Tag Archives: Ellen Sandor

May 22, 2013 · 1:27 pm

CHICAGO’S GREAT “GREAT GATSBY” PARTIES!

…PLUS SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE’S “THE WALK” (NEW WATCH312 VIDEO!); PLAYBOY’S PLAYMATE OF THE YEAR PARTY (VIDEO!); FLEUROTICA 2013 (VIDEO!); LYNNE TAKES NEW YORK; ZOO BALL IS “WILD AT HEART”; JOFFREY AUXILIARY BOARD’S MASQUERADE BALL; A SPECIAL MAY BIRTHDAY PARTY; ELLEN BITCHES ABOUT FITCH AND SO MUCH MORE!

Maxim’s was the place to be on May 6th when Warner Brothers, Margaret O’Connor (MarCon Communications), Dr. Michael O’Meara and ReachMail hosted one of the hottest Gatsby parties in town. With Gatsby fever raging for months, this
invitation was coveted among the see-and-be-seen crowd and besides being a blockbuster film, Margaret had another reason for producing this event: Being a fellow Aussie like director Baz Luhrmann, she was keen to present this movie since most of the filming takes place in her native
Australia! The invitation requested guests dress in Gatsby attire with the added enticement of prizes for the most Gatsby-esque. (And it didn’t take much to encourage attendees to channel their best “Daisy” and “Jay” attire either!) Before the start of the film, Deputy Consul General of Australia in Chicago Lorenzo Strano
said he hoped the beautiful scenery would entice everyone to visit Australia. Next, Bill Zwecker and Chaz Ebert introduced the film. Chaz said “The Great Gatsby” was a favorite film and book of her late husband Roger’s and he had been eagerly awaiting the film and he
was “so jazzed” to see Baz Luhrmann’s version. She added that the last page of the book had been recited at their wedding. Bill said that he, too, was looking forward to Baz’s interpretation and that he had run into Mia Farrow (who played the part of
Daisy Buchanan in the 1974 version) in Connecticut a couple weeks earlier. After the film, guests headed over to Maxim’s, located in Chicago’s Gold Coast and once the hot spot for celebrities and the posh set back in its heyday. With its
striking plush red velvet and mahogany décor, Maxim’s was the perfect backdrop for this lavish Gatsby-themed party. At the entrance, under the canopied walkway, a blue 1931 Ford Phaeton replica, belonging to Mamie Walton and given to her at Maxim’s on her 50th birthday, was
parked alongside a lemon yellow 1947 Lincoln convertible (somewhat reminiscent of Jay Gatsby’s yellow Rolls Royce). Having their photos taken with the cars were men of style Michel Desjardins, Pierre Desy, Paul Iacono and William Holdeman, all wearing pastel suits and looking every bit the part of a 1920’s GQ fashion spread. Models dressed in ’20s attire draped themselves languorously beside the
classic cars in a fashion installation created by Kate Johnson Artistry. Others channeling Gatsby style included Mamie Walton, Margey Teller, Dr. Kathleen Albrecht, Laurie Davis, Jan Melk, Joan Colmar, Hazel Barr and couples John
Donohue & Julianne Glatz, Katie and Jason Mclenaghan, Kevin & Janine Larson and Stanley Paul & niece Joanie Legittino. Inside, music from the Stanley Paul 1920’s Theatre Collection mixed in with Jay-Z’s film soundtrack played while Gatsby-style attired guests table-hopped and chatted about Luhrmann’s dazzling 3-D
epic which captured the glamour, opulence and indulgent lifestyle of the era. Prosecco, served in keepsake flutes embossed with the Gatsby logo, flowed while servers wearing black flapper fringed dresses and sequined headpieces circulated with St. Claire vodka cocktails and
hors d’oeuvres. Models dressed in the theme of the night took pictures with guests throughout the evening and attendees took home gift bags filled with items from the sponsors that included everything from Warner Brothers’ water bottles and martini shakers
to iPad and iPhone covers and screen wipes. Prizes for “Best Gatsby Attire” included Gatsby beach bags, the book, soundtrack and more. For the film’s official opening at the Cannes Film Festival on
May 15th, there was a glittering red carpet premier. Director Luhrmann found it only fitting to premier the film first in Cannes since F. Scott Fitzgerald’s first draft of “The Great Gatsby” was completed on the French Riviera. (An extravagant
Australian premier is set for May 22nd.) Others guests seen in the crowd included Jacqui O’Neil, Dr. Michael O’Meara, Chicago Bear Henry Melton, former Bear James “Big Cat” Williams, Greg & Lily Gulik, Mary Sleger & John Murphy, Steve Traxler, Paul Iacono, Jesus Salgueiro, Sean Eshaghy, JP
Anderson, Diane Primo, Kelli Zink, Melissa & Brian Babcock, Toni Canada, Johanna Cook, Bunky Cushing, Rachel DeMarte, Michel Desjardins, Pierre Desy, Susanna Negovan, Nina Mariano, Andrea Schwartz, Sherrill Bodine, Julie Darling, Amy Wimer, Debi Lily, Sheryl Dyer, Deborah Brown (soon to be
married!), Mary Ann Rose & Heinz Kern, Dr. Joaquin Brieva & Jennifer Sutton, Joey Majumdar, Andrea and Dr. Mimis Cohen, Michael Judge, Mark Roscoe and Sheila Dorman. Maxim’s backstory: This legendary hotspot opened in 1963 and quickly became the gathering spot for celebrities and Chicago’s elite. The striking décor was an exact replica of the famous
Parisian restaurant and throughout the years Maxim’s has been used in other films – there is an extended sequence in Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds” and Owen Wilson and Marion Cotillard’s characters travel back in time to the Belle Époque and have dinner together at Maxim’s in Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris.” (Photos by Jon Recana and Alex Riemann.)

Tiffany & Co. jewels sparkled at the recent Chicago screening of “The Great Gatsby” when they rolled out the red carpet on May 15th to host an exclusive screening at the Gene Siskel Film Center.
More than 100 by-invite-only guests attended the 1920’s Jazz Age-themed cocktail party and movie premier with Tiffany designs taking center stage as models showcased pieces that appear in the film. Many of
the jewels are from Tiffany & Co.’s famed 2013 Blue Book Collection. Featured statement pieces from the Collection included The Savoy, a diamond and
freshwater cultured pearl headpiece with detachable brooch and a brilliant necklace featuring a 49.59 carat emerald-cut aquamarine. A jazz quartet set the stage for the event while guests sipped signature cocktails, including “The Daisy” and “Red Berry Mint Julep.” Passed hors d’oeuvres
included griddled buckwheat blinis with American sturgeon caviar presented by Blue Plate Catering. As the lights dimmed, guests were handed boxes of truffle salted and caramel drizzled popcorn to enjoy while they watched the fabulous show! Congrats to Tiffany’s for making a wonderful movie even more visually delightful with your awesome bling! 🙂 (Photos by Mila Samokhina…see more pics here!)

