Tag Archives: Bergdorf Goodman

December 7, 2011 · 7:38 pm

THE ART INSTITUTE’S “LET IT SNOW” IS AN INSTANT FAMILY FAVORITE

PLUS SERVICE CLUB’S HOLIDAY LUNCHEON, HEART OF MERCY BALL, CHEF ART SMITH AND LADY GAGA, PHOTOGRAPHER’S TOCCO PARTY, DECEMBER MICHIGAN AVENUE MAGAZINE, ZACUTO AND MADONNA, VIVA LA VIDA MASQUERADE PARTY LIVE, ICB DONATES TO TROOPS, CHARLES GIVES BACK AND MORE!

The Art Institute’s “Let it Snow” was a debut holiday party that enchanted young and old and from the looks of joy on the children’s faces is sure to become a seasonal favorite. The Women’s Board of the Art Institute, led by president Francie Comer and event chair Laura Werner, were delighted with the turnout of more than 350 guests for this inaugural event. As you entered Griffin Court of the Modern Wing, it felt as if you had crawled inside a giant snow globe. The twinkling snowflakes projected by Frost Lighting all around the room completed this effect as guests looked on in wonder. Balloonists and performance artists greeted everyone at the entrance. Children were dressed in their finest holiday wardrobes and delighted at the balloons fashioned into gingerbread men, reindeer, candy canes and more. Partygoers sampled delicious and creative hors d’oeuvres by Bon Appetit that included treats such as caviar on toast points, beef tenderloin crostinis and butternut squash soup shooters with maple popcorn. To the delight of the kiddies, macaroni and cheese, PB&J sandwiches, ham and cheese lollipops and pigs in a blanket were served. An extensive and colorful dessert display completed the bountiful buffet with s’mores and mixed berry shortcakes, cheesecake lollipops, cookies and cupcakes. As guests sampled the buffet tables, the local gospel choir True Voices of Christ performed on the grand staircase, beginning appropriately with “Let it Snow.” The gingerbread house contest was something to see as competing museum departments vied for the win. Entries included a gingerbread school, fire station, train station, theater and more, all representing scenes of Chicago. Everyone was already on sensory overload when the Midnight Circus stepped into the spotlight. Founded by Julie and Jeff Jenkins, the performance included jugglers, clowns, musicians, dancers, acrobats, aerialists and magicians as well as the “Chicago Boyz” who wowed the crowd. I can’t wait to attend this fun event next year and I know that it will become a perennial favorite. Seen on the scene were Anne and Will Hokin, Naomi Reese, Margot and Mark Bowen, Karen Gray, Max and Jim Farrell, Susan and Michael Canmann, Cathy and Michael Busch, Stephanie and Bill Sick, Jan and Bill Jentes, Melissa and Ward McNally, Elizabeth O’Connor Cole, Connie and David Coolidge, Ikram and Josh Goldman, Kay Krehbiel, Ellen and Jim O’Connor, Penny Pritzker, Gigi Pritzker Pucker, Shirley Ryan, Brenda
Shapiro and Betsy Rosenfield among many others. To learn more about the Art Institute of Chicago, please click here!)

The Service Club’s annual Holiday Luncheon was a beautiful affair held in one of the most magnificent rooms in all of Chicago, the Cathedral Room at the University Club. Event Chair Sheree Valukas, along with her formidable committee, welcomed 150 women who came dressed in their most festive outfits to celebrate and raise funds for one of the oldest philanthropic organizations in the city. A holiday bazaar made Christmas shopping easy this year and vendors included LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, Bountiful Homes, Elsa Johnson, Elda de la Rosa, Fabbri Furs, Hinsdale Furriers, Jennifer Kole Designs, Joelle Nadine, Leslie Hodes, Mary Mary, Pam Bernstein, Shrine and Tails in the City. There was new as well as vintage jewelry collections, magnificent furs, designer clothing, men’s gifts and even something for Fido to put under the tree at this extensive, something-for-everyone shopping extravaganza. The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus’ beautiful voices filled the elegant room with sounds of the season as jolly little bell-clad elves roamed among the tables much to the ladies’ delight. A delicious, seasonal luncheon included roasted butternut squash soup, parmesan crusted Amish chicken and chocolate raspberry crème tarts. As always, there was a philanthropic component to the day as the SC ladies all brought children’s gifts to benefit Clara’s House Shelter. The luncheon raised more than $8000 to benefit the grant program for the Service Club. (To see ALL fab event photos by Caitlin Saville Collins, please click here!)

