SAIC’S “THE WALK 2011” HONORS IKRAM GOLDMAN

It seems to be fashion guru Ikram Goldman’s year or at least month for sure! It began with her Legend of Fashion Award from the School of the Art Institute. The silver Tiffany star-designed honor was given to her at “The Walk 2011” fashion show, held for the first time, in Millennium Park. This year’s event was the largest in its 77-year history and seemed to draw the largest crowd as well. Over 250 garments were shown by 97 student designers during the four shows presented on Thursday, May 5th. There was a dress rehearsal at 9 AM and fashion shows at noon and 3 PM in the lead-up to the main benefit show which began at 7 PM. The evening sponsors included lead corporate sponsor, Swarovski, and members of the MacLean family, Margaret, Barry and Mary Ann. At the beginning of the show, awards were presented to Jacqueline Kim (who won a one-year paid internship with Proenza Schouler), Erin Pianetto (who won a one-year internship with Jenna Lyons and the design team at J.Crew), Alena Savinova (one of my favorites, won a $30K scholarship from an anonymous donor who was sitting in the audience) and Macie Francis (who won a $25K scholarship donated by Ikram and hubby Josh Goldman). Ana Leon won a full scholarship donated by Swarovski and Liz Patelski was a $25K winner for the Eunice W. Johnson Fellowship. This year’s chairs were Marilyn Fields and Greg Cameron along with co-chairs Denise Gardner and Kate Neisser. SAIC President Walter Massey said, “THE WALK is among the premier cultural events in the city, and it directly supports student scholarships.” The fashionable crowd was so excited and filled with anticipation for the evening’s event and they were not disappointed. This was the best WALK yet, in my opinion, and each group of Factor models who came down the runway received oohs and aahs and wild applause. Cameras were flashing everywhere among the well-heeled crowd and the room was electric. The weather was electric too for a brief while with lightning flashes and thunder adding to the excitement. The designs were edgy and architectural and ranged from shades of grey, white and black to brilliant colors that popped on the runway. There was even a male model in a pink garter belt and high heels. I wasn’t sure what statement this outfit was making?! Anyway, there was certainly something for everyone. Friend Nancy Bauer’s designing daughter, Amanda, showed beautiful silks in shades of poppy and lemon yellow. After the dramatic finale, it was time for Ikram’s award. Long-time friend and NY Times Style Magazine Editor, Sally Singer, presented the SAIC Legend of Fashion Award to a woman responsible for making this city a more fashionable place to live, Ikra
m Goldman. Singer said, “It’s her mission to make the streets of the city as dramatic, jaw dropping and visually alive as possible. She does this joyfully and democratically with the work of designers large and small.” Indeed, some of the best dressed women in town are her clients including Desiree Rogers, Mellody Hobson and Linda Johnson Rice to name a few. As we all know, First Lady Michelle was a fan and client as well. After Ikram accepted the award, she dedicated it to her mentor, the late Ultimo founder, Joan Weinstein. She tearfully said, “Joan was larger than life…She created a beautiful and captivating world around her and invited you to enjoy it with her. Were it not for Joan, I would not be here today to accept this award and so I would like to dedicate this award to my friend and mentor Joan.” The after-party on the Harris rooftop, with décor by Event Creative, was one of the more dramatically elegant rooms I’ve seen. There were twinkling candles encased in crystal everywhere you looked with gorgeous rectangles of light swathed in colored cloth hanging from the ceiling. The DJ played, some danced, ALL had a fantastic evening to support student scholarships for SAIC. What in the world will they do next year?! (To view ALL event pics by Caitlin Saville, please click here!) 

