Tag Archives: Chicago Cultural center

March 23, 2012 · 2:23 pm

DESIGNER BORRIS POWELL WOWS THE CHICAGO FASHION CROWD!

…PLUS BEAR NECESSITIES GALA, CHICAGO FASHION FOUNDATION’S “STREET STYLE,” TCW MAG’S SINGLES SOIREE, UPCOMING EVENTS, PALMER HOUSE COUP, THREE NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEOS AND MORE!

The Without a Shadow of a Doubt Fashion Show presented by local designer Borris Powell set a very high standard for Chicago fashion shows recently at the River East Art Center. Opening with chic fashions from Lincoln Park's newest boutique, STRUT, owner Niala Conte sent models down the runway in wearable and accessible outfits that made you want to rush to her store at 2549 N. Clark St. And indeed, guests could shop in her pop-up store after the show with a 20-percent discount thrown in for good measure. Being the ultimate showman, you never know what to expect from Mr. Borris Powell but when the red Ferrari powerfully hummed into the middle of the event driven by two gorgeous models, both wearing red, the crowd just lost it! It sat there front and center throughout Borris' faultless fashion show. For the first time, Borris presented his menswear line to wild applause. Special guest Rashied Davis of the Chicago Bears was wearing the very first men's suit that Borris had created as he told the crowd about his wonderful foundation that he and his wife Dianna founded, The Rashied Davis Charities, which teaches students how to overcome obstacles. And then the show! I was thrilled and honored to co-host with NBC's Marcus Riley, who made quite a fashion statement himself: He was wearing all local designers and his girlfriend, Nicole Townsend, was beaming with pride. Factor models glided down the runway in fashions that made me swoon. Borris' latest handbag, which was premiered on this night, can be used by both sexes and is the perfect shade of chocolate that will match every outfit for fall. His use of pops of color with more classic looks was the perfect mix for now. I loved the full length leather gown and his extra-wide belts, which were shown with lots of the ensembles. This new wide shape was modern and new and I want one in every color! The makeup (by Brenda Arelano, among others) was simple and clean with a bright red mouth. Hair by Nevena Zee from the Custom Hair Lounge & Spa also echoed the makeup with classic shapes and men's looks inspired by Italian Vogue – slicked back and sleek. The menswear collection had something for every type of
male from the buttoned-up businessman to the guy channeling his inner Marc Jacobs. Quenten Schumacher already has his eye on the copper colored statement suit…so heads-up here, Borris! And when the man himself came out for his final bows with that winning smile that we all love, the crowd was sitting in the palm of his hand. As he danced along behind the Ferrari as it hummed out of the ballroom, we knew we had all just witnessed fashion magic! Long may you reign, Borris!!! (To see ALL event pics by Caitlin Saville Collins and Mitchell Canoff, please click here and check out my Watch312.com coverage below!)

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Bear hugs were in abundance at the Bear Necessities 19th annual Bear Tie Ball’s Rhythms for a Reason event on Saturday, March 10th. Every year, this event gets bigger and bigger and this year, it had to be moved to the grand UIC Forum to accommodate the 750 guests in attendance. Co-chaired by Nina Mariano and Tracy Scurto, this party was filled with love for Bear Necessities and its inspiration, Barrett “Bear” Krupa. Bear lost his battle with cancer in 1993 but his spirit lives on through this amazing organization that bears his name. This year’s Bear Hug Ambassador, Lawson Frank, spoke to a rapt audience of his journey with cancer. In 2009, he was diagnosed with a rare form which was highly aggressive and malignant in his left eye. Lawson finished his last cancer treatment in 2011 and is in remission. Bear Necessities came through with a celebratory Bear Hug, sending Lawson and his family to the Chicago Blackhawks’ Hockey Fights Cancer Night. Lawson did the ceremonial puck drop that evening and even got to shoot on net! Today, he is an honor roll student and soccer player who hopes to one day become a surgeon. This special night was hosted by WLS radio host Roe Conn and Valerie Warner of “Windy City Live.” They each donated a special live auction package for the event…with Valerie teasing Roe that her package sold for more money! They were very cute onstage together and made a perfect hosting team. Founder Kathleen Casey gave a moving speech and said, “If Bear were here today, I would smile at the man he became and thank him for the inspiration.” She noted that the organization is the largest pediatric cancer foundation of its kind in the Midwest and also shared that less than 4 percent of federal money has gone towards childhood cancer. The William J. Casey Hope Award, which was created in honor of Kathleen’s dad and Bear’s devoted grandpa, was awarded to the Urso family and the Chicago Blackhawks. Legendary goalie Tony Esposito accepted the award on their behalf saying, “They’re a giving organization led by GIVING people.” Val Warner remarked that she could see Tony’s huge Stanley Cup ring from the stage. (He is a charming man who was dressed impeccably right down to his cufflinks, which were created in the shape of his goalie mask.) Father Paul White, who gave the invocation, remarked, “Tony has made more saves than I ever will.” His humor was priceless and made me want to travel to Harvard, Illinois to hear his inspiring sermons! The sit-down gala dinner included grilled shrimp, goat cheese salad, green beans, roasted garlic potatoes. Dessert and dancing to the Al Sofia Orchestra followed. A private after-party was held at Potter’s Lounge at the Palmer House. The event raised more than $700K for Bear Necessities. For more info about this amazing organization, please visit www.bearnecessities.org. (Event photos by Mila Samokhina…view more here!)