The Women’s Board of Misericordia presented their annual Heart of Mercy Ball this year at the Fairmont Hotel. More than 650 people attended this black tie ball which raised more than $600K. Honorees this year included the Reverend Monsignor Michael Boland who received the Sister Rosemary Connelly Service Medallion and the Brian and Sue Shannon family who received the Heart of Mercy Award. The evening also included a silent and live auction (what event nowadays doesn’t?) and the music of the Ken Arlen Orchestra. All of the money raised supports Misericordia Home, Heart of Mercy, in Chicago which serves more than 600 children and adults with developmental disabilities from diverse racial, religious and socio-economic backgrounds on its 31-acre campus. By serving society’s most vulnerable citizens, Misericordia also serves the families who want the best for them, yet cannot provide it at home. (You might recognize Sister Rosemary as the feisty nun who jokingly stood up to Mayor Emanuel recently over beginning to charge charities for water.) For more info on this charity and upcoming events, please click here! (For more event photos by Robert Kusel, please click here.)

Did everyone see Chicago’s own Chef Art Smith in the fabulous Thanksgiving special hosted by Lady Gaga??!! Well, I know for sure that 5.4 million of you watched: It was the highest-rated show in this time slot! Huge congrats to Chef Art and Lady Gaga! Chef Art also attended a party at Barney’s in NY with his better half, partner Jesus Salguiero, to celebrate the windows that Gaga has designed for the store for the holidays…what a dynamic duo! I can’t wait to see what they “cook up” next!

The Chicago Photographer’s Party was held recently at one of my favorite restaurants, Tocco (located at 1266 N. Milwaukee) in honor of our wonderful local photographers! If it wasn’t for them, how in the world would we keep track of all of the social comings and goings? So, it was a fitting night of celebration that attracted around 200 party loving guests. There was a fantastic fashion display that featured gowns by Anna Fong, Borris Powell, Elda de la Rosa and Karol Barrero. Models Nicole Townsend, Bebe Georgieva, Cassandra and Freida Medina dressed up the room while the wonderful sounds of the Steve Biossat Trio filled the air. Handsome Tocco owner Bruno Abate was hard at work making sure everyone got a chance to sample his delicious Italian cuisine. (The pizzas are my favorite!) The event was planned by the Red Carpet Concierge of Chicago committee that included Steve Starr, Sandra Smith-Doghmi and Javier Enriquez. The party was so glam and so much fun that no one wanted to leave! (Additional photos by Helena Rafeyan and Steve Starr…to view ALL of the event pics, please click here!

Speaking of parties, I must say the latest issue (December) of Michigan Avenue Magazine has to be my very favorite! I wonder why!? I loved the party scene and those fabulous clothes and I am so grateful to Susanna Negovan for including me!! Photographer to the stars Steve Starr looked dapper as well in his two-page spread. I thought this was their best fashion feature to date. The jewelry, accessories and wardrobe were all so well planned and the models were just so darn cute/handsome! This magazine just keeps getting better and better and I couldn’t be happier for them! Congrats Mich Mag and thanks so very much for including me! 🙂

When I first met my neighbor down the street, Steve Weiss, I had no idea what he did for a living. And quite frankly, I still don’t know for sure other than the fact that he is an owner of Zacuto, which is one of the largest high-quality, originally-designed motion picture camera accessory manufacturing companies around. And Zacuto Films produces its own original web series with six Emmy nods and two wins. As I question him more, I find out that everyone – and I do mean EVERYONE – uses a piece of his equipment…who knew?!

Please mark Wednesday, December 14th on your calendar for the VIVA LA VIDA MASQUERADE PARTY when two cites – Chicago and New York – come together for one night to broadcast the latest fashion trends and happenings LIVE! New York hosts will be the editor and publisher of Gotham magazine, Samantha Yanks and Debra Halpert, while I will be a Chicago host along with "Windy City Live" style guru Eric Himel! This evening, sponsored by the Aparecio Foundation, will also launch Hasana’s e-commerce site at The Mid Nightclub located at 306 N. Halsted beginning at 6 p.m. Live entertainment provided by Sadie Woods and Megan Taylor! Guest bloggers Nicki Brashear and Katie Shuppler will be on hand, too, to keep fans updated. Please come to the party and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-the-minute #HVLV updates! Be there! 🙂

Huge congrats to Illinois Center for Broadcasting for their unique way to give thanks to the military this holiday season! On 12/8 and 12/15, at all of their campuses around the country, they will be offering a free Digital Care Package for families, friends and supporters of military personnel that can be shared with loved ones through email and online social networks, no matter where they are. For more details, please click here!

