-in-chief for CS Magazine, chose 15 one-of-a-kind dog beds created by Chicago’s dog loving designers for the silent auction. It was packed with fashionistas, designers and dog lovers all brought together for a common cause. One of the guests was Joann Greene who brought her two best friends—a dog named Twister who had lost a leg in the Beirut bombings and Glenda—her other canine friend of 22 years!! Joann watches the news like a hawk and wherever an opportunity presents itself to be of service to our four-legged friends, she is there!! There should be a plaque for you Joann for this incredible dogitarian service you gladly provide. Photos from top right: Samantha Safier, Julie Selakovich, Korey Karnes and Julie Monteith; Joann Greene with Twister and Glenda; Kerry Schorr, Josephine Albanese and Sally Schorr; manager Jeanne McCrea and Kristine Peterson.

And speaking of dog lovers, I have two of the most incredible oil portraits of my Chihuahuas, Mickey, Rooney and the late Daisy, all done by local artist Matt Owen. If you are looking for that unique memory to have of your beloved pets then this is the way to go. Matt is reasonably priced and he captures the most important nuances of every animal he paints. He began as a muralist in 2001 but a rotator cuff injury nipped the big scale canvas work in the bud. After his friends asked him to paint their pets, the rest is history. He lives with five cats, two dogs, a parakeet and a rat. Last year, I had a beautiful portrait done of my sister-in-law’s dog and cat for a Christmas gift. It is her favorite thing in their home. I highly recommend this animal lover/artist to everyone. His website, www.owensartwork.com, is being revamped but should be up soon. Those intersted can email him at owensartwork@yahoo.com or call him at 773-929-1219. Photo: oil painting of Daisy Jordan by Matt Owens.

Speaking of your best friends, how many of us have friends we still know and love from the fifth grade?! Loreta Corsetti does! I ran into her at the Diva Party last week. She is a milliner extraordinaire who opened her first boutique in 1989 and has never looked back. She has clients worldwide and is a co-founder of the Millinery Arts Alliance and has been its president for the past seven years. In 2005, she was chosen by director Robert Altman to design hats for his production of “A Wedding” that premiered at the Lyric Opera. In 2007, her work was chosen to be featured in a permanent exhibit at the Museo del Cappello in Italy—the first milliner from the U.S. to ever receive this honor. One of her biggest inspirations is a man she has been friends with since fifth grade— Bally designer Brian Atwood. She recalls, “He liked to watch me drawing dresses in my notebook and offer his critiques. I have to say that he is one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever met and I deeply admire him, his talent and what he has accomplished. The funny thing is that now, he is this beautiful man who has achieved so much but when I’m with him, I can still see that boy, my friend, who made me feel special and it’s as if we’ve never spent any time apart.” Check out her boutique at 1137 N. State St.! Photo: Loreta Corsetti and Brian Atwood.

The 2009 Legendary Landmarks Gala honorees have been announced. They are Richard Driehaus—philanthropist and leading figure in the Chicago Historic Preservation Movement; Michael Kutza—founder of North America’s oldest competitive international film festival; and Susan and Lew Manilow—community and cultural leaders with a passion for human rights, the environment, art and politics. They will be honored on Saturday, March 7th at the Palmer House Hilton and the proceeds will benefit Landmarks Illinois. Recognizable buildings which this organization spearheaded efforts to save include: The Chicago Theatre, Cook County Hospital, The Farnsworth House, Marquette Building and many more. This event is more important than ever since an Illinois appellate court recently struck down the city of Chicago’s Landmark ordinance saying it is unconstitutionally vague and puts over 250 buildings and 50 historic districts at risk. Co-chairs for this year’s gala are Victor Skrebneski, Madeline Gelis and Shelley Gorson. This black-tie event begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Red Lacquer Room followed by an elegant dinner in the Grand Ballroom. There will be dancing and a live auction featuring personalized packages from each honoree. Gala tickets are $500 per person and may be purchased by calling Landmarks Illinois at 312-922-1742 and additional information on the statewide programs can be found at www.Landmarks.org. Please support this worthy organization and help preserve our history! Photos from top right: Richard Driehaus; Michael Kutza; Susan and Lew Manilow.
 
I hope your Valentine’s Day was everything you’d hoped for! Thanks for checking Candid Candace and we’ll “talk” next week…and since the point of this week's blog is all about good friends, take a glimpse at a different version of "puppy love."
 
Love,
Candace :) 

P.S. A big congratulations to Chef Art Smith for hosting the Obamas for Valentine’s Day dinner at his Table Fifty-Two restaurant. I love this town! Photo: the Obamas leaving Table Fifty-Two after their Valentine's Day dinner.