The Chicago Fashion Foundation’s 5th annual Future of Chicago Fashion scholarship award benefit was themed “Street Style: Chicago Fashion through Chicago Communities” and was held at the Chicago Cultural Center on March 7th. Ten student designers competed for scholarships in the amount of $5,000, $1,000 and $500. This chic affair included a cocktail reception in Preston Bradley Hall, an extensive silent auction and more than 350 chicly-clad guests. Judging began backstage before the show with Macy's Andrea Schwartz, Project Runway's Peach Carr (who presented her delightful spring collection), Akira's Jon Cotay, 24/7 Chicago's Catie Keogh and moi doing our best to decide who the top scholarship winners should be. The students were instructed to find their inspiration from the street style of Chicago's neighborhoods that included Ukrainian Village, Rogers Park, Chinatown, Beverly, Maxwell Street, Hyde Park and Logan Square. VH1 reality star Corri McFadden was the emcee for the event and Elena Bobysheva, a student at Columbia College, walked away with the first place prize of a $5,000 scholarship. Her winning ensemble featured a black stretch crepe jacket with an open back and a blue-violet pegged skirt, which were inspired by the architecture and cathedrals of Ukrainian Village. Second place winner Michele Castellano from the School of the Art Institute won a $1,000 scholarship with a romantic look inspired by the Columbian Exposition and the rich history of Hyde Park. The design featured a laser-cut top and a skirt lined with photographs of the dome from the Fine Arts Building of the Exposition which required 200 hours to create. Raven Norman from the Illinois Institute of Art won third place and a $500 scholarship with a green silk dress and tinted orange jacket inspired by the Beverly neighborhood. To Raven, the outfit evoked the sophistication, class and old world style of the community. Other participating student/designers included Elizabeth Leukuma, Kara Fenoglietto, Elaine Hoang, Tosha Sherman, Kendel Kennedy, Stacie Randall and Crystale Crubaugh. To see video coverage of this fabulous event on Watch312.com's "Candid Candace Chicago," please see below. Congrats to one and all – Chicago's fashion future is in very good hands indeed! (To see ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here!)

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Today’s Chicago Woman magazine presented its annual top singles party recently at Enclave. This fun-filled event, emceed by WGN’s “Healthy Living” host Jane Monzures, honored 40 of the city’s leading bachelors and bachelorettes. Top Chicago restaurants served a sampling of singles-themed food and included Wow Bao’s Asian cuisine, N9NE Steakhouse’s contemporary fare and Frontier’s farm-to-table American concepts. Late night snacks and desserts were provided by Foiled Cupcakes, Garrett’s Popcorn and Eduardo’s Enoteca. DJ Corey Sanford kept the crowd dancing all to benefit the TCW Foundation, which supports under-funded organizations designed to provide essential programs and services for women and girls. Congrats to Sherren Leigh, Cassandra Gaddo and Rebecca Michuda on another great party! To see all of the fun, check out this video from Watch312.com’s “Candid Candace Chicago!”

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And now for some event updates!

Hats at the Races Spring 2012: Hosted by Loreta Corsetti and guest milliner Laura Whitlock, this event at Loreta Corsetti’s Millinery Atelier (200 E. Delaware Place – Lower Level) will feature an array of the latest hats designed especially for racing events, seasonal luncheons and everyday chic! Saturday and Sunday, March 24 & 25th from noon to 5 p.m. (Please RSVP via loreta@loretacorsetti.com or by calling 312.640.6004.)