And the party continued on for Ikram at her fantastic 10th anniversary party on Saturday, May 7th. Hundreds of fashionable friends were invited to this private party at a former Hudson car dealership at 2222 S. Michigan. The invite alone was an indication of the creative excitement to come! The old fashioned red View Master arrived in a little box and you had to view the event details on the little slide disc inside. Too clever for words! Ikram, as you know, is the style guru who advised First Lady Michelle Obama and the woman with the hottest and most exclusive boutique in town. She dresses not only the A list but the A+ list too including Linda Johnson Rice and Desiree Rogers to name two of the most fashionable women about town. When we first arrived at the party, there was a line waiting outside. Now, only for Ikram would Chicagoans wait in ANY line so this was a real testimony to the level of excitement people had for this exclusive event as well as the respect and love they have for her. It was truly one of the most gorgeous parties with the absolutely most fashionable people. Guests were wearing outfits and designers that, in any other venue, would not have been appreciated but, at this party where the watchword was FASHION, it was de rigueur. The massive red draperies greeted you at the entryway and every guest was ushered in front of the bank of paparazzi in front of a wall of gilded frames filled with red roses. SAIC's Nick Cave performed in a wild fur costume with a painted, sequined face with two other models dressed like him. They looked like something from prehistoric times and the crowd went wild. There was also a performance by First Aid Kit, which is a favorite of Ikram. (It is a Swedish folk duo consisting of sisters Johanna and Klara Soderberg and they were wonderful.) Famed DJ Jesse de la Pena played tunes that Ikram loved since she sang and danced onstage with her adoring hubby Josh and fashionable friends for a great segment of the party. (DJ Kim Hastreiter AKA OMG played early in the evening.) There was also a magic show where George Lucas appeared out of a big box with Ikram’s name on the front. Everyone who was anyone was there and my head was spinning like a top. When we did finally leave, due to sheer exhaustion, there were adorable Chicago Hot Dog Carts lining the way to the exit. Oh, what a night… (BTW, the fantastic decor was by, who else, Tom Kehoe!) Ikram’s new mega-boutique is scheduled to open at 15 E. Huron (between State and Wabash in the old Suntory/Gaslight Club location) in mid 2011. With over 16,000 square feet, it will also include men’s apparel as well as an in-store café. I can’t wait to see what magic she weaves next! 🙂 (To view ALL event pics, please click here!)

Excitement builds in the lead-up to the opening of TOPSHOP/TOPMAN, coming to Michigan Avenue (corner of Pearson and Michigan) in early September! I had the pleasure of meeting Topshop/Topman founder, Sir Philip Green, at a private dinner for 60 people at the elegant Henri Restaurant recently. He is a charming man and, coincidentally, Chuck and I had met him last year in St. Tropez at Club 55. He was charming Harvey Weinstein’s and Ryan Seacrest’s table and then stopped by ours. He asked me at the dinner if “we were being naughty” and I replied that EVERYONE is naughty in St. Tropez! His staff was at the dinner too and they were equally charming. I know this store will be a huge hit when it arrives and I can’t wait to see it! The proposed plan will include a 35,000-square-foot sales floor with a DJ booth and will include collections from Glamrock, Unique, Psychobilly, Thrift and Bavaria among others. I had never been to Henri, at 18 S. Michigan, but you can bet I will return. This jewel box of a restaurant has the most amazing views of the city as well as a fantastic menu. On this night, we enjoyed a tasting menu that included foie gras, Prince Edward Island mussels, a spring vegetable tart, honey glazed duck breast, a 14-oz. rib eye, house-made pappardelle, Dover sole, crème brulee, chocolate tart and a mille feuille with vanilla cream in a crisp pastry with raspberries. Each course was accompanied by a marvelous selection of wines. This feast was enjoyed by David Shepherd (Managing Director of Topman), Gordon Richardson (Design Director for Topman), Karen Bonser (Design Director for Topshop), Jason Griffiths (Topman Marketing Director), Chicago Mag’s Rich Gamble and Fashion Editor Stacey Jones, Mich Mag’s Susanna Negovan, Leslie Hindman’s vintage clothing specialist Abigail Rutherford, CS Mag’s Samantha Saifer, Nora Daley Conroy and CS Men’s Book publisher Amy Wimer to name a few. Kate Moss was the face for Topshop during the last three years and I understand a search is on for a new “face” for this fashion forward British institution. I suggested an over 50 woman with slicked back hair, perhaps? :)  I will be waiting TOPSHOP! (To view ALL dinner photos, many by Jack Edinger, please click here.)
 
