Tag Archives: Escada

October 11, 2012 · 8:23 am

THE JOFFREY BALLET’S FASHIONABLE FUNDRAISER: COUTURE & COCKTAILS!

…PLUS RENAISSANCE SOCIETY GALA, RANDE GERBER’S RUM PARTY, FACING HISTORY & OURSELVES EXHIBITION, ABE THOMPSON’S “LEGENDARY” HONOR, PAUL STUART’S COOL BRAND AMBASSADORS, A CUBAN DANCE OPPORTUNITY, LUXURY GARAGE SALE, WATCH312.COM RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE DOC, PAWS CHICAGO’S BIG HOWL-O-WEEN, MY FAV PUMPKIN PATCH AND SO MUCH MORE!

The Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails, now in its seventh year, is one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year. This year, glamour queens Kristina McGrath and Sonya Jackson co-chaired the event that attracted more than 500 trendsetters. This party has always been known for its exciting venues and, this year, the new McGrath Acura dealership was the place to be! With more than 50,000 sq. feet of dramatic space, guests were filled with excitement and anticipation as they walked the red carpet leading into the party. Ivan Carlson’s décor set the tone with flashing pink strobe lights while chic bars filled with Skinnygirl cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres from Stefani Catering were major crowd pleasers. A vintage couture auction presented by LUXURY GARAGE SALE had partygoers oohing, ahhing and bidding. At 7:30 p.m., white curtains parted to reveal another gorgeous space filled with a huge runway and row upon row of Lucite chairs. Bartenders served the seated VIP guests who included “Chicagolicious” star AJ Johnson, Jan Flanagan, Lynn and John McMahan, Jacqueline and Leon Kinloch, Michaela Parrillo, Rebecca and Charlie Besser, Gale and Jay Gottlieb, Toni and Rick Canada, Daniel DeVos and designer/wife Pamella Roland DeVos, Chef Art Smith and Jesus Salgueiro and Mike McGrath among others. To open the fashion show, co-chairs Kristina and Sonya roared into the space in a $380,000 cherry red Lexus LFA. After inviting Leon Kinloch and orchestra leader turned auctioneer David Rothstein to the stage, the quartet began the live auction portion of the night. Packages included exotic trips on United Airlines with hotel stays at the Langham Hotel Group among other exciting offerings. After the live auction, more donations were raised with a “runway strut,” where guests could take a turn on the runway for varying amounts – there were some pretty fancy moves up there and it was a very clever idea for additional fundraising. And then, the main event: Pamella Roland’s Spring 2013 collection presented by Neiman Marcus! I will tell you that I wanted almost every single thing I saw on that runway. From simple daytime dresses to elegant, entrance-making gowns, Pamella’s creations had the crowd cheering and clapping in appreciation. When I interviewed her for Watch312.com, she told me her inspiration was the minimalistic paintings by Ellsworth Kelly…and indeed, her black-and-white theme made a dramatic yet elegant statement. The peplum dresses were gorgeous enough on their own as the models glided down the runway but when they turned and the crowd saw that the entire backs were sheer, it made everyone moan. At the end of the show, when Pamella made her triumphant runway walk, a standing ovation rattled the walls. Guests were then shuttled to another magnificent room for the post-show reception while this space was transformed into a dance floor. The McGrath Acura space, with its soaring ceilings and exquisite artwork, could be a museum if it wasn’t an uber successful dealership. White leather furniture was arranged for special VIP seating that included darling pillows emblazoned with McGrath Acura and champagne waiting patiently in elegant containers. Beginning at 9 p.m., the dance party was kicked off by the world-famous Joffrey dancers led by Mauro Villanueva and David Gombert, April Daley and Miguel Blanco, Victoria Jaiani and Temur Suluashvili, Derrick Agnoletti, Fabrice Calmels, Erica Lynette Edwards, Dylan Guiterrez and Tian Shuai among others. Food trucks were stationed in the entrance space and included delicious mac and cheese from Southern Mac & Cheese, Chef Leah’s perfect pancakes from Babycakes, Two Italians' delicious meatballs and pizza, Mexican fare from La Adelita and vegan, dairy-free offerings from Ste Martaen. No one wanted this exciting night to end at this glorious new venue on the river but sadly, we will all have to wait till next year to find out what new adventure C & C takes us on! Congrats to Sonya and Kristina and the Joffrey on this fun-filled night that rai
sed more than $275K for Joffrey programming and outreach. This event has grown exponentially in size since its inception in 2007 with past featured designers including David Meister, Carmen Marc Valvo, Maria Pinto, Temperley London and Escada. A special thanks to this year’s sponsors United Airlines, McGrath Imports, Pamella Roland, Neiman Marcus, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Laura Mercier, Beam Global Spirits & Wine (love Tom Strehle!), Skinnygirl, Constellation Brands, Inc., Exelon, The Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation and the beautiful sweet tables from Sugar Chic Designs! (To see ALL party pics by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr, please click here!)