Luna Negra’s “CARMEN maquia”: Artistic Director Gustavo Ramirez Sansano’s Picasso-inspired contemporary take on Bizet’s beloved “Carmen.” This world premiere on March 24th begins at 8 p.m. at the Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph). Tickets are $25-$65; for more information, visit www.lunanegra.org or call 312.334.777.

Art for All Gala: Mayor Rahm Emanuel is honorary chair of this year’s Art for All Gala on Friday, March 30th beginning at 7 p.m. at Venue One (1044 W. Randolph). Tickets begin at $250 and include an art-filled evening of cocktails and dinner plus live entertainment and incredible auction prizes! For tickets and more info, please visit www.urbangateways.org or call 312.445.2749.

Cocktails 4 Causes at the Drake Hotel: This April 4th event will benefit the Chicago Red Dress Party from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Palm Court. Attendees will experience a Neiman Marcus fashion showcase, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and entertainment by the Lisa Rene Band – all for only $5 admission! For reservations (they're required), please click here.

Steppenwolf’s Red or White Ball: Steppenwolf’s Auxiliary Council hosts Chicago’s philanthropic young professionals at the 2012 Red or White Ball on Friday, April 13th at Architectural Artifacts (4325 N. Ravenswood) beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $135; for more info, please visit www.steppenwolf.org.

The Service Club of Chicago’s Mad Hatter Luncheon: Chair Sherry Lea Holson will host a luncheon and cocktail reception to view the milliner Raymond Hudd Collection at The Chicago Club (81 E. Van Buren) on Thursday, May 10th. For tickets and more info, please email tina@wellerdental.com.

Now please allow me a moment of pride for my stepson’s recent play, “Tom Jones,” adapted by David Hammond and directed by Maggie Speer. Charley Jordan will be appearing as Squire Western in this play based on Henry Fielding’s 18th century novel. Gala premiere night will be on Friday, March 23rd with the play beginning at 8 p.m. followed by food, open bar and celebration. Running from March 20th to April 29th, "Tom Jones" will be performed at the Josephinum Academy, located at 1500 N. Bell St. in Wicker Park. For tickets and more info, please click here.

And last but not least, big congratulations to the Palmer House Hilton on their amazing coup hosting President Obama’s recent press luncheon. The event included a panel discussion about working in the White House with Mayor Emanuel, Bill Daley and David Axelrod. Darling Director of Catering David Brandt said “It was very interesting and fun to listen to them speak and joke with one another.”

Well, that’s the lowdown on this week’s highlights! I hope you’re enjoying our beautiful weather and I hope to see you next week!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Anyone who knows Nicole Jacob Delahanty, the fantastic makeup artist and brow expert at the Paul Rehder Salon at 939 N. Rush St., will be thrilled to see this pic of her new baby, Dempsey Sullivan Delahanty! Welcome to the world, Dempsey!!! Love you, Nicole!

OSCAR FUN AND FASHION AT THE GENE SISKEL FILM CENTER!

…PLUS PAWS’ ANIMAL MAGNETISM, SUCCESS IS A JOURNEY, CHICAGO FASHION FOUNDATION'S STREET STYLE, BEAR TIE BALL, 60 STYLISH CHICAGOANS, STELLA’S HONOR, NINA AND BOB'S BIG DAY, JACK IS ONE, MY LATEST WATCH312.COM AND MORE!