It was a night filled with fashion…but not the kind you are used to seeing on a runway: No my friend, this was the 79th annual School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s (SAIC) “The Walk,”
arguably the most creative and innovative fashion show of its kind in the country! More than 90 design students from SAIC filled the 90-foot runway with the most awe-inspiring, futuristic designs I’ve ever seen. Everything from clear plastic blazers to headgear resembling something Princess Leia would wear, it was a head-spinning evening for sure in
Millennium Park on May 3rd! The Legend of Fashion honor went to sisters Laura and Kate Mulleavy, award-
winning designers/creators of the Rodarte line which they founded in 2005. Their beautiful fashions are worn by First Lady Michelle Obama, Kiera Knightly, Cate Blanchett, Natalie Portman, Kirsten Dunst, Chloe Sevigny, Tilda Swinton, Dakota Fanning,
Scarlett Johansson and Reese Witherspoon to name a few and The New Yorker calls the sisters “the most celebrated American designers working today.” Philanthropist Melissa Sage Fadim was honored with the first ever
Heart of Fashion award. Even though the runway fashions were to-die-for, the 500+ attendees could’ve taken a turn on their own runways! I always love this event because the fashions are usually as innovative on the guests as they are on the models!
This year’s stand-outs included Ellen Sandor (who looked chic wearing a student-designed cape), Azeeza Kahn (who looks great in anything all the time), Laura Kofoid (whose outfit was colorfully creative), Quintin Primo III (who was wearing a Mick Jagger-inspired jacket) and Tommy Walton (a “Check, Please!” host contender who
always makes a fashion statement). Other notables included Creatures of the Wind’s Shane Gabier, Chris Peters and Michael Walls, Todd and Sylvie Ricketts, Ikram and Josh Goldman, Nina Ricci artistic director Peter Copping,
AJ Johnson, Kim and David DeJesus, Elle magazine’s Anne Slowey, Paper magazine’s editorial director Mickey Boardman, designer Maria Pinto, Ebony’s editor-in-chief Amy Dubois Barnett, and Bill Kurtis and Donna
LaPietra. The evening raised $400,000 for SAIC – great to see the future of fashion is alive and well in Chicago with the students of SAIC! (To see ALL pics by Sara Condo and Chasitie Neal, please click here!)

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Congrats to 25-year-old Raquel Pomplun for winning the Playboy Playmate of the Year title as the first Mexican-American centerfold! Fellow Playmate Dianne Chandler attended this year’s PMOY party at
the Mansion in LA on May 16th and shared the story with me: For many of the luncheon guests, the day began with a trolley ride from UCLA’s parking lot. This is usually the case with Hef’s parties since those fine folks in Holmby Hills frown
on having cars parked on their multi-million dollar manicured lawns. Dianne says she was helped from the trolley by an exceptionally handsome Latino man whose muscles sent her into a temporary swoon. The luncheon was
held on the front lawn under a lavishly decorated tent in shades of Playmate pink and white. Chandeliers were twinkling and the day was a typical gorgeous, sunny California dream. One of the drinks offered was a non-alcoholic cucumber/water concoction (How I miss the old days…I
don’t recall any non-alcoholic drinks even offered in the ‘70s!) Dianne insists it was “delightfully refreshing” so I’ll have to take her word on this. Cooper Hefner spoke first and introduced his dad, who was dapper in a white
suit and seated with his lovely new wife Crystal Harris. (Hef recently gifted Crystal with a $4-million home on Sunset Strip.) He introduced Raquel, noting that she was chosen by the magazine’s readers, editors, photographers and
the PR department of Playboy. He presented her with a check for $100K and a year’s lease on a red Jaguar F-Style convertible. (It’s good to be PMOY these days: The checks have increased tenfold since the
days when I was a PM!) Raquel, a biochemistry major and a classically trained ballerina, had a 103-degree temperature when she shot her pics. If this layout was Raquel on a “bad day,” I can’t imagine what her photos would’ve
looked like had she been feeling well! Married at age 22 to Alejandro Pomplun, she submitted her photos via Playboy’s website with her husband’s blessing. She said posing nude “made me more confident and less obsessive about little things. I learned to appreciate my body a
little bit more. Not a little bit more. I appreciate it, period.” At the end of the day, a group photo photo was arranged by handsome and beloved Playmate promotions director, James Gonis. There were Playmates in attendance from all generations and Dianne was thrilled that Hef
remembered her from her centerfold days. (They were both alums of the University of Illinois.) All past Playmates are invited to Hef’s parties and it’s always a thrill to connect with old friends. Dianne was one of
the few Playmates who was also a Playboy Bunny: A hometown girl from Berwyn who now lives in Atlanta, she was September 1966 Playmate. Her gatefold was shot by the legendary lensman Pompeo Posar (who also shot Patti McGuire’s beautiful layouts).
Congrats to Raquel and I’m not surprised about Hef's memory: He might be growing older but he always remembers the ladies who brought him to the party! The wonderful video below was created by fellow Playmate Miss May 2010 Kassie Logsdon, who captured the afternoon perfectly!

If you’re in New York City on July 2nd, don’t miss the Big Apple debut of Chicago’s very own Diva Lynne Jordan! This soulful chanteuse will bring her Nina Simone show to City Winery on July 2nd. Located deep in the heart of SoHo, this gorgeous 300-seat venue is just the place for our girl to go BIG! Please share the news with your friends and buy your tickets now!! ($15 Music Only or upgrade to the five wine pairing, $30 admission)

The Women’s Board of the Lincoln Park Zoo recently held a Preview Party at Paul Stuart to kick-off this year’s festivities for Zoo Ball 2013: Wild at Heart. The cocktail party was hosted by dapper Paul Kelly (regional manager of Paul Stuart) at the chic Paul Stuart Oak Street location. Guests of honor included Zoo Ball co-chairs Charlotte Monhart, Vasiliki Weiden and Jennifer Caruso and
Women’s Board president Peggy Swift White. Mark Walter (CEO of Guggenheim Partners and presenting sponsor of Zoo Ball 2013) and his wife Kimbra were also in attendance alongside Lincoln Park Zoo’s president & CEO Kevin Bell. Guests enjoyed small bites courtesy
of Boutique Bites paired with Maker’s Mark cocktails and Goose Island craft beer while perusing Paul Stuart’s expansive inventory and taking in the musical styling of jazz artist Kyle Asche. The buttoned-up preview party at Paul Stuart is just a little taste of what to come at Zoo Ball 2013’s annual affair on July 12th so mark your calendars now! (For tickets and more info, please visit www.lpzooball.org.)

Fleurotica 2013 will be presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art on June 12th. Co-chaired by Deirdre Koldyke, Shauna Montgomery and Whitney Lasky this flower-filled fashion show will also include a champagne reception with small bites. The show is a unique haute couture fashion extravaganza with all of the runway designs created from a variety of flowers and greenery. (To see highlights from last year’s show, please see my Watch312 video below.) A portion of proceeds will benefit Garfield Park Conservatory’s educational programs. (For tickets – beginning at $250 – please click here!)