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The Renaissance Society welcomed more than 340 guests, including prominent business leaders, curators and artists for its 2012 Benefit Gala at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on Saturday, September 8th. The event grossed more than $677,000 in support of The Renaissance Society’s 2012-2013 exhibition season and celebrated director Susanne Ghez’s 40th year at this internationally-renowned non-collecting museum of contemporary art. Guests enjoyed an evening that began with a cocktail reception and silent art auction featuring pieces by past Renaissance Society artists, alongside a special preview of a limited edition photo portfolio curated by guest of honor Susanne Ghez in celebration of her tenure as director of The Renaissance Society. During a lavish dinner by Radisson Blu Catering paired with wines from Todd Hess/H2Vino, guests were treated to the visually stunning décor and table arrangements of Paul Buenvenida and Gary Heiferman. A special tribute to Ghez included remarks from Renaissance Society Board of Directors President Greg Cameron, who warmly congratulated her on 40 years of inspiring leadership and generosity of spirit in supporting artists, noting the profound impact Ghez has had in creating one of the world’s most important contemporary art exhibition venues. The evening concluded with a live auction of cutting-edge art by Matt Saunders, Kara Walker and Kerry James Marshall and a luxury trip to a private villa in the Mexican Riviera. The 2012 Benefit Gala Chair was Deirdre McBreen, Executive Vice President of Corporate Secretary and Principal at Peter J. McBreen & Associates. Distinguished guests at the event included Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago Director Madeleine Grynsztejn and curators Naomi Beckwith and Michael Darling, Art Institute of Chicago director Douglas Druick and curators Peter Zegers, James Rondeau, Matt Witkovsky and Lisa Dorin, Columbia College Museum of Contemporary Photography director Natasha Egan, darling City of Chicago Cultural Affairs commissioner Michelle Boone, Northwestern University Block Museum director Lisa Corrin, Chicago Humanities Festival artistic director Matti Bunzl, Santa Monica Museum of Art director Elsa Longhauser, Terra Foundation director Elizabeth Glassman, Richard Wright of Wright Auction, Tang Museum curator Ian Berry, Arts Club director Janine Mileaf, Jane Addams Hull House Museum director Lisa Lee, and EXPO CHICAGO president/director Tony Karman. (Photos by Erin Drewitz.)

On the heels of successful launches in LA, NY, Miami and Dallas, creator Rande Gerber (husband of gorgeous supermodel Cindy Crawford) was joined by family and friends in Chicago recently to celebrate the launch of Caliche Rum, a rum six generations in the making and exclusively from the Serrallés Family Distillery, the birthplace of premium Puerto Rican rum. Since launching in March 2012, Caliche Rum has been very well received among consumers and trade alike being honored with some of the highest rated reviews in the industry. Congrats Rande and bring Cindy back home! 🙂

The Chicago office of international educational nonprofit Facing History and Ourselves welcomed Mayor Rahm Emanuel along with more than 200 partners, donors and supporters of its acclaimed multimedia exhibition Choosing to Participate for a private party on Monday, September 24th in the Winter Garden of the Chicago Public Library’s Harold Washington Library Center. Guests enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and guided tours of the exhibition (which is on display at the Harold Washington Library Center now through November 11th). In addition to Mayor Emanuel and his wife, Amy Rule, other distinguished guests included event emcee and Emmy Award-winning ABC 7 News co-anchor Cheryl Burton, Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard, Choosing to Participate co-chair and Aon president and CEO Greg Case, Walmart Chicagoland Market manager Reginald Reese, Facing History co-founder and Klarman Family executive director Margot Stern Strom, Facing History Chicago co-founder Judy Wise, Loop Capital Markets co-founder and president Albert R. Grace, Jr., Facing History Chicago Advisory Board chairman Jill Garling and her husband Tom Wilson (Allstate Chairman, President and CEO), Facing History Chicago director Bonnie Oberman and her husband Marty Oberman (former 43rd Ward Alderman and private practice lawyer) and Choosing to Participate Upstander honorees Mazher Ahmed, Henry Henderson, Nikki Jarvis and Tony Wasilewski. Facing History’s Choosing to Participate is a powerful multimedia exhibition examining the impact and history of bigotry and injustice that features five installations telling stories in the first-person about people and communities that have experienced racism and injustice, and how courage and compassion are necessary to protect democracy. The two local components of the exhibition are Upstanders: Portraits of Courage, featuring photographs and narratives celebrating 12 individuals and groups making a difference in Chicago and pARTicipation: Young Artists Speak Up, a display of original artwork from Chicagoland students in grades 7 – 12 that illustrates the importance of choices we make in our daily lives. For more information, please visit www.choosingtoparticipate.org. Facing History and Ourselves is an international educational and professional development organization whose mission is to engage students of diverse backgrounds in an examination of racism, prejudice and anti-Semitism in order to promote the development of a more humane and informed citizenry. For more information, visit facinghistory.org. (Photos by Bob Carl.)