The red carpet beckoned at the Gene Siskel Film Center for the only Academy Awards show in Chicago sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Movie lovers came dressed to the nines on this night, many inspired by some of the nominated films. Host Amanda Puck was dressed in black and white from her favorite shop, Space 519, in honor of “The Artist” and guest Allan Caliman did the same and won “The Artist Look Alike” award on this night! Other inspired winners included Renny Rhanna for “Marilyn Monroe Look Alike,” Jenna Plakut and Matthew Sullivan for “Power Couple,” Mila Samokhina for “Best Dressed Paparazzi,” Chris O’Dea for “Best Dressed Man,” Monika Rydz for “Best Dressed Woman,” Elena Samokhina for “Jessica Chastain Look Alike,” Jamie Sterle for “Zooey Deschanel Look Alike” and Emile Sile for “Morgan Freeman Look Alike.” It was a happy crowd with everyone hoping their favorites would win. The buffet dinner – generously donated by MJ Catering – also gave a nod to the theme of the evening: Each dish was inspired by a film! There was Hawaiian salmon (“The Descendants”), thyme beef encroute (“Hugo”), roasted veggies (“Tree of Life”), southern style potato gratin (“The Help”) and asparagus and gruyere tart (“Midnight in Paris”). I loved seeing the movie going crowd so excited and it was contagious. I had my own personal favorites and they included “Hugo,” “Midnight in Paris” and “The Artist” and Chuck’s favorite was “Moneyball.” We both laughed so hard over “Bridesmaids” that it was ridiculous…actually, why don’t more comedies get nominated? I think we should be throwing a little love their way right about now. And I have to say, as I watched the actual awards ceremony in one of the two state-of-the-art theaters where the 84th Annual Academy Awards show was presented courtesy of ABC7 Chicago, that I had some other thoughts. First of all, we all get it…Angelina is gorgeous but that leg-throwing thing really disappointed me. This is a woman who should NOT be trying this hard. And, as Stella Foster so aptly put it in the Sun-Times, “Angelina Jolie was elegant in black, but she could have kept that boney leg under wraps.” I love Stella, always telling it like it is! And now, here are my highlights: I loved Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz’s booty shot when they were presenting…too awesome and both glam, glam, glam! I loved both the gowns but Diaz’s won in my opinion. When she came out to present and those feathers were flying in all the right places, I was thrilled for her. I loved Billy Crystal from beginning to end. I am tired of nastiness, not only at awards shows but anywhere – life is hard enough…let’s try to be nice to each other! Funny can be nice, as Billy has proven time and time again; I loved his comment about being in a theatre (“These are the places to laugh, to cry and to text.”), his comment about being at the “beautiful Chapter 11 Theatre…” and finally, “We have puppets and acrobats…we’re a pony away from being a bar mitzvah.” Gene Siskel Film Center Executive Director Jean de St. Aubin said, “As Chicago’s premiere movie theater, we look forward every year to hosting the official Oscar party to celebrate achievements in film. We’re thrilled to be sold out again and the crowd is so glamorous…it rivals the real red carpet.” Associate Director of Development Joel Mangers had this to say about the event: “Fun, sexy…everybody is having a great time! It’s the most fun you can have outside of Hollywood!” I thought it was interesting, too, that the last baseball film nominated was “Field of Dreams.” I loved “Moneyball” (probably for all the wrong reasons!) and who could believe Sandra Bullock could speak German Mandarin Chinese??!! Penelope Cruz was perfect from head to toe, as usual. I’m thrilled Meryl Streep won – 17 nominations and now three wins – and isn’t it refreshing that she is still so humble? I loved her speech and loved the fact that her first shout-out was to her beloved husband, Don Gummer, to whom she has been married for 34 years. I also loved the Cirque du Soleil performance, although I think it was much more impactful in the theater than on TV as the standing ovation proved. It was a real treat to cover this night at the Gene Siskel Film Center for my show, “Candid Candace Chicago,” on Watch312.com. We have the greatest crew and I want
to thank them all here now: Cameraman/editor Fred Jackson, producer Jill Bastian, editor Josh Orr, executive producer Bill Natale, producer John Basile and cameraman Brian Kaempen (Split Film Productions). I hope you enjoy this video as much as I enjoyed making it! 🙂 Congrats and thanks to the Gene Siskel Film Center for presenting such wonderful independent and international cinema, film festivals, cutting edge programs, premieres, retrospectives and classic films. Their next event will honor actress Reese Witherspoon on June 23rd at the Ritz-Carlton. Check here for more info. (Fab fotos by Mila Samokhina…click here for more!)