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The Joffrey Ballet’s Auxiliary Board is hosting an unforgettable night filled with mystery and intrigue at its inaugural Joffrey Blue Masquerade Ball on June14th. The event will be located at the Joffrey Tower at 10 E. Randolph from 8 p.m. until midnight. Partygoers are encouraged to wear their favorite masks and will be treated to complimentary cocktails, delicious bites from Chicago’s top restaurants, an exciting raffle and the hot sounds of DJ Madrid! I hope you’ll join me for this exciting night benefitting The Joffrey Ballet co-chaired by John Walcher, Camille Britton and Terrence Chapell. To purchase tickets or for more info, please visit www.joffrey.org/blue. (Individual tickets are $85.)

Thanks to the Palmer House Hilton for including me as a member of its “Iron Chef” competition on May 7th. I partnered with PH Catering Director David Brandt for an event that put me clearly out of my
comfort zone! Executive Chef Stephen Henry conducted the competition between the four teams. A long table was laid out with every kind of kitchen goody imaginable and each team had a few seconds to grab whatever ingredients they thought
they would need to add to the “secret ingredient,” which turned out to be ground beef. My team quickly whipped up delicious blue cheese mini-burgers sautéed with mushrooms and onions. In the end
(and to our surprise), the team of judges selected our team as the winners! I love this hotel and it was thrilling to take a peek behind the scenes into its gorgeous, massive kitchen area and sample its always-delicious cuisine!!
Also, don’t miss longtime Palmer House PR director Ken Price’s exciting historical presentations about this legendary hotel: He knows everything there is to know about the PH and shares it with guests in thrilling detail! (For more info about the Palmer House and Ken’s lectures, please click here!)

And last but not least, a big Happy Birthday shout-out to glam girlfriends Lynn McMahan, Kristina McGrath and Korinna Isselhardt! I loved feting these beautiful-
inside-and-out friends at one of our fav restaurants: RL. Happy guests included Nina Mariano, Michaela Parrillo, Jan Flanagan, Toni Canada, Dusty Stemer, Tracy Scurto and Patty Nalepa. Happy, happy birthday lovely ladies! (View more pics here!)

That’s it for this week! So happy the weather is finally cooperating for all of our outdoor activities! Until next time, have fun, use sunscreen and happy grilling!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I loved this video from the “Ellen Degeneres Show” about the Abercrombie & Fitch controversy. Hope it makes you smile, too!

A MEMORY-MAKING YEAR: THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND PARTIES OF 2012

…PLUS A NOT-2-B MISSED FAMILY VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY, CHARITY POKER TOURNEY, PLAYBOY LEGEND OPENS PHOTO STUDIO, RANDOLPH STREET MARKET MAGIC, DRIVING FASHION FORWARD, WATCH312 HAS A NEW SISTER, AH CHOO FOR KATHLEEN & JOFFREY BALLET, MAKING MUSIC AT THE VISUAL SOUND AWARDS, ELYSABETH/RESTAURANTS/CHEFS ON HUFFPO, WRISTWISHES MAKE FASHION FUN FOR CHARITY, WHO’S THE NEW HONOREE FOR THE STANLEY PAUL FOUNDATION/AIBI?, NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!!!

January is a time for reflection and appreciating the memories of your past while anticipating those of the future. This year has included so many highlights that I don’t know where to begin but let me first say, I so appreciate your support during these past four years of Candid Candace! My first blog, written on August 25, 2008, was a labor of love and remains so to this day. It’s a privilege and a thrill for me to cover so many great events and
happenings that go on in this wonderful city as well as so many dynamic Chicagoans who do so much good for so many. Please stay tuned for some exciting changes that I hope you will like on Candid Candace and NOW, take a look at some of my favorite photos from 2012 and the people, places and events that inspired me this year here!

Mark your calendars for the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation’s 6th Annual Be My Valentine Family Event on February 10th. Cupid will fill our hearts once again at this fun-filled event at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago Hotel, located at 160 E. Pearson St., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The afternoon will include a brunch buffet, kiddie’s Valentine activities, DJs and dancing, a performance by actors from the Zebra and Lion from the Emmy Award-winning television show Green Screen Adventures, and a special concert by award-winning
children’s musician Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players. Lighting up the room “pink” will be Justin Jacobson and Platinum Events. Other activities will include sweet treat decorating and tips from Sweet Mandy B’s, ELTIF Designs bead bar for all jewelry making enthusiasts, makeovers from Sweet and Sassy, an Abt Electronics video arcade room, and family fun entertainment from Harris Kal Productions. Guests will
also have a chance to win fabulous prizes from the silent auction and raffle. This event will be co-chaired by Julie Lampert and Jennifer Meyers, with proceeds benefitting the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation. Tickets are $85 for adults and $65 for children in advance or $100 for adults and $80 for children at the door. Tickets are available by ordering online at www.lynnsage.org or calling 312-926-7133.

Time to “ante up” and put on your best poker face for the 8th Annual Children’s Oncology Services, Inc. Charity Poker Championship on February 7th at the River East Art Center, located at 435 E. Illinois. Dan Bernstein from WSCR “The Score” (AM 670) will return as emcee for this No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em tournament. Players of all skill levels will compete for more than $15K in prizes including the coveted grand prize to compete at the 2013 World Series of Poker’s Main Event in Las Vegas (a $10K value) and other prizes! So please, bring your best card skills to
help offer camp experiences and educational programs for children with cancer. Not a card shark? Then just come for the party that includes an open bar and a buffet provided by Marcello’s Father & Son Restaurant. (They also happen to have the BEST broasted chicken in the world!) For more info, please visit www.onestepcamp.org or call 312.924.4220.

Chicago Vintage Market pioneer Sally Schwartz is thrilled to announce Randolph Street Market’s second annual Wonderful Winter Markets return in February and March, bringing vintage aficionados some of the best winter shopping events in Chicago. The February show (February 2nd and 3rd) will focus on "Passions & Vanities," highlighting gems, couture, art, antiques and
other endearing vices with chili, cold beer & a Super Bowl big screen TV lounge! Something for everyone! Katya & the Nude Sketch Salon returns so come and get immortalized in your own charcoal drawing. It’s the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for you and the love of your life! As always, there will be free downtown furniture deliveries and a re-upholstery station along with the addition of several Chicago-based foodie vendors and relaxation specialists to treat guests to the finer things in life! There will be 90+ vendors at each market selling art, antiques, fashion, knick-knacks, furniture and more. Show times are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 2nd and
3rd and March 23rd and 24th at Plumber’s Hall, located at 1340 W. Washington St. Discounted tickets ($8) are available in advance and general admission ($10), students with ID ($3 or $5) are available at the gate. Children 12 and under free. For tickets and more info, visit randolphstreetmarket.com. This is my favorite market in town…see YOU there! (Loved seeing Randolph Street Market featured on PBS’ “Market Warriors” recently, too!)

Autohaus on Edens has partnered with the Columbia College Fashion Department to host Launch 2013: Driving Fashion Forward on March 10th. This spring fashion preview event will feature some of the North Shore’s finest boutiques along with a student design competition. The show, produced by ZZAZZ Productions, will spotlight 2013 spring fashions and trends from Shelle Jewelers, Frances Heffernan and Jolie Femme among many others. The lucky winner of the student design competition will receive a $5K scholarship (courtesy of Autohaus on Edens) to put toward a semester in school OR to launch their own collection! An exciting raffle will also offer a lucky guest the opportunity to win a getaway to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week complete with travel, lodging and VIP fashion show tickets!!! For event tickets ($75 or VIP with reserved runway seating for $100) and more info, please click here!