Longtime Chicago-based media exec Abe Thompson accepted the Living Legends Award from the Black United Fund of Illinois (BUFI) during their 12th Annual Living Legends/Passing the Torch© recently at the Parkway Ballroom. The Living Legends event was conceived by BUFI as a way to encourage generational continuity in civil rights, business and the professions while sharing the collective skills, ideas and strategies with a new generation of leaders. Thompson passed the torch to the students of Kennedy-King College. Huge congrats to a beloved Chicago icon!

Congrats to the Joffrey Ballet’s Christopher Clinton Conway and Park 52’s Marc Brooks on being named the Fall 2012 Chicago Brand Ambassadors for Paul Stuart and its Phineas Cole Collection! They couldn’t have picked more perfect candidates for this honor than Christopher and Marc, whose chic style is always inspiring and uniquely their own. Since 1938, Paul Stuart has been a leading arbiter of taste, style and fashion for luxury menswear in the U.S. The store has dressed world leaders, dignitaries, celebrities and titans of business for over 70 years. In the fall of 2007, Paul Stuart launched Phineas Cole, the first new brand in the company’s history. Its slimmer, more contemporary silhouette is perfectly suited for our town’s best dressed guys! Congrats CCC and MB – they are very lucky to have you in their beautiful new brand! Join them on Thursday, October 18th, for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate this new line from 6 to 8 p.m. at 107 E. Oak St. RSVP@Skirtpr.com.

Dance devotee Cheryl Tama Oblander is helping plan a major ballet festival in Havana, Cuba, scheduled for October 27th through November 4th (leaving from Miami). Cheryl has been named as the representative for the Center for Cuban Studies and is organizing an amazing itinerary that includes eight nights, welcome and farewell dinners, motor coach tours, exclusive museum passes, five festival performances and so much more! The trip is limited to 25 to 30 guests so email interplanner@comcast.net or visit www.festivalballethabana.cult.cu/ for more info!

I was so honored to have been asked by LUXURY GARAGE SALE to sift through their fabulous fashions and pick my top five! It was no easy task with pages upon pages of beautiful couture offerings but it was a very fun challenge that I happily accepted. Check out my choices and see what you think…and then check out YOURS here! LUXURY GARAGE SALE – an upscale consignment service that specializes in selling new and gently-used contemporary, designer and vintage clothing and accessories – was co-founded by partners Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal. Childhood friends, Brielle and Lindsay always had a love of collecting beginning with stickers and erasers and evolving to shoes and handbags. Over the years, however, their assorted collections soon overwhelmed their available storage space. Utilizing their backgrounds in fashion and sales, Brielle and Lindsay began selling their unwanted items and after realizing that their friends had the same predicament as well, a light flashed and voila – LUXURY GARAGE SALE was born! Happy Hunting!

Who wouldn’t like to party with Nate Berkus!!??? Join handsome and talented Nate as he celebrates the launch of his new book, “The Thing
s That Matter” on Tuesday, October 23rd from 5 to 8 p.m. at Jayson Home and Garden, located at1885 N Clybourn Ave. EVERYONE is welcome! Also, bubbly and bites are being provided by Francis Coppola Winery and Chicago's Real Kitchen. I can't wait to read your new book and see YOU, Nate – we love you!

Chicago Sister Cities International (CSCI) brings Chicagoans a festive evening of cultural discovery with From Chicago to Lahore: A Cultural Nexus. This party with our Pakistani sister city will celebrate the work of artists from Chicago and Pakistan and will highlight our similarities and the impact of arts upon people of all cultures. Free and open to the public, this event will be at the Chicago Cultural Center (located at 77 E. Randolph) on Wednesday, October 17th, from 6 to 9 p.m. The night will include an exhibition of visual arts, a brief speaking program, film screenings, musical performances, poetry readings and so much more. For more info, please click here!