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PAWS Chicago’s Animal Magnetism Party attracted a fun-loving and fur-filled crowd of more than 300 people and 80 pets to their sixth annual event at Galleria Marchetti on February 17th. The evening was hosted by KISS FM’s Brotha Fred and Angi Taylor and included dinner, dancing, photo ops and a one-of-a-kind live and silent auction. Highlights included the chance to fly a military aircraft under the guidance of an expert instructor. The aircraft was the North American SNJ-5, the Navy version of the T-6, which trained almost every allied fighter pilot during WWII and into the Korean War. This amazing package sold for only $550!!! Four premium seats for a Cubs game three rows behind first base included a party bus to the game and sold for only $600. (Now you see another reason why you should be coming to these events: great auction deals!) A trip to NY with two VIP tickets to “The Late Show with Jimmy Fallon” sold for $2,450. During the evening, Petco Foundation was honored for its extraordinary donations to PAWS Chicago’s Pet Food Bank and the GusMobile. This medical van visits Chicago’s low income communities offering free spay/neuter services as well as medical care. PAWS will save 4,500 homeless cats and dogs this year and spay or neuter more than 18,000 pets, the majority free for families who can’t afford this on their own. “It is so inspiring to see so many young professionals, passionate about helping Chicago’s homeless animals,” said PAWS founder Paula Fasseas. Guests seen on the scene included Paul Earle and Ellen Rudnick, Hank, Anne and Haleigh Bernbaum, Neal Lenhoff (who generously donated $2K during the Bid to Save Lives), Andrew Pitt, Kim Gleeson, Richard Doermer, Lindsay Walter, Chris Carlton, Dr. Steve Stryker and Andrea Schwartz. This event raised more than $90,000 and was co-chaired by Ashley and Noah Pettit and Courtney and Eric Weiler. (Check out additional event pics by Sparenga Photography here!)

I was thrilled to be a part of the recent Success is a Journey seminar hosted by JMP Global’s Monika Dixon, Jennifer Christianson and Patrycja Drozdek at Hotel 71. The room was packed with more than 200 guests interested in hearing about the success and personal development of the panelists who included keynote speaker James Tarantino, FanFueled’s Anderson Bell, Boka Group’s Kevin Boehm and fitness expert Andrea Metcalf. Monika Dixon said, “Success is not a destination…it is a journey. This understanding comes when something happens in your life that shakes up the very core of your being. Our panelists discussed what it took and the moment that kept them motivated. Every time they overcame a challenge that was just beyond their reach of capabilities, it gave them a feeling of worth and of value. It is then that they realized the next step and found themselves already looking ahead to the next horizon, just beyond their view, but still surrounded by the feelings of accomplishment for the current successes.” Couldn’t have said it better myself, Monika! All of the speakers shared amazing stories of their successes and failures and how it changed them as people. Guests seen on the scene included Kamil Bartoszcze, Chris Foltz, Paul Iacono, Rachel Schwanz, Corinne Meier, Anthony Farinas, Kasia Jarosz, Ryan Beshel, Zoryana Yavorski, Lonnie Rodriguez, Nevsy Zee, Eva Pawlus, Alexandra Wilson, Patrick Meyn, Kara Moore, Patricia Bielecka, Ruth Diaz Fabiny and Nicole Townsend. Thanks so much for including me! See my speech below and to hear ALL of the speakers, please find their names on YouTube. (To view ALL event photos by Photo Affair Studios, please click here.)

And speaking of speakers, legendary fashionista Nena Ivon, along with partners Linda Heister and Jane Laidlow, have created their very own speaker’s bureau, the Chicago Speaker’s Bureau called TALKSCHIC! The intent of TALKCHIC! is to provide lifestyle speakers for spouse programs, women’s groups, executive business meetings, cruises, panels, etc. If you or someone you know are interested, please send a bio to Nena Ivon at 222 E. Pearson St., Suite 2305, Chicago, IL 60611.

Lots of fun events coming up! You won’t want to miss the Red Pump Project on Saturday, March 24th at the Society Art Gallery at 2140 W. Fulton St. from 6 to 9 p.m. This event will be held in honor of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and will feature Kim Coles, actress, comedian and motivational speaker. This is the third annual Rock the Red Fashion Show, showcasing up and coming designers from around Chicago. So ladies, prepare to rock your red pumps and fellas, rock your red ties to bring attention and awareness to the impact that HIV/AIDS has on women and girls. Awareness is always in style!

The Chicago Fashion Foundation is hosting its annual scholarship event on Wednesday, March 7th at the Chicago Cultural Center, located at 78 E. Washington from 6 to 9 p.m. “Street Style: Chicago Fashion through Chicago Communities” will showcase the work of 10 local fashion students who will present looks representative of the signature street style of Chicago’s neighborhoods including Rogers Park, Chinatown, Andersonville and Ukrainian Village. The event will start with a cocktail reception in Preston Bradley Hall followed by the fashion show with three scholarships being awarded in the amounts of $500, $1,000 and $5,000. I am thrilled to be a judge along with the always-darling Peach Carr (“Project Runway”), Jon Cotay (Akira founder), Catie Keogh (NBC’s “24/7”), Andrea Schwartz (Macy’s) and Diego Rocha (“Project Accessory”). E-Drop Off’s Corri McFadden will be the emcee for the evening. After the runway show, former winners will debut their spring collections while Too Faced Cosmetics recreates the runway beauty looks from the evening. Tickets are $25 for students, $35 for general admission and $55 for VIP (which includes a gift bag). Hope to see you all there! I will be filming for my Watch312.com show “Candid Candace Chicago” and would love to see your darling, fashionable faces on camera! For tickets and more info, please click here.