I’m so excited to share some exciting news from Robert Mills, founder of Chicago’s online network (and the home of my show “Candid Candace Chicago”), Watch312.com: Bob has expanded his reach to Chicago’s hot sister city – MIAMI – so please help me welcome Watch305.com! With eight shows, Watch 305.com is your source for everything Miami! On their shows, you'll learn survival skills from Miami
natives, search for the best burger in town, get caught up in shameless hidden camera pranks, gain in-depth looks into the lives of athletes, acquire sex tips from professional sex therapists and witness a city ruled by artists, comedians, fashionistas and night crawlers. Because a lot of their content will be
created on a live video kiosk located in Mary Brickell Village, anyone can become part of the interactive experience by answering trivia questions and winning prizes. Producer Andres Rovira says, “Miami is an animal of a city and it is our job to tell its stories. From the creative depths of the Art District, to the fist-pounding nightlife of South Beach, there's a show about almost everything, for almost anyone. So pick a show, and become part of the fun, here in The Magic City.” Now you’ll get a sneak peek into the BEST of TWO cities! Take a look and become a fan, too!

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And don’t miss all of MY New Year’s Eve party fun on Watch312.com below!

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More than 400 guests gathered for the inaugural Visual Sound Awards to recognize marketing and advertising campaigns, TV shows and films that have utilized music in the most successful and creative ways to drive value for Music Dealers’ global brand and entertainment partners, while
showcasing the profound impact these projects have had on the emerging artists whose music is featured in the campaigns. The evening kicked off with an awards ceremony, during which The Visual Sound Awards winners were announced, and continued into the night with an after party featuring live performances by Music Dealers artists Metis, Greg Corner of Kill Hannah, Ghosthouse and Dot Dot Dot that brought down the house. Music Dealers clients change
emerging musicians lives every day. Behind all of these Visual Sound Awards
nominees and winners – be it a web or TV advertisement, or even an experiential activation – are real artists, whose life’s passion is creating music. And because Music Dealers clients chose to enhance their campaigns with music produced by these artists, they have been able to fund national tours, record new albums and build their professional teams – propelling their careers to the next level, all with the money generated from these placements. In his Visual Sound Award acceptance speech, Music Dealers artist and the new sound of Coke Zero's "Make It Possible" global ad campaign, Metis, said "The song we created with Music Dealers for the Coke Zero
campaign was truly a catalyst that catapulted my music career. It led to multiple record deal offers and so many other opportunities, and it all started with Music Dealers
believing in us from an early stage and Coke giving us the global platform." Check out all of the Visual Sound Awards winning campaigns here! And congrats to ALL! (To see ALL event pics, pleases click here!)

Please join new Joffrey Ballet Women’s Board member and uber-PR specialist Kathleen Henson (Henson Consulting) on January 31st when she hosts a very fashionable fete at “her favorite place to shop on Oak Street” – Jimmy Choo. Enjoy a “first look”
at Choo’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection with a portion of the proceeds from the evening’s event going to the Women’s Board of the Joffrey Ballet. You can also head over there before 1/31 and still support the Joffrey through a pre-sale…just be sure to mention the Joffrey! There’s truly no better incentive to buy a new pair of shoes (or two or three!) to go with your spring gala gowns. (The Joffrey Spring Gala is April 19th.) You can RSVP directly to the store at Chicago@JimmyChoo.com.

Have you ever wanted to have your photo taken by a PLAYBOY LEGEND? Well, now’s your chance: Former Executive Editor & Publisher of Playboy Special Editions Jeff Cohen has just opened Jeff Cohen Creative, a photography, design and consulting studio in the newly-revitalized Ravinia
District of Highland Park. Located on the main thoroughfare at 485 Roger Williams Ave., Jeff is down the street from Billy Corgan's Madame ZuZu's Tea House, Merlo's fabulous Italian eatery and next door to Abigail's American Bistro. With a string of black and white portrait photos hung on a clothesline in the studio window, he’s already
attracting a lot of attention and for Valentine’s Day, he is launching a couples portrait promotion. Jeff says, “So many households have family photos with everyone together but very few have just mom and dad sans kids. So here's a chance for Mr. and Mrs. or Mr. and Mr. or Mrs. and Mrs., etc. to do something special for each other.” Jeff will work together with each twosome in the studio and deliver a fun, candid and personal black and white portrait.
(Gift certificates are available.) And for his senior customers, he has a special deal if they combine their ages (i.e., for every year that total is over 120, he’ll reduce the portrait price by $1 so a 65-year-old woman with her 70-year-old partner knocks the price down by $15). For more information and/or to schedule a session, please contact jeffcohencreative@gmail.com or call 847.347-2509. You’ll be glad you did! I can vouch for Jeff since we have done many photo sessions together for Playboy that, sadly, I can’t share here! 😉

What a great article in the Huffington Post by author/director/producer extraordinaire, Elysabeth Alfano! Loved the idea “Chicago is Known for its Fantastic Food: 19 Creatives Name Their Favorite Restaurants.” Get great restaurant and chef recommendations from Chicagoans who include SNL’s Nora Dunn, actress Susan Messing, musician Dennis de Young, NPR’s Peter Sagal,
classical musician George Lepauw, Goodman Theatre’s Robert Falls, artist Ellen Sandor, MCA’s Naomi Beckwith and Marilyn and Larry Fields, XRT’s Lin Brehmer, rocker Jon Langford, Chicago Children’s Choir’s Josephine Lee, author Scott Turow, Expo Chicago’s Tony Karman and MOI among others! Thanks so much for including me and keep up the great work, Elysabeth!!!

Mark your calendars NOW for the 7th Chicago World Festival benefitting the 10th anniversary of Common Threads! Join founders Chef Art Smith and Jesus Salgueiro along with celebrity chefs from around the world on March
4th at Soldier Field! I’m thrilled to be co-chairing this beloved event with dynamos Jon Harris (Hillshire) and Mindy Mackenzie (Beam Global)! Tickets start at $250; for more info, please click here!

I’ve always loved wearing multiple bracelets as a style statement and am so honored that Wrist Wishes created a Candid Candace bracelet that will support some of my favorite organizations that include PAWS Chicago, Ronald McDonald House at Lurie Children’s, the Service Club of Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet and Young at Heart Pet Rescue. These charming
bracelets were created by Nicole LaCross and were inspired by her mom who had been diagnosed with cancer and was intended to bring “shining little glimmers of hope into the lives of all who wrap them around their wrists.” Wrist Wishes retail for $10 each with $2 from every purchase going directly to the charity that is represented by your bracelet. (There are many Chicago charities to choose from.) Please check them out here and be stylish AND supportive!