Many thanks to journalist/producer extraordinaire Elysabeth Alfano for including me in her recent fabulous Huffington Post article about the Art Institute’s Rubloff paperweight collection! This one-woman dynamo is also the creator and producer for “Fear No Art” and “The Dinner Party.” To read her latest article, please click here. What a great piece…nice work, Elysabeth!

What a perfect way to spend Sweetest Day on Saturday, October 20th! Join me as I host “Here’s to Life Concert 2” presented by the very irresistible jazz soloist Zemrah at Prairie State College’s Main Auditorium, located at 202 S. Halsted St. (Chicago Heights), beginning at 7 p.m. (A VIP reception will begin at 5 p.m.) Zemrah has been performing and perfecting her musical style since childhood becoming the lead female vocalist of the duet “Fire & Ice” to being selected as the Crown Royale Female Vocalist of the Year. She continued as a solo artist opening for Nancy Wilson to now having her own inspirational concert. The night’s musical director Syd Brown will be joined by guest artist Marcus Gentry. For show information and tickets beginning at $55, please visit www.zemrahsongstress.com or call 318.936.7241. (Her first CD, “Irresistible Zemrah,” is – quite simply – irresistible!) I hope to see you there!

At Cheeky Chicago’s 4th Anniversary Party (coverage coming soon!), I had the opportunity to sample DavidsTea, which will be making its debut in Chicago on October 13th at 1645 N. Damen. Now, I’m not a big tea drinker but with flavors like Read My Lips (a black tea with chocolate, vanilla, mint and red candy lips), Pumpkin Chai (black tea with cinnamon, cloves, lemon peel, squash, carrot and caramel bits) and Banana Nut Bread (dates, currants, almonds and freeze-dried bananas), I stand up and take notice! I also love the fact that all proceeds for their Haitian-inspired KANPE Tea (a blend of hibiscus, mango, cinnamon, papaya, banana, coconut and stevia) will go toward the KANPE organization dedicated to long-term relief in Haiti. The company opened last year with two locations in NYC and plans locations this month in San Francisco. DavidsTea is also available online at www.davidstea.com. Congrats to owners David Segal and his cousin Herschel Segal and WELCOME to Chicago!

Don’t miss this new fall event benefitting PAWS Chicago! PAWS at the Park Hyatt Costume Party “Howl-O-Ween” will be coming to the Grand Salon of the Park Hyatt on Sunday, October 28th from 2 to 5 p.m. You and your family are invited to join in this spooky, fun-filled event featuring a costume contest at 3 p.m. for people and pets with celebrity judges, prizes for Best in Show for Dog, Family, Favorite Duo and Most Outrageous. Co-chaired by Nancy Timmers and Walter Brindell, the party will also include delectable desserts by pastry chef Meg Galus, pawtastic bites by executive chef Ryan LaRoche, beer, wine and Tail-tinis for adults from NoMI Lounge! There will also be a live auction, children’s face painting, photographer Greg Szoda and intuitive dog readings by Denise Zak. Tickets are $75 (adult and 13-up), $25 (6-12) and $20 per pet. (For tickets and more info, please click here!)

A special thanks to all of you who voted for me as “Chicago’s Most Social Scenester” in the contest recently hosted by RackedChicago.com! I know I terrorized so many of you to vote but it worked and I won!! 🙂 So thanks for being so patient and so supportive! ALL of the nominees are dynamite social scenesters and included Amanda Puck, Billy Dec, Ryan Beschel, Lisa Frame, Cece & Melinda, Marcus Riley, Emma Arnold, Graham Kostic, Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin and Monica Dimperio. I am so honored and promise to live up to this title! 🙂 Thanks so much to Jared Hatch for the nomination!

From humble desires to complete fruition, the story of the building of the World’s Largest Ronald McDonald House is an inspiring one. This love-filled Watch312.com documentary will make you laugh, cry and believe that goodness and hope can overcome all obstacles. The new Ronald McDonald house near Lurie Children's opened June 26th and is located at 211 East Grand in Streeterville. Its14 stories offers 86 guest rooms and amenities to comfort families in time of need. If you would like to help support this worthwhile cause please click here. I also hope you enjoy my video that was a labor of love from beginning to end!