Please join me for the 2012 Bear Tie Ball benefitting Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation on Saturday, March 10th. This is always a wonderful event for a great cause and I hope you will all come! The event is called Rhythm for a Reason and that means they’re “gonna rattle the walls, shake a leg, and come together to make a difference in the lives of children and families battling pediatric cancer.” The night will begin at 6 p.m. at the UIC Forum with beloved co-chairs Nina Mariano and Tracy Scurto. Emcees for the evening will be Roe Conn and Val Warner from “Windy City Live.” Dining, dancing and awesome auctions all for a great cause! I hope to see you there! For tickets and more info, please click here! Black tie preferred but favorite musical era flair also encouraged!

And while we’re on the subject of Nina Mariano, please enjoy this sweet video of her and her hubby, Bob, along with members of Roundy’s management team ringing the bell for the opening of the New York Stock Exchange on February 10th! Only two conventional grocers have successfully gone public in the past 15 years – Dominick’s and Roundy’s – both of which were lead by the same CEO, Bob Mariano! Congrats, Nina and Bob! A much deserved honor!

A big thanks to TCW Magazine for including me in their “A-List – 60 Chicagoans of Style” feature! To see who was included, READ THE MAGAZINE or click here! 🙂

And last, but certainly not least, mark your calendars for yet another much deserved honor for Sun-Times super-scribe Stella Foster! The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans will be presenting her with their prestigious Dante Award at their luncheon on May 17th at Galleria Marchetti! Last year, Linda Yu received this award, as well as Stella’s mentor, Irv Kupcinet, years prior. Just love this girl who tells it like it is! For tickets and more info, please visit www.jccia.com. Congrats, Stella!!!

Well, as the NY Times says, “that’s all the news that’s fit to print” (although this isn’t really the case…I have lots more!). Just wait till next week! 🙂

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I was so happy to attend the most incredible baby birthday party! Everyone I know was at Saddle & Cycle recently to toast Jackson Mackey’s first birthday. I don’t know if he’ll remember it but I sure will! The amazing décor was by Debi Lilly from A Perfect Event and will most certainly be appearing soon on a show near you! Just look at these pics and you’ll see why everyone was so happy to be a part of this little guy’s big day! Happy birthday, sweet Jack! 🙂

THE LYRIC OPERA AND THE 47TH CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATE GRAND OPENING NIGHTS!

…PLUS ST. JUDE'S "DREAM A LITTLE DREAM" FASHION SHOW, FRIENDS OF CONSERVATION BALL AND LESLIE HINDMAN AUCTIONEERS PLAN FOR BIG EVENTS!