And last but not least, I’m so thrilled to be the 2013 Honoree for the Stanley Paul Foundation/Apparel Industry Board’s (AIBI) fundraiser at the Casino on April 24th! It will be a fun night with friends and I hope you can join me…I AM SO EXCITED! For tickets ($200), please email aibi@aibi.com or call
312.836.1041. The evening will benefit The Stanley Paul – Raelene Mittelman Fashion Design Scholarship Fund which was established in 1990 by Stanley Paul in honor of his sister, Raelene Mittelman. She was a great lover of fashion and had a strong belief that we must aid the future of fashion by aiding in the education of its students. I am SO honored and hope you can come!

Welcome to 2013! I hope this year turns out to be your best one yet and I hope your plans include reading Candid Candace!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. This is one of my favorite looks from the Golden Globes! Jessica Alba was FLAWLESS from head to toe – loved the Oscar gown, the $5.8 mil worth of
Harry Winston jewels and the super-cool feathered Roger Vivier clutch! And wait…was she wearing CAMP Cosmetics' CANDID CANDACE LIPSTICK? (Also, did you notice that coral is poised to be THE hottest color for spring!? Stay ahead of the trend and buy it here now!)

REESE WITHERSPOON & DIRECTOR ALEXANDER PAYNE CHARM CROWD AT GENE SISKEL FILM CENTER BENEFIT

…PLUS THERE’S A BIG NEW RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE IN TOWN, PARIS OPERA BALLET’S ELEGANT DEBUT AT THE HARRIS, GLAMOURCON RETURNS TO CHICAGO WITH PLAYMATES, PIN-UPS & MODELS, DESIGNER AZEEZA KHAN’S NOMINATION, NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!

As many of you know, I write a weekly column in the Chicago Tribune Sunday Magazine section and this Sunday’s Candid Candace featured the Gene Siskel Film Center benefit honoring Reese Witherspoon. Since I have limited space there (around 400 words), I’m going to tell you the WHOLE story right here! The night began with the largest bank of media I’ve ever seen at events of this type surrounding (though swarming would be a better word) the red carpet. I saw Bill Zwecker, Janet Davies, Jeff Conway, Dean Richards, the cute guy from “Extra” and more photographers than I knew even existed in our town! Everyone was in high anticipation to see this darling actress with such an amazing body of work and she didn’t disappoint. Her small frame hid her baby bump even though she joked about “feeling round.” When I asked her what her biggest challenge was filming “Walk the Line” – the film for which she won a Best Actress Oscar – she said it was “learning how to sing” and went on to talk about her seven months of lessons and sessions she had at T. Bone Burnett’s house. She was so unsure of her singing abilities that she called her lawyer at the start of filming to see if she could get out of the film. The answer, happily, was no! She went on to talk about the things she DID love about filmmaking saying, “I’ve had such a great career getting to learn new skills. I learned to ride an elephant in “Water for Elephants” and I got to play softball for another film (“How Do You Know”).” Reese was at the Film Center to accept the Renaissance Award, following in the footsteps of past honorees Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey, Jr., Nicole Kidman and George Lucas. Two-time Oscar-winning screenwriter and director Alexander Payne (who directed Reese in “Election”) conducted the Q & A with this petite actress but before the questions and retrospective of her films, a hilarious video was shown featuring past Renaissance Award winner, Robert Downey, Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow. The video opened with Downey deadpanning into the camera, “I say the name and feel a burning in my loins but it’s not just because you’re the sexiest woman alive, it’s because of your talent, your gift. I’ve often thought about leaving my wife, Susan Downey, for you.” All the while he’s talking, Paltrow is trying to distract him. Downey turns to her and says, “Insecure newsflash! If you don’t heap compliments on them [actresses], they end up marrying rock stars.” It had the sell-out crowd roaring! (Downey and Paltrow clearly are friends and fans and Robert even donated a set visit to “Iron Man 3,” now filming in North Carolina, to the event’s auction.) During the Q & A with Payne, Reese talked about landing the lead in the “The Man in the Moon” when she was 14. She was living in Nashville and doing some community theatre. Her father saw an ad in the paper and they auditioned, thinking she might have ended up as an extra but, of course, she landed the lead. She went on to say, “I’ve never done interviews reviewing my career. Being pregnant, I hope I don’t get too emotional taking a walk down memory lane.” Film clips were shown from “Pleasantville,” “Election,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Water for Elephants,” “Legally Blonde” and “Walk the Line,” among others. Reese talked about attending Stanford for a year and said, “In retrospect, I’d wished I’d finished.” When asked how she chooses a role, she said, “I find out about the character and whether or not I could see myself in that role. Secondly, it’s about the director, not so much for comedies, but for dramas, I need a leader. It’s difficult for a woman to be able to do both comedy and drama – it’s a privilege to be able to do both.” When asked about staying in character for a role (a la Meryl Streep), she said, “It really doesn’t work staying in character if you have kids. You can’t go home and tell them to call you June.” Her favorite films "ever" are “Splendor in the Grass” and “Raising Arizona” and her favorite co-star was Rosie the elephant in “Water for Elephants.” (“She remained in character throughout the whole movie!” joked Reese.) Marlene Iglitzen, Gene Siskel’s widow, attended the event with her three beautiful children Kate, Callie and Will. Looking stunning in a full-length black Jean Paul Gaultier dress and Lanvin necklace, she said, “Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. He would be so proud to see these people here tonight.” Marlene went on to say that her husband often described his movie critic job as “covering the American dream beat.” The black-tie crowd feasted on a delicious dinner with each course inspired by one of Reese’s films. There was the “Vanity” salad, the “June and Johnny Duo” (fish and beef) and “Sweet Homes of the South: Alabama, Mississippi and Pleasantville” (a whoopie pie, mud cake and roasted strawberries). Seen in the crowd were Marc Klutznick and Anita Liskey (co-chairs), Michelle Cucchiaro (Advisory Board and committee member), Eda Davidman and Barry Missner, Melissa Sage Fadim (Advisory Board member), Bill Marcus, Ellen Sandor (Chairman of the Board) and husband Richard, Rosie Levin (Advisory Board member) and husband Elliot, Roopa Weber (Advisory Board and committee member), Jamey Fadim, Jean de St. Aubin (Film Center Executive Director), Cynthia and Rich Varnes, Jim Mayhercy, Shirley and Dr. Walter Massey (President of SAIC), Daniel Bryant and Joe Trpik, Jeffrey Sprecher, Averill and Buddy Leviton, Kelly Loeffler, Camille Cook (Film Center founder), Tony Jones (past SAIC president), Kristina and Mike McGrath, Lynn and John McMahan, Paul Iacono, Andrea Schwartz and Dr. Steve Stryker, Diana Palomar and many others. The evening raised more than $340,000 to support programming at the Gene Siskel Film Center. Check out the website for more cool upcoming events! Check out my Watch312.com video below to see what Reese and Alexander had to say. Congrats again to the Gene Siskel Film Center on all of their wonderful programming and exciting events like this one! (Fabulous photos by Mila Samokhina.)