Is there a more beautiful city in the country than Chicago during the holidays? Granted, New York has a lot to offer – I love those Bergdorf Goodman windows and the Barney’s windows, this year decorated by Lady Gaga and who could resist that huge snowflake hanging in the center of Fifth Avenue? – but we have that and more (kinda)! I’ve never seen a prettier display than our own Lincoln Park Zoo’s “ZooLights” display. I can just imagine the animals having holiday parties after all of the humans have gone. And who can resist the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza? This delightful spot is one of my favorites with its variety of crafts, gifts, entertainment, German food, drinks and more! Macy’s windows are always a must-see attraction and the Joffrey Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition. And finally, I don’t believe there is a prettier spot than right here in my own backyard – the Old Town Triangle. Across the street from us is the most popular house on any Chicago tour, a darling fisherman’s cottage owned by Steppenwolf’s lucky David Hawkanson. I love this city that just keeps getting better and better and better…can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings! Have a happy holiday! (To enjoy more photos from Christmas’ past in Chicago, please click here!)

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I love my hairdresser Charles Ifergan and not just because he’s super cute, skilled and fun to be around but because he’s also good at giving back! The Charles Ifergan Salon at 106 E. Oak St., along with Furla, is co-hosting a children’s toy drive at the salon and store: Each client who donates will receive 20-percent off any hair care products and 20-percent off merchandise at Furla! LOVE this!

CHICAGO WELCOMES BIGGER, BOLDER BARNEY’S!

Thursday, April 16th, will go down in history as the day the Big Boy came to town! The new, bigger Barney’s is the most beautiful store in Chicago and the turnout on opening day proved it. Everyone wanted to see it and, by the expressions on their faces, they were pleased indeed. With jaw-dropping square footage and attention to every detail, this store must be the crown jewel in the Barney’s empire. From the flooring to the dressing rooms and everything in between, the design and furnishings are done to perfection. I could move right into the dressing rooms and be perfectly content! The designer selections are unique and varied, I’m sure in large part because it is an opening but I hope this endless variety continues. Even one of the sales girls told me she never even knew Marni had such great designs until they sent the new stuff for this opening. So please NY, don’t give up after this week is over!!!! There is a dramatic winding staircase in the center of the store that takes you to all six levels. Beauty, skin care and fragrances are on the lower level; accessories, hats, jewelry and sunglasses are on the main floor; designer collections and shoes are on the second level; sportswear and denim are on the third; the fourth and fifth floors are for men and the sixth floor contains Chelsea Passage with selections for the home. BUT the most important feature of the sixth floor is the fabulous restaurant, Fred’s! This chic dining spot has incredible views and a petite and exclusive outdoor patio with only three tables with a beautiful view straight down Oak Street to the lake! Imagine sitting above our greatest shopping street and looking at our sparkling lake on a lazy summer day? Makes me feel woozy just thinking about it!! Michael Celestino, Barney’s executive vice president, told me it’s been 22 years since they’ve opened a restaurant so they are feeling really happy about this decision and he thinks their location is perfect. Their other two dining spots are Green Grass in Beverly Hills and Fred’s in NY. Not only will our Fred’s be open for lunch but it will also be open for dinner and brunch. When I went to dinner here on opening night, the place was packed with fun, friendly faces and I predict it will be a new hotspot for those in the know. Michael told me Fred’s in NY is the best kept secret among the locals for dinner and I suspect it will be the same way here. You have to make a reservation for dinner and then come to the side entrance on Rush Street. Then a security guard will check your name and you will be escorted to an elevator inside the store. I think it will be fun and feel like our very own speakeasy! Fred’s is named after the grandson of the original property owner that Barney’s is built on in NY. Their incredible chef, Mark Strausman hails from NY. For the opening, they decided not to do a big blow-out since this economy wasn’t conducive to it, so champagne and donuts were the order of the day. Delicious sugar donuts by Mindy Segal served on silver platters were the perfect touch. The store is open seven days a week and Fred’s serves food from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday thru Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday. I saw a gazillion people there opening day including Jerry Kleiner (who was passing out cards for his new restaurant, Via Ventuno—which is his retooled Room 21), Christina Gidwitz (trying on chic designer dresses), John Carroll, Amalie Drury with Jeff Corney, Sophie Bross, Helen Melchior, Kathy Lidbury, Scott McLellan, Chryssi Cochanis, Jazmin Arellano (who just landed a job with Maria Pinto), DJ John Svendsen from Norway, Carol Beitler, Lorenzo Beard, Margaret Rainone, Naywri Wright, Demetri Alexander and his wife Marisa Murillo, Ann Waters, Martha and Laura Wallace, Hazel Barr, Scott Bobek, Janice and Ray Blaney, Joy Germont and Marie Amelio. Photos from top right: Barney's at 15 E. Oak St.; display area; Jerry Kleiner and John Carroll; Carol Beitler, Margaret Rainone and Lorenzo Beard; Barney's dramatic staircase; Naywri Wright; Fred's; Fred's outdoor dining space; Barney's executive vice president Michael Celestino and me; Fred's bar area; Fred's head chef Mark Strausman; donuts from Mindy Segal; Martha and Laura Wallace; Ann Waters, Helen Melchior and children's book author Kathy Lidbury; Marie Amelio and a friend; Jazmin Arellano and DJ John Svendsen; Kimberly Gleason and Sophie Bross. For more photos from this event, click here.