The Lyric Opera’s Opening Night Gala Benefit (sponsored by Aon Corporation) never fails to be one of the most glamorous affairs of the year. Their dynamic Women’s Board, led by President Anne Reyes, always plans a night of sheer, almost fairytale, elegance. The opening night performance of Offenbach’s “The Tales of Hoffman” enchanted 3,500 white and black-tie clad guests who filled the theater to watch the 2 ½ hour performance. The sets inspired the romantic décor in the Rice Grand Foyer at the Civic Opera House with overflowing floral arrangements and sparkling crystal and candlelight. The pre-performance festivities and between the two intermissions included delicious sweets and savories as well as a reception in the exclusive Graham Room. Here, the VIPs and bold-faced crowd mixed and mingled while enjoying Calihan Catering’s delicious ratatouille and goat cheese tarts, seafood bouillabaisse served over jasmine rice, quail, beef tenderloin over whipped parmesan potatoes and wild boar over truffled mascarpone quiche. Chocolate cognac-filled dessert crepes with assorted berries finished off this feast. Just a simple little meal before the performance! Opening Night and Opera Ball Chairs Trisha Rooney Alden and Karen Gray, along with vice chairs Rebecca Knight and Caryn Harris, created magic for the 625 guests who continued on to the Opera Ball at the Hilton Chicago. The sound of trumpets and women’s board members greeted guests as they arrived. The Grand Ballroom was filled with clouds of white floral arrangements set atop two foot tall crystal vases designed by Heffernan Morgan. The Stu Hirsh Orchestra performed in front of a replica of the backdrop that featured prominently in the performance and everywhere you looked, massive screens projected photos from past ball attendees as well as scenes from the opera. The Grand March of the Stars heralded the opening of the Ball as the crowd took their seats to dine on chilled lobster salad, filet mignon topped with red onion marmalade and slow braised beef short ribs served with Jerusalem artichoke heart hash and sweet potato gratin. Dessert included chocolate brulee, flourless white chocolate cake and strawberry and blueberry compotes. Caterer George Jewell outdid himself yet again! The Opening Night committee included Suzette Bross Bulley, Elizabeth O’Connor Cole, Stephanie Fisher, Christina Kemper Gidwitz, Rebecca Knight, Alison Wehman McNally, Mimi Mitchell, M.K. Pritzker and Dawn Shapiro. The Opera Ball committee was comprised of Renee Crown, Maxine Farrell, Caryn Harris, Debby Janotta, Kay Krehbiel, Ellen O’Connor, Cathy Osborn, Barbara Pearlman, Shirley Ryan, Nancy Searle and Liz Stiffel. More than $875,000 was raised for Lyric programming. Performances run through October 29th. For tickets and more info, please visit www.LyricOpera.org. (To view ALL of the fabulous photos by Caitlin Saville Collins, please click HERE!)

The Opening Night of the 47th International Chicago Film Festival couldn’t have been more exciting as the stars of the film, “The Last Rites of Joe May,” turned out in force to pack the Red Carpet! The film’s star, Chicago native and former cop Dennis Farina, happily chatted with every camera on the carpet along with the cast that included Gary Cole (who looked so thin but very handsome in person), Ian Barford (a Chicago actor and Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble member who played the very nasty villain), Jamie Anne Allman, Chelcie Ross, writer/director Joe Maggio and proud Film Fest founder Michael Kutza (who created the fest in 1964). Handsome actor Billy Zane (“Titanic”) also came out to support his friends. He was set to have a recurring role as Oscar Bianchi on the now-defunct "The Playboy Club." When I asked him what happened, he said, “Oooh, I’m not gonna go there. It could be anything…things behind the scenes that no one knows about…” (Watch for all of my Red Carpet interviews coming soon on Watch312.com!) The film was shot in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood and was produced by Farina’s production company, You’re Faded, and Steppenwolf Films, part of the legendary Steppenwolf Theatre Company. It features Farina as a small time hustler who finds a shot at redemption. It’s a dark film, definitely NOT the Disney Channel, but very compelling and powerfully acted by all involved. Renowned film critic Roger Ebert called it a “career performance” for Farina. The Festival, which runs through October 20th at the AMC River East 21, will feature 180 films from 55 countries and introduce 40 first time filmmakers. After the film’s debut at the Harris Theatre, 850 guests walked to the Chicago Cultural Center, which was lit up by strobe lights, to attend the after-party. I was happily surprised to see the stars show up as well and watched as they took photos and chatted with the happy fans. Delicious food, courtesy of The Gibsons Restaurant Group, included turkey burger sliders from LuxBar, jumbo shrimp cocktail from Hugo’s, filet mignon sliders from Gibsons and caramelized onion-goat cheese canapés and cauliflower-Stilton bisque soup from RL. I was proud to be a co-chair with Film Fest board member Rich Varnes for this event, whose proceeds supported Cinema/Chicago’s year-round Educational Outreach program that brings 5,000 children from Chicago’s public schools into theaters for special screenings that expose them to new cultures, foreign languages and thought-provoking subject matter. (For screening tickets and to learn more, please visit www.ChicagoFilmFestival.com.)