Well, it finally happened! After so much planning, hoping, wishing and fundraising, the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House is OPEN! I was honored to be there for this special celebration on a parking garage rooftop which was directly across from the House. It was so cool! Throughout the impressive program, more than 600 attendees could plainly see the purpose for this party. Wrapped in a giant bow, the House loomed large at 16 stories and 86 rooms. I remember when Ken Norgan first got me involved with RMHCCNI at the press party at Morton’s and I was just as thrilled then as I was this day! Emcee Mark Giangreco opened the ribbon cutting ceremony on June 26th – there were so many people there…thank goodness the real Chicago heat came later in the week! But on this day, nothing could dampen anyone’s spirits as 13-year-old Kate Wild sang the National Anthem (she will also be singing the anthem on opening day in Soldier Field.) Mary Agnes Laguatan (VP of Operations for RMHCCNI) gave a moving invocation and then Governor Quinn spoke before he had to rush off to meet with the First Lady. He declared this day “Ronald McDonald House Charities Day” in Chicago. “Long may it live!” he said. Next, Senator John Cullerton presented a proclamation from the Mayor, who ALSO named June 26th as RMHC Day in Chicago. Giangreco then jokingly introduced Jim Skinner (McDonald’s CEO) as the “Grand Imperial Quarter Pounder with Cheese.” Skinner thanked the crowd on "behalf of the 1.7 million people in the McDonald’s family." The Soul Children of Chicago, directed by Walt Whitman, gave a moving performance of “The Future’s Up to Me and You” (written by Nancy Slattery and Ira Antelis) that brought the crowd to tears. MaryAnne Smith (president of the Auxiliary Board for the House) spoke next, along with her adoring husband, Coach Lovie Smith. “As we drove down Grand, I could see the House. I said to Lovie, ‘It’s a palace, it’s a home, it feels like a home and now it’s working like a home.’ It’s what we tried to build.” Doug Porter (CEO of RMHCCNI) said, “Today’s ceremony is for you to recommit.” He called out people who were instrumental in the House’s success including Jim Murray (Founder of Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia & Former Eagles' General Manager) and Joe Antunovich (House architect) among many others. Macy’s has been a HUGE supporter of the new House and has dedicated their Glamorama funds, raising more than $645K not including this year’s event, from the last three years to its building! (Speaking of Glamorama, I hope you can put Chicago’s biggest and best fashion show on your calendars! Friday, August 10th at the Harris Theater! A huge shout out and thank you to Macy’s!!! Where would we be without YOU???!!!! Following the rooftop ceremony, guests were whisked via trolley to the River East Art Center for a delicious reception! (For Glamorama tickets, click here and to view more pics, please click here!)

I must confess, I am a total loyalist to our Joffrey Ballet but I have to say the recent Paris Opera Ballet debut at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance brought tears to my eyes it was so hauntingly beautiful. The Theater hosted a gala celebration for the world’s oldest national ballet company on June 26th. Every notable, VIP, civic leader and arts lover in town attended this black tie gala that began with the performance and a cocktail reception at the Harris. More than 800 guests enjoyed the POB’s American debut of the iconic story ballet “Giselle.” “Giselle” was created in 1841 specifically for the POB and was written by poet Theophile Gautier, composed by Adolphe Adam and choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot. The Paris Opera Ballet is considered the birthplace of classical ballet with origins that trace back to 1661, during the reign of King Louis XIV of France. The 154-member ballet company is considered the epitome of perfection, purity, artistry and technical acumen and, from the performance on opening night, I can certainly see why: This company hasn’t been to the U.S in 15 years and the full corps has NEVER performed in Chicago before so I was so proud to hear that the company chose Chicago as a debut destination with stops to follow at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and then Lincoln Center in New York. Second City? I think NOT! Michael Tiknis, president and CEO of the Harris, welcomed the sold out crowd, “It’s my pleasure to introduce the first performance ever of the Paris Opera Ballet in Chicago!” The Grant Park Symphony Orchestra accompanied the performance with Graff as the presenting sponsor. The Mayor commented, “It’s only fitting that the POB chose the city of Chicago as the first appearance of its North American tour. In my view, they’re picking the most American of American cities. I am committed to making Chicago a worldwide destination for arts and creativity.” Abby McCormick O’Neil, chairman of the Harris Theater’s Board of Trustees, said, “The opening night gala and performance support the ongoing mission of the Harris. Proceeds from this event will benefit its programs.” (One of their programs, Access Tickets, donated 200 free tickets to students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend.) Before the performance, Mayor Emanuel – a former dancer himself – greeted students from the Chicago High School for the Arts along with POB dancers and Artistic Director Brigitte Lefevre. Caryn and King Harris and Alexandra and John Nichols were presenting sponsors and chairs. Vice chairs included Francie Comer, Stephanie and John Harris, Mellody Hobson and George Lucas, Lindy and Michael Keiser, Anne and J. Christopher Reyes, Linda Johnson Rice and Shirley and Patrick Ryan. Sponsors for this event included Abby McCormick O’Neil and D. Carroll Joynes, Chauncey and Marion McCormick (Foundation), Hyatt Regency Chicago, Northern Trust and United Airlines. The post performance dinner was held in an elegant tent adjacent to the theater in Millennium Park. Two million was raised on this night to support Harris programming. Guests seen in the crowd included Joan Harris, Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra (Chairman of Millennium Park, Inc.), Sheila O’Grady and Jean-Luc Decaux, Francie Comer, Amelia and Alejandro Silva, Ken Shanoff, Chris Long, Marilyn Vitale, Pam Crutchfield, Phil Lumpkin, Ken Shanoff and Steve Young, Desiree Rogers, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Sonya Jackson, Jacqueline and Leon Kinloch, Julie Latsko, Martha Melman, Sonya Jackson, Helen Melchior, Ken Norgan, Sherren Leigh, Dori Wilson and Mary and Tim Smithe among many others. (Fab fotos by Mila Samokhina and Bob Carl…click here for more pics!)

Mark your calendars now for Glamourcon 53, a lively celebration and marketplace of the glamour arts that features dozens of Playboy Playmates from FIVE decades as well as many other past and present glamour and pin-up models. Vendors sell trading cards, autographs, catalogs, magazines, books, photos, original pin up art, videos and so much more. This year, attendees will get a rare opportunity to meet two “legends” of Playboy: former photo directors Gary Cole and Jeff Cohen. For all of you budding glamour photogs, this is a great opportunity to have your photos and portfolios critiqued by the experts! They will also be orchestrating a first time EVER Playmate Photo Special! A photography session will be offered with Playmates Beth Williams (Miss August 2012) and Shelby Chesnes (Miss July 2012), who are both appearing in Playboy’s July/August double issue which will be on newsstands this month. Sign up to attend a Saturday night VIP party at the Joynt (located at 650 N. Dearborn) with Playmates, Special Edition Models and other Playboy models! Glamourcon presents a great opportunity to meet your favorite vintage and contemporary pin-up stars and get their autographs. I love this event and especially love seeing my fellow Playmates at this special Glamourcon Reunion…hope to see you at Crowne Plaza O'Hare on August 4th and 5th! (For tickets and more info, please click here.)

A special shout out and congrats to beautiful fashion designer, Azeeza Kahn! She has just been nominated for the Rising Star Award by the Fashion Group International! Fingers crossed, Azeeza! Ikram, are you watching??!!!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday that included good food, friends and fun! I will be taking the next week off and will see you again on July 16th!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. If you missed the Summer Lovin’ party at the MCA co-hosted by Chicago magazine and the Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, check out all the fun here from Watch312.com!!!