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I hope your fall is off to a beautiful start and I hope you get a chance to celebrate with a visit to a pumpkin patch! One of our favorites is County Line Orchard, located at 200 S. County Line Road in Hobart, Indiana. I love their apple cinnamon and pumpkin donuts but they also have a corn maize, petting zoo, live band performances and, of course, a pumpkin patch! Their country store offers fresh jam, homemade pies, kettle corn and lots of other tasty treats. A perfect way to enjoy the change of seasons!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. My friend Rhonda Sanderson recently shared a story of her bout with breast cancer in this inspiring video. For every new Facebook fan, story shared or purchase made through Hungry Howie’s Pizza chain, a donation will be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Please click here to see it and share it with your friends to help make a difference. 🙂 Great job, Rhonda!

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Tagged as 2012 Benefit Gala, Abe Thompson, ActionBooth, AJ Johnson, Albert R. Grace Jr., Amanda Puck, Amy Rule, Aon, April Daley, Art Institute, Babycakes, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Billy Dec, Black United Fund of Illinois, Bob Carl, Bonnie Oberman, Brian Jupiter, Brielle Buchberg, BUFI, Café des Architectes, Caliche Rum, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Carmen Marc Valvo, Carnivale Restaurant, Cece & Melinda, Center for Cuban Studies, Charlie Besser, Cheeky Chicago, Chef Art Smith, Chef Leah, Cheryl Burton, Cheryl Tama Oblander, Chicago Sister Cities International, Chicago’s Most Social Scenester, Chicago’s Real Kitchen, Chicagolicious, Choosing to Participate, Christopher Clinton Conway, Cindy Crawford, Constellation Brands, County Line Orchard, Couture & Cocktails, CSCI, Dan Marquis, Daniel DeVos, Davanti Enoteca, David Dworshak, David Gombert, David Meister, David Rothstein, David Segal, DavidsTea, Deirdre McBreen, Denise Zak, Derrick Angoletti, Douglas Druick, Dylan Guiterrez, Eat Global Give Local, Elizabeth Ian Berry, Ellsworth Kelly, Elsa Longhauser, Elysabeth Alfano, Emma Arnold, Erica Bethe Levin, Erica Lynette Edwards, Erin Drewitz, Escada, Exelon, Fabrice Calmels, Facing History and Ourselves, Fear No Art, Fire & Ice, Francis Coppola Winery, From Chicago to Lahore: A Cultural Nexus, Frontier Chicago, Gale Gottlieb, Gary Heiferman, Graham Kostic, Greg Cameron, Greg Case, Greg Szoda, Gregg Biggers, Henry Henderson, Here’s to Life Concert 2, Herschel Segal, Howl-O-Ween, Huffington Post, Hungry Howie’s Oizza, Inc., Ivan Carlson, Jacqueline Kinloch, James Rondeau, Jan Flanagan, Janine Mileaf, Jared Hatch, Jay Gottlieb, Jayson Home and Garden, Jean-Claude Brizard, Jessica Zweig, Jesus Salgueiro, Jill Garling, Joffrey Ballet, John McMahan, Jonathon Beatty, Judy Wise, Justin White, Kara Walker, Kennedy-King College, Kerry James Marshall, Kristina McGrath, La Adelita, Langham Hotel Group, Laura Mercier, Leon Kinloch, Lindsay Segal, Lisa Corrin, Lisa Dorin, Lisa Frame, Lisa Lee, Living Legends/Passing the Torch, Lurie Children's Hospital, Luxury Garage Sale, Lynn McMahan, Madeleine Grynsztejn, Marc Brooks, Marcs Gentry, Marcus Riley, Margot Stern Strom, Maria Pinto, Marty Oberman, Matt Saunders, Matt Witkovsky, Matti Bunzl, Mauro Villanueva, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Mazher Ahmed, McGrath Acura, McGrath Imports, Meg Galus, Michael Darling, Michaela Parrillo, Michelle Boone, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Miguel Blanco, Mike McGrath, Mila Samokhina, Monica Dimperio, Nancy Timmers, Nancy Wilson, Naomi Beckwith, Natasha Egan, Nate Berkus, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Nieman Marcus, Nikki Jarvis, Pamella Roland DeVos, Park 52, pARTicipation: Young Artists Speak Up, Paul Buenavenida, Paul Stuart, PAWS at the Park Hyatt Costume Party, PAWS Chicago, Peter Zegers, Phineas Cole, Quay, RackedChicago.com, Radisson Blu Catering, Radisson Bly Aqua Hotel, Rande Gerber, Rebecca Besser, Reginald Reese, Renaissance Society, Rhonda Sanderson, Rick Canada, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Rubloff paperweights, Ryan Beschel, Ryan LaRoche, Serralles Family Distillery, Skinnygirl, SmallBar, Sonya Jackson, Southern Mac & Cheese, Ste Martaen, Stefani Catering, Steve Starr, Sugar Chic Designs, Susanne Ghez, Syd Brown, Temperley London, Temur Suluashvili, The Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, The Dinner Party, The Things That Matter, Tian Shuai, Todd Hess/H2Vino, Tom Strehle, Toni Canada, Tony Karman, Tony Wasilewski, Two Italians, United Airlines, Upstanders: Portraits of Courage, Victoria Jaiani, Walter Brindell, Watch312.com, Zemrah

September 25, 2012 · 9:38 pm

CHESHIRE CAT SMILES ALL AROUND FOR OFFICE MAX’S GREEN TIE BALL!