Irreverent funny girl Chelsea Handler wowed the crowd with her one-night-only show at the Chicago Theatre recently as part of the “Lies Chelsea Handler Told Me Tour.” Earlier in the day, she hosted a delightful brunch at Mercat a la Planxa along with Bon Appetit magazine. The event was to introduce Belvedere Bloody Mary vodka (Chelsea’s favorite) to Chicago and from the looks on the happy faces of the guests that included stars of Chicago’s food and media scene, I think it was a hit! Claire Smith, Head Spirit Creator for Belvedere, created this unique vodka and during the course of the delicious three course meal prepared by Chef Jose Garces, it was served in several different ways. My favorite was “Belvedere’s Mary Me Honey” which consisted of Belvedere Bloody Mary, grapefruit juice, honey, lemon juice and orange bitters. Chelsea was there with her “Chelsea Lately” co-stars Brad Wollack, Josh Wolf and Heather McDonald who were also appearing with her on this latest tour. (It was so cute: During the course of the meal, she kept getting up to check on her friends who were seated at another table). Handler’s fourth book, “Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me” is a collection of stories by her friends and family about the ridiculous lies Handler has told them over the years. Her 19-date stand-up tour will include book signings in each city as well, of course! I never miss her show, “Chelsea Lately,” which is consistently the highest rated program on the E! Network. Click here to purchase Chelsea’s latest book! (To view ALL brunch pics, please click here.)
 
I miss Brenda Sexton, prez of Chicago Link Productions, and was so happy to have her back in town for one of her famous “Girls Night Out” parties! This event was a film premiere for “Something Borrowed” starring Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin, John Krasinski and Colin Egglesfield. One hundred seventy-five glam ladies gathered for the movie which was followed by a swanky after-party at AJA, the chic, urban Asian café at The Dana Hotel where, to everyone’s delight, Chicago native and hunky star of the film, Colin Egglesfield, conducted a Q & A with Brenda. He also happily took pics with the group that included Dori Wilson, Stephanie Storkel, Linda Usher, Julee White, Adair Schwartz, Laura Schwartz, Mickey Norton, ABC’s Sylvia Perez, NBC fitness expert Andrea Metcalf, National Van Lines CEO Maureen Beal who was also one of the evening’s sponsors along with Corri McFadden, founder of E- Drop Off who was title sponsor for the event. AJA Restaurant served sumptuous appetizers in addition to a tenderloin station and a sushi station, and included crab rangoon, vegetable spring rolls, sesame chicken and pulled pork sliders. My kind of dishes for sure! Hope to see Brenda back in town more often! She always has the best events! :) For more pics, please click here!
 
And now I would like to congratulate my friend/photographer, Mila Samokhina. She is an artist who wears many hats and through her hard work, passion and formidable skills, succeeds at them all. She has degrees in engineering, gemology, jewelry design and graphic design in the U.S. and Russia. Her photography skills are in demand from leading publications in Chicago and beyond (including Candid Candace, of course!) and she has exhibited her photos and artwork around the city appearing in many exhibitions. She has also been a guest speaker in the popular “Artist of the Month” lecture series at Adlai E. Stevenson High School of Fine Arts as well as being a Board member and Official Photographer (Historian) for the Women’s Jewelry Association of the Midwest. Her latest award, The President’s Award, has recently been bestowed on her by President Ruth Thuston, of this organization, as well. In the past, she has been honored with the “Entrepeneur of the Year” award and has been nominated with the “Award of Excellence.” In a word, Mila Samokhina is remarkable! Thanks for all you do for everyone Mila and CONGRATULATIONS!  
 
I’m sure you might have already seen this fantastic video entitled “The Most Interesting Thing.” It’s one of the cutest dog videos around and was recently shown on “Good Morning America” too BUT, just in case you haven’t seen this, then please take a look. It will make you laugh out loud!

And that’s the lowdown on this week’s Chicago highlights!
 
Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com 
 
P.S. I am so proud to be included as one of CS Magazine’s and Chiquita’s “25 Women Who are Crushing It.” This promotion launches Chiquita’s Crushed Fruit Snack (aka Crushie), which is a delicious high-powered, low-calorie fruit drink! Blueberry/banana is my fav! Congrats to the 24 other “Crushin’ It” girls and I will see you at the Banana Breakfast on May 19th!