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URBAN GATEWAYS’ “ART FOR ALL” GALA SPOTLIGHTS ITS POETS AND DANCERS

…PLUS SWAROVSKI PRESENTS “THE WALK,” STYLE NETWORK’S “CHICAGOLICIOUS,” THE DINNER PARTY, BOYS & GIRL’S CLUBS’ YOUTH OF THE YEAR, HEF'S BD, 300 FEET OF JOFFREY DANCER FABRICE CALMELS (NOT ENOUGH!), THE RED DRESS PARTY, A SMALL-DOG-ONLY PARTY AND MORE!

Urban Gateways’ artists were the highlights of the evening for its annual Art for All Gala held at Venue One. Two hundred fifty guests attended this benefit to introduce the arts into the lives of children in Chicago. Co-chair Eric McKissack said, “Cheryl [McKissack] and I were very pleased to co-chair this event with Nick and Susan Pritzker. Urban Gateways is near and dear to all of us. The work of UG as a pioneer and leader in arts education helps to develop the creative potential of more than 100,000 young people a year in Chicago.” The night began with a cocktail reception and silent auction that featured the artwork of many talented UG artists. There were original works by Karolina Gnatowski, Jeff Maldonado and Kate Walsh. James Jankowiak donated an abstract acrylic on canvas while Nicole Beck created a steel maquette of one of her public sculptures at Dubuque’s Grand River Center. (Some other auction items included an “instant memory wine cellar” with personal notes affixed to each bottle that sold for $4,500.) After the guests had perused the auction offerings, emcee and president and CEO of the Better Government Association Andy Shaw took to the stage and stated, “Urban Gateways provides art experiences that the public schools can’t offer. In a perfect world, this would all be done there. They’re not doing what must be done. They’re not stepping up.” Andy is not afraid to speak his mind and always tells it like it is – so refreshing! And then the highlight of the evening: the live performances by Urban Gateways touring artists! First up was Elements Contemporary Ballet, founded in 2005 by artistic director Mike Gosney. These elegant dancers combined the beauty of classical technique with the intensity of innovative contemporary dance. Young Chicago Authors’ Louder Than a Bomb poets held the audience in the palm of their hands as they recited their views of the world. Malcolm Lundy’s poem, “Letter to My Unborn Daughter,” was a touching and cautionary tale about what he wants his future daughter to know about life and men especially. “You are preordained to despise your origins and me.” When speaking of future suitors, he said they “inhale virginities and exhale excuses.” He ended the poem with “my princess, never lose your fairytale endings. I pinky promise to be a great father.” Needless to say, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. A female poet with the single name of George delivered a powerful poem called “My Father’s Promises.” Lamar Jordan’s “Be Step” poem spoke about the joys of this dance form calling it “the choreography of kings.” If you’re not familiar with Louder Than a Bomb, Jon Siskel created a fantastic film by the same name that I highly recommend. The premise surrounds the competition. Every year, more than 600 teenagers from 60-plus Chicago area schools gather for the world’s largest youth poetry slam, a competition known as Louder Than a Bomb. Founded in 2001, Louder Than a Bomb is the only event of its kind in the country – a youth poetry slam built around teams. Rather than emphasize individual poets and performances, its structure demands that kids work collaboratively with their peers – presenting, critiquing and rewriting their pieces. To succeed, teams have to create an environment of mutual trust and support. For many kids, being a part of such an environment in an academic context is life-changing. The movie is spellbinding just like these young poets were on this night. The next act, a nationally recognized dance crew founded by UG teaching artist Leida “Lady Sol” Villegas, brought the crowd to its feet. FootworKINGz performed a high-energy dance number that defied gravity. They have appeared on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew.” You really have to see them to believe it. Guests seen mixing and mingling included Linda Johnson Rice, Abe and Angela Thompson, Valerie and Tyronne Stoudemire, Theaster Gates, Dawoud Bey, Stephanie and Gary Cole, Michelle Askew, Tarrah Cooper, Kay and Jim Mabie, Ruth Horwich and Judith Venturino. Urban Gateways is one of the largest and most comprehensive arts education organizations in the country and a recipient of the White House “Medal of Arts.” For more than 50 years, UG has brought the arts into the lives of millions of children in Chicago. They provide high-quality, customized programming before, during and after school to more than 80,000 Chicago-area youth each year in the areas of literary, media, performing and visual arts. For more info, please visit www.urbangateways.org. (Photos by Caitlin Saville Collins.)

Swarovski recently hosted a cocktail reception at its Michigan Avenue flagship boutique to view the unique window installation created by grad students of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago mentored by Nick Cave, professor and chair of SAIC's fashion design department. Swarovski donated the window space and jewelry for the installation as part of its Presenting Sponsorship for Fashion 2012 and The Walk 2012, which will be held on Thursday, April 19th. The collaborative design was created by KC Winter, Kristina Sparks, Joe Leamanczyk, Justin LeBlanc and Anna Kim and inspired by Swarovski's spring jewelry collection. One hundred thirty guests attended this reception including Chicago Street Style’s Amy Creyer, Emma Arnold, Kelly Zink, Amanda Wolfson, Erica Strama, Ellen Sandor and Shirley and SAIC President Walter Massey. At The Walk 2012, the presentation of the SAIC Legend of Fashion Award will be presented to designer Cynthia Rowley and her husband, Bill Powers, by SAIC adjunct faculty member/critic Jerry Saltz. Rowley said, “As an alumna of SAIC, this award has a very special meaning to me and Bill. We both believe that a marriage between fashion and art is something to strive for in the 21st century, and we hope that future fashion and design students continue to draw inspiration from both the runway and the gallery.” The 78th annual fashion show will feature more than 300 original garments in a tented venue in Millennium Park. Seniors in the SAIC’s fashion design department will create complete collections of five garments; juniors will show three and each sophomore will present one avant-garde look in muslin. The show will be presented three times throughout the day before a final evening presentation with more than 70 Factor Runway models strutting down an 80-foot runway inside a 15,000-foot tent. The 9 a.m. show is a general admission dress rehearsal and tickets are $40, the noon and 3 p.m. shows are also general admission seating with tickets priced at $75 and the main event is $500 and includes a cocktail reception and elegant post-show dinner on the rooftop terrace of the Harris Theater. For more info, please call 312.499.4190 or visit www.said.edu/fashionshow. (To view ALL event pics by Caitlin Saville Collins, please click HERE!)

The dynamic cast from the local reality show, “Chicagolicious,” is still hard at work filming segments around town. Their latest location was at the River West hotspot Sepia located at 123 N. Jefferson. Stylists at AJ Johnson’s Salon, located at 684 W. Randolph, are starring in this upcoming “Jerseylicious” spinoff and just finished another segment at Scoop NYC where they offered free hair and makeup to the public. This drama will showcase the salon’s hairstylists, makeup artists, salon manager and marketing director and their crazy antics at this close-knit salon that caters to a high-profile clientele. (Jennifer Hudson, Iman and Angela Bassett have all been AJ-ized.) Cast members include hair stylists Valincia Saulsberry, Howard Godfrey and MaCray Huff, salon manager Niki Robinson, makeup artists Katrell Mendenhall and Austin Maxfield and marketing director Q Lacey. Even AJ’s son, Ari, appears in some segments along with Julie Darling, Liza Brooks and Jenny Sepulveda. Another segment has been filmed at the Stan Mansion but I can’t tell you anymore (we all signed confidentiality agreements) but suffice it to say, I have some great pics to share by Helena Rafeyan! I wish these lovable locals all the best and hope their hard work pays off! Stay tuned and watch for “Chicagolicious,” premiering in June on the Style Network. (To view ALL pics from this fun event, please click HERE!)