…PLUS 30/30/30 FOR TCW MAG, BRIAN ATWOOD’S A-LIST PARTY, HENSON’S HIGH HONOR, HORSING AROUND AT THE EVERGREEN INVITATIONAL, PRIMO CLASSICO, HARRIS THEATER’S ONE NIGHT COUP, GOLD COAST FASHION AWARDS RETURNS, LATINO FASHION WEEK, CHEF ERIC LANLARD WANTS TO “TART IT UP!,” A MAGICAL WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

The Office Max Green Tie Ball just keeps getting bigger and better! I didn’t think they could top last year’s theme – “The Wizard of Oz” – but with the fantastic addition of Red Moon Theater Company, “Alice in Wonderland” came to life this year for more than 3,000 guests. From the moment you entered the steel factory grounds of A. Finkl & Sons, you knew magic was afoot when you walked the GREEN carpet! Dramatic visuals thrilled your senses everywhere you looked beginning with striking artwork from this classic book streaming down the sides of the tent as you entered the grounds. The Mad Hatter’s tent made me gasp as I saw oversized lamps and fabulous scenes projected on every wall. And the FOOD! There were more than 70 food stations and I don’t mean little tastings: This was REAL food prepared by chefs who wanted to be noticed. Rub BBQ Company served a BBQ martini consisting of coleslaw, cornbread, baker beans and smoked pork shoulder all in one cup! Zapatista’s carnitas on rice flower tortillas with jalapenos was mouthwatering and Flo & Santos served ravarogi (meat pierogies) with vodka cream sauce. Thank goodness I didn’t get to ALL 70 restaurants, although I did see great stuff from Frog & Snail, GT Fish & Oyster, III Forks, Rosebud, 25 Degrees, Province, Frontier and Public House. I was especially touched by the offerings from the sweet kids from Bethlehem Lutheran Church who were on hand from the After School Matters’ Culinary Arts Program. Proud ASM Culinary Director/Chef Gloria Hafer said, “These students are special to us and I know they will succeed because of the concern of the people here who have taken an interest in the program. I’m working diligently through ASM to promote self-esteem, excellence, and appreciation of the culinary arts.” Students in the program prepared, displayed and served more than 2,000 “Alice in Wonderland”-themed cookies and cakes. I watch a lot of master chef shows and these kids could teach them a thing or two from what I saw on this night. Shannon Roche, Gisel Bahena, Abigail Garcia, Lily Harris and Omar Cardenas proudly displayed their works of art and told me how important the program was to them. Gisel plans on working in the culinary arts and Omar was happy to have a place to go that would keep him “off the streets.” Abigail commented on the fun she had and how much she loved learning how to cook. This was sheer genius by the event organizers to add these kids so they could highlight this worthy organization! Of the 50 world-renowned chefs invited to this event, After School Matters was the only teen initiative asked to participate. The event was emceed for the second year by “Windy City Live” hosts Valerie Warner and Ryan Chiaverini. When I interviewed them for Watch312.com, they were so excited about expanding to the weekend, with a Sunday edition coming soon. Ryan jokingly said, “You will be sick of us soon like my parents.” They are too cute for words, as we all know! Corri McFadden, glam e-Drop Off founder and star of VH1’s “House of Consignment,” and Donald Storino, principal and co-founder of the government affairs firm Fidelity Consulting Group, served as co-chairs. This event benefitted Chicago Gateway Green, which was founded by Donald DePorter in 1986. His son, Grant DePorter, President of Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group and Chairman of Gateway Green, carries on his father’s tradition in grand style. “As Gateway Green’s signature fundraising event, the Green Tie Ball not only raises our mission but also serves as the catalyst for our ongoing beautification programs, including the Expressway Partnership, for which proceeds from this year’s gala will be directed.” The night also included top notch dance music from deejays Justin Jacobson (founder and impresario of Platinum Events), Rock City and former Fall Out Boy bassist and half of the Black Cards duo, Pete Wentz. He showed up on the green carpet around 9:45 p.m. with gorgeous arm candy, Meagan Camper. My friend and celebrity stylist Eric Himel styled them both to perfection saying, “For
Pete, I wanted to do something different other than rocker attire.” Wentz was decked out in a fabulous forest green suit from Oak Street’s SuitSupply with a bow tie. When I asked him how he liked his outfit, he said, “I feel a little Farrakhan-ish but that’s okay, I'm a fan.” He was dancing and tweeting pics of the crowd as he deejayed. So cute! Meagan was in a sleek black dress from Top Shop with green Alexis Bittar earrings. Such a stylish pair! I loved Eric’s outfit, too, that featured a green skull necklace on a leather cord from Beatnik's, a great store in Lakeview. Entertainment included live performances from Chicago cover bands Dr. Bombay and South of 80. Co-host Ryan Chiaverini thrilled the crowd when he got onstage to sing his now signature song, “Sweet Home Alabama.” The Rivers Casino tent featured craps, blackjack and roulette. There was also a Red Moon bubble-blowing, mobile DJ, an Office Max photo booth filled with “Alice in Wonderland” props and “Hawk Man,” who hovered over the crowd on a 20-foot crane flapping his massive, feathered wings (also from Red Moon). Partygoers happily fell right down the rabbit hole at this party! Executive producer for this magical night was “The Food Dude,” David Lissner, who is also a board member of Chicago Gateway Green. This magical night raised $450K to benefit Chicago Gateway Green. (Photos by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr…to see other photos in my Chicago Tribune column by Beth Rooney, please click here and to see all of the magic, WATCH my Watch312.com video right HERE!)