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will feature their annual “Dream a Little Dream” fashion show and luncheon on Sunday, November 13th, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. This year’s fashion show, presented by ZZazz Productions and emceed by NBC’s Alison Rosati, will feature the latest in fabulous designer trends, furs by York Furrier, Swarovski and a special guest appearance by "Project Runway" darling Peach Carr! This exciting event, benefitting the premier pediatric cancer research center, will begin with a champagne reception at 11 AM and an elegant luncheon beginning at noon (doors open at 10 AM). The Dream Raffle will include tickets to the finale of “American Idol,” a Disney package with a Waldorf-Astoria stay, Blackhawks, Sox and Cubs tickets, a $1,000 Nordstrom gift card and a Kayman Scooter among hundreds of other prizes! I am so proud to be the Honorary Chair for this event which is supported passionately by St. Jude CEO Rick Shadyac and my long-time friend, Ann Danner. When she approached me to be a part of this, I was thrilled as her enthusiasm for this worthy charity is contagious. She has shared the stories of St. Jude patients and survivors and I have been so inspired. Watch last year’s video of Marget Graham here and see for yourself. I hope you can all join me! (For tickets and more info, please visit www.StJudeFashionShow.com or call 800-621-5359). Happily, the tickets are going fast!

The enchantingly elegant and wonderfully wild Conservation Ball will be held on Friday, October 21st, at the Fairmont Hotel, located at 200 N. Columbus Drive. Hosted for the 21st time by chairman and FOC President, Reute Butler, daughter of Founder and International Chairman Jorie Butler Kent, this grand affair benefits the Friends of Conservation whose mission provides protection for wildlife in the Masai Mara and other wildlife reserves in Kenya and Tanzania, through habitat conservation programs, anti-poaching efforts, youth education and community development. Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy is the presenting supporter of this black tie ball, along with American Airlines and Gala Chairmen Rachael Phillippe, Holly Rothschild, Wendy Sherman, Jessica Swift and Joan Wegner. The evening will also feature renowned wildlife expert, Jim Fowler, who always brings along his delightful, furry friends. I’ve never seen a more extensive and exciting group of auction packages either! The trips offered are once in a lifetime experiences and include a South African safari, American Airlines business class tickets to London and South America, an eight-day trip throughout Turkey, a two-week trip to Antarctica aboard Le Boreal (the first all-balcony stateroom and suite expedition ship to travel to Antarctica), an 11-day trip throughout Thailand, a five-day journey to Peru, a collection of 100+ bottles of wine and the opportunity to custom craft your own batch of beer courtesy of Greenbush Brewing Co. & Fitzgerald’s Gastro Pub. Whew! The best part is you can be an absentee bidder, too! Donor tickets begin at $375 and for the younger set – 35 and under – tickets are $250. And if you’d just like to experience dancing to the Stanley Paul Orchestra and the wildlife presentation beginning at 8:30 PM, tickets are only $75. For more info, please visit their website. For bidding info and tickets, please email info@friendsofconservation.org or call 630.288.2714. Lions and tigers and bears, OH MY!

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers has a BIG auction coming up for fashion lovers and especially fans of the legendary Ebony Fashion Fairs founded by the one and only Eunice Johnson. Famed designer Stephen Burrows had this to say about Mrs. Johnson: “She exposed black Americans to a view of the world they would not have seen without the Ebony Fashion Fair at the time.” In a note enclosed in the auction catalog, Desiree Rogers said, “We will be selling a select collection from the Ebony Fashion Fair show and are excited to offer people a chance to own a piece from this historic collection.” There are 706 lots with items by designers including Valentino, Thierry Mugler, Oscar de la Renta, Lanvin, Issey Miyake, Geoffrey Beene, Emanuel Ungaro, Christian Lacroix, Carolina Herrera, Bill Blass and too many other notables to name. Eunice’s daughter, Linda Johnson Rice, said, “The show began in 1958 as a means of raising funds for black organizations and causes and over the course of its run, it succeeded in raising an astounding $55 million for charity!” Vogue’s Andre Leon Talley said, “Eunice was one of the most influential forces in the high-fashion world.” To see these exquisite pieces for yourself and, perhaps own a piece of history, come to the preview beginning on Saturday, October 15th at 10 AM at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, located at 1338 W. Lake St. The auction will be on Saturday, October 22nd, beginning at 10 AM. (Keep your eyes off of Lot #443 by the way – it’s going to be mine!) Fair warning!

Boy, we will be busy bees attending all of these fun and fashionable events around town! Hope to see you at one or more and that you’re enjoying these beautiful fall days! Next week, we will be taking the “kids” to one of the many pumpkin patches in the area where I hope to eat more than my fair share of apple cider donuts! Have a great week!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Don’t miss One Book, One Chicago’s interview with author Martin Amis at the Harold Washington Library Center, located at 400 S. State St., beginning at 6 PM on Tuesday, October 18th. Sun-Times publisher John Barron will be conducting the interview in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium. Click here for more info!