Another local production created by Fear No ART’s Elysabeth Alfano is getting rave reviews with her new online show called “The Dinner Party.” This live show is filmed with a five-camera feed at the Mayne Stage, located at1330 W. Morse, before a studio audience on the last Monday of every month. Elysabeth invites three to four creatives (artists, inventors, entrepreneurs, etc.) to a dinner created by a guest chef and over food, wine and a few impromptu performances, the conversat
ions flow. Viewers and audience members (who share in the food tastings) can tweet questions and win prizes if their tweets are picked. On Monday, April 30th, Chef Paul Kahan, “Saturday Night Live” alum Nora Dunn, former “Project Runway” contestant and “All Stars” hopeful Peach Carr and Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s Lane Alexander will meet at “The Dinner Party.” The evening will also include a performance by the dance troupe BAM, illustrations by artist Rosemary Fanti and set paintings by Michael O’Briant. The evening ends with an open cocktail party with artists and attending audience members. For more info, please visit Fear No ART's website and to see blues legend Billy Branch singing “Hoochie Coochie Man” on a recent segment, click here! The show was recently chosen as one of the top five in the Tribune’s feature article about the best variety-type shows in the city – WOWZA! Good luck, Elysabeth: You are one of the hardest working women in showbiz and I know your new show will be a huge success!

I just love the wonderful work that the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago do for our kids! They recently honored 17-year-old Nora Martinez, a General Robert E. Wood club member, as its 2012 Youth of the Year at an awards ceremony at Navy Pier. Martinez lovingly refers to her club located in South Lawndale as “My Little World,” the place that gave her support to achieve her goals in academics and athletics and inspired her to give back to her community. During the speech competition, 10 semi-finalists representing clubs throughout Chicago, shared their challenges, hopes and heartfelt experiences as BGCC members. Besides Nora, members at the event included Michel Lopez, Odalys Garcia, Lucy Onoh, Dajanee Tate, Jeremy O’Brian, Jose Gonzalez, Vincent Poole-Oliphant, Darius Smallwood, Jonathan Pittman, Briana Burtley and Brittany Barraza. Honorary Chairman of the Corporate Board of Directors Mayor Rahm Emanuel said, “Nothing is more important than our investment in our children and striving to put every one of them on a path to success.” Martinez is currently the vice president of the Keystone Club and volunteers for multiple service events in her community. Martinez has even hosted service events at her club and brought together a group of her friends to raise money for Children’s Memorial Hospital. BGCC provides services through 16 locations for 10,000 children each year. Congrats, Nora!! (For more info, please visit www.bgcc.org.)

Playboy’s Hugh Hefner had a very special 86th birthday party recently, surrounded by admirers at his Holmby Hills mansion for the screening of his favorite film, “Casablanca.” They dressed in costume for the occasion, and after the screening, shared champagne and caviar by candlelight in the dining room that had been converted into Rick’s Café. Hef was presented with a special birthday cake which had his face superimposed on Humphrey Bogart’s body from the original film poster. Happy birthday Hef and I wish you many more happy occasions as “time goes by.”

Pet lovers should NOT miss this party to benefit Annie’s Little Angels Small Breed Dog and Cat Rescue on Sunday, May 6th, at Chicago Party Animals, located at 1133 W. Fulton Market from 1 to 4 p.m. Hosted by Chicago’s newest canine clothing and accessory line, Perry Dog, this event will be the first in a series of benefits called “Perry Dog Presents Perry to the Rescue Party.” This party will cater to tiny canines (less than 30 lbs.) with massages by Canine Massage Chicago, nail trims by Pet Care Plus and lots of treats. Julia Morel, who was inspired by her rescue Chihuahua Perry, co-founded Perry Dog in 2010. Her mission is to raise money for animal welfare rescue groups with the first benefitting Annie’s Little Angels. Tickets are $10 per dog and admission for humans is FREE! For tickets and more info, please visit www.perrydogchicago.com.

Chicago’s second annual “Red Dress Party” will be held at the Joffrey Ballet Studios, located at10 E. Randolph, on Saturday, April 21st, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Beverly McClellan of “The Voice” has been confirmed to perform with GMA’s weekend (and former NBC Chicago) meteorologist Ginger Zee serving as emcee. The evening will begin with a decadent VIP red carpet reception hosted by Chicago’s own Miss Lucy Foozie at 8 p.m. followed by Beverly’s inspirational performance at 10:30 p.m. The only rule for the evening is that all guests must wear red. The Red Dress Party is dedicated to both raising awareness for the HIV/AIDS movement and funds for organizations that provide vital community services. I was proud to co-host this event last year with NBC’s Marcus Riley and it is a must-attend, fun-filled party for a great cause! Chair Kyler Ashton Powell and his dynamic committee are working hard to make this event something very memorable and I know it will be! Tickets begin at $100 and can be purchased by visiting www.chicagoreddressparty.org. To see the fun from last year’s event on Watch312.com, see below!

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Watch for an exciting art installation coming the first week of May to the riverfront beneath the Trump Tower! Anyone who is a fan (and who isn’t?!), of the dashing 6’6” Joffrey dancer Fabrice Calmels will love this! Renowned Joffrey photographer Herbert Migdoll has created a 300-foot long and 15-foot high photo of Fabrice swimming!!!! I can’t wait to see this and wish it could be permanent but sadly, it will only be up through July 7th. I can’t wait to ogle, I mean see, this fantastic artwork of much-loved Fabrice! Congrats to Herb and The Joffrey Ballet for yet another “first” for Chicago! (THIS HAS JUST BEEN NIXED BY TRUMP…DETAILS TO FOLLOW…Je suis desolee!)

The countdown to the grand opening of the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House has begun! Only 69 more days until the House at 211 E. Grand Ave. opens its doors on June 26th and I’m joining in to help! Each day on their website, www.RonaldHouseChicago.org, and on their Facebook and Twitter they’re featuring a new Countdown Photo of a “famous face or place” (their words, not mine) in Chicago and today, they have an adorable puppy! (I was proud to be #70 yesterday). They’re encouraging the city to join in on the fun, by downloading your own number card here, and posting your photos to their Facebook page – hundreds have already posted their pics! And if you have a cute pet pic, please post that! Don’t forget to tweet about it using the hashtag #86DayCountdown! For more info, please click here!

I am on sensory overload thinking about all of these great happenings in the greatest city in America! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing about it! Have a great week and I will see you here next time, I hope! (And don't forget to sign up for Watch312's VIP Club here and see the new video here! Lots of gift giveaways to come plus some of my favorite spots around town!)