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Handsome shoe god Brian Atwood celebrated his new campaign and first flagship store at 655 Madison Avenue in New York with a star-filled celebration at the Four Seasons Restaurant on Wednesday, September 5th. More than 700 guests mixed with A-list celebs as DJ Mick Boogie played hot mixes but nothing could be hotter than the sky high heels so coveted around the globe by this charming designer who is adored by all. Since its 2001 debut, the Brian Atwood Collection has instilled shoe lust in a legion of fans for its infusion of glamour, exquisite craftsmanship, hyperluxe design and attention to detail. His award-winning styles have earned him the CDA Swarovski Perry Ellis Award for Best Accessory Design and the 2010 Footwear News Designer of the Year Award. His first global campaign this past summer, a print campaign and companion fashion film tell the story of the modern woman's desire for fantasy and control. The new fall print and video campaign were shot together in London by Mert & Marcus with creative direction by Giovanni Bianco and feature supermodel Candice Swanepoel. The fashion film, The Sex is in the Heel video series, is a voyeuristic flashback by a mysterious seductress reliving the previous night's fantasy and will be a part of the film section on the newly redesigned website. I imagine this is exactly how women feel after a night of wearing a pair of Brian Atwoods! In honor of the evening, DeLeon Tequila presented four signature cocktails: Maniac, The Sex is in the Heel, Midnight Purple and The Atwood. Ahhhhhh, so cute! Guests seen at the celebration included Heidi Klum, Rachel Zoe, Kim Kardashian, Rachel Roy, Ryan Lochte, Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton, Nate Berkus, Hannah Bronfman, Estelle, Gabrielle Union, Katie Lee, Candice Swanepoel, Giovanni Bianco, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, proud parents Yolanda (Dusty) and Dr. Alex Stemer, Abby and Dr. Jim Lipton, Toni and Rick Canada, Nina Mariano, beautiful sister Jordan Stemer and Jackson Miranda, darling brother Zack Stemer, longtime friend milliner Loreta Corsetti, Peter Kousothanos, Nina Aversa, Stephanie Weiss, Andi Laidlaw, Cameron Laidlaw, Jerimiah and Brian's handsome husband, Dr. Jake Deutsch. It was a joy-filled affair filled with beautiful people. Long may you reign, Shoe God Brian Atwood – can't wait for your first store opening at 655 Madison Avenue coming October 4th!!!

I love TCW Magazine and I’m so thrilled to be celebrating their 30th
anniversary with them on October 30th with a party benefitting 30 charities in town that assist women and children in need! Leave it to Sherren Leigh to come up with this clever idea for her party which will also include a silent auction called Pumpkins on Parade. Faux “funkin” pumpkins will be decorated by local “celebrities” to be auctioned off. I must say she corralled me for this funkin decorating and I tried but had to relinquish my duties to my dear friend (and crafty genius), Tissy Eggleston. So, even though I will have a pumpkin entered, just know it was a collaborative effort! LOL! There will also be an open bar, food stations, a live band with guests encouraged to wear costumes. Tickets are $150 and I know this will be ONE event you shouldn’t miss! Happy birthday, TCW!