Speaking of great stores, a BIG thank you to Neiman Marcus, Mary Ann Henderson and Tina Koegel for arranging a wonderful luncheon for members of the Joffrey Women’s Board Thursday. The luncheon served two purposes: one, to thank outstanding members of the Joffrey Women’s Board who had served on committees this past year and two, to introduce Santiago Gonzalez’s Spring 2009 handbag collection. Santiago is the son of luxury handbag designer Nancy Gonzalez. Neiman’s scored on both counts and everyone enjoyed meeting Santiago and fondling his luxurious handbags up close. All of the Nancy Gonzalez bags are handmade in Columbia using precious skins such as Caiman Crocodile and Malaysian python. Santiago assured us that the crocodiles are farm-raised and each bag has a numbered emblem from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora to attest to this fact. He went on to say that it takes seven years of training to learn how to make these beautiful bags since matching the skins is an art form. The factory employs 700 people and 99 percent are women. His mother is very spiritual and studies with the Dalai Lama and has provided her workers with a day care center that cares for 150 children. The company was started 10 years ago when Nancy was unable to sell a surplus of bags after a store closing. Santiago suggested she send them to him and he would sell them to his college friends in NY. When the landlady heard he was selling bags out of his grandmother’s apartment, she hit the roof—until she SAW the bags. Then she suggested he take them to her friend, Dawn Mello, at Bergdorf Goodman and the rest, as they say, is history! Last year, the company sold over 55,000 handbags, each one unique. Santiago says, “True luxury is never trendy and the only hardware should be in your jewelry, not on the bags.” Their totes come with a banana leaf as a nod to their native Columbia. It was particularly delightful for me speaking with him since he goes to St. Tropez every year and we knew many of the same people. Here’s to your continued success, Santiago, and maybe I’ll be lucky enough to run into you in the South of France next year! :) Photos from top right: Santiago Gonzalez, me and Tina Koegel; Kate Benson and Marina Tater with Gonzalez handbags; model showing a Nancy Gonzalez bag; Astra Gamsjaeger and Kelly Detman; Santiago with his mother Nancy Gonzalez's bags; Lisa Leiden and Women's Board president Kathleen Klaeser; Marilyn Slattery; Rebecca Besser and Liz Ryan; Santiago with models; Linda O'Bannon; Francis Elliot and Santiago with the handbag he autographed for her.

Dave Curry really knows how to think outside the box: He has invented a unique concept in footwear called Podi, which means "foot" in Greek. Formerly in commercial real estate, inspiration struck Dave on the Michigan shores. While watching his daughters play in the water, he noticed his own footwear was trashed. He felt there had to be a better way than shelling out another $150 or more for shoes so in 2004, he came up with the idea of interchangeable shoe covers which can be removed or replaced based on one's mood or outfit. Curry designed six shoe covers for women and five for men. For $129, you receive the shoe base, three covers and an environmentally-friendly knapsack to keep it all in. Each extra cover is just $19.99 and you can even design your own cover using his Van Gogh style which arrives as a blank canvas. I see this as a boon for children who seem to go through shoes faster than you can blink an eye. To see how this innovative invention works, click here. Good luck, Dave! Photos from top left: Dave Curry with his Podi Wear; women's Podi shoe and cover choices.

On a personal note, I would like to congratulate my friend Simona Groza (beautiful manager of Luca Luca on Oak Street) and Dennis Garcia on their upcoming wedding on August 23rd. It will be held in the Hotel Sun Garden in Turda, Romania. Simona is beloved by so many and we all wish her and Dennis mountains of happiness! :) Photo: Dennis Garcia and Simona Groza.

I think we are finally headed for spring!!!! And as we all know, there is no place prettier than Chicago at spring time…unless it’s Chicago in the summer! Now here is a video that will exhaust you by simply watching it; I don’t remember cheerleading ever being quite like this!

Love,
Candace 🙂