PR News recently awarded a BIG honor to Chicago’s own Kathleen Henson and her creative Henson Consulting firm with National Small PR Firm of the Year! They also won nationally for best Anniversary Campaign for Lettuce Entertain You’s 40th anniversary last summer. Kathleen started her firm 12 years ago in her basement with just a laptop, a phone and a rolodex after her first child, Emily (she now has FIVE!) was only nine months old! I can’t wait to see where this dynamic redhead with a heart of gold flies to next! Congrats to you KH and to Henson Consulting on all of your great work!

A venerable who’s who of Chicago traveled north to the private 230-acre Evergreen Farm owned by JB and MK Pritzker on Saturday, September 6th, to witness one of the Midwest’s most esteemed equestrian events, the Evergreen Invitational. Hosted by MK and The Women’s Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and presented by Northern Trust, this fourth biennial equestrian charity exclusive “by-invite-only” event attracted more than 600 guests who came to support the elegant sport and witness nationally and internationally ranked riders compete. More than $1.1 million was raised from this year’s event with proceeds benefitting under-funded women’s health programs at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. To date, the Evergreen Invitational has raised more than $4 million. The $25K Junior/Amateur Owner Classic kicked off the event with Meagan Nusz winning on horse, Vesuvius. The $75K Grand Prix blue ribbon went to Laura Linback and horse Whittaker MVNZ. In between the two events, hundreds of guests were spotting enjoying the mild weather and admiring some of the exquisite Graff jewels on display or lusting after a number of Ferraris dotting the property (which were available for test drives courtesy of Lake Forest Sportscars). A promenade of shops featured merchandise from Lee Allison Company, Escada, Fabbri Furs, Chicago Luxury Beds and dozens more. A lavish buffet lunch was catered by beloved George Jewell of George Jewell Catering. Guests seen on the scene included Mimi Olson (President of the WB of Northwestern), co-chairs Joan Moore and Christy Cressey, Meredith Wood-Prince, Nora Daley with husband Sean Conroy, Mich Mag’s J.P. Anderson and Dan Uslan, Neal Zucker, Leslie Hindman and Tempel Smith, Traci and Mario Tricoci, Jr. and family, Estelle Walgreen, Quintin Primo, Mayari Pritzker, Susan and Joe Ahern, Dr. Kris and Tricia Rooney Alden, Thea Robinson, Dean Harrison, Julie Selakovich, Curt Bailey, Christy Cressey, Barbara Bluhm-Kaul, Cassie Gavin, Blair Spencer, Bethany Paris, Linda Yu and Stuart Ellison, Susie and Walter Jaco
bson, Lisa and Jeffrey Aronin, Tom Cole, Denise and Adam Hoeflich and Stephen and Diane Falk. (Photos by Mariah Smith…to view more pics, please click here!)

Members of the Field Museum Women’s Board are immersing themselves in Indian culture as they prepare for the annual gala on October 13th, “The Maharaja Ball.” The gala, co-chaired by Kathleen Carbonara and Susan Faurot, will celebrate the museum’s opening of “Maharaja: The Splendor of India’s Royal Courts” exhibit coming in November. The exhibit is organized by the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. The first of two high profile kick-off events was hosted by Patrick and Shirley Ryan at their Winnetka home with more than 50 women in attendance for the annual invitation stuffing party,
“House in the Garden.” The second event was hosted by bestselling Indian cookbook author and former Chicago TV reporter Anupy Singla, who gave a cooking demo and prepared an Indian lunch for the Women’s Board. She schooled the Board in the fine points of Indian cuisine and cooked recipes from her newest cookbook, “Vegan Indian Cooking.” A trip along Devon Avenue for sari shopping was included! This gala is sure to be a sellout so please click here for tickets and more info. Congrats to all of the hardworking Women’s Board members!

Primo Classico d’Italia, a benefit for the Primo Center, will take place at Diane and Quintin Primo’s home in Lake Forest on Sunday, September 30th between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. There will be new and vintage Ferraris along with beautiful models and great Italian food prepared and donated by leading Chicago restaurants such as Pelago, Prosecco, Tocco, Florentine, Volare and Fred’s. Proceeds from this event will directly benefit homeless women and children who rely on the services of the Primo Center. For tickets and more info, please click here!

What do you get when you combine a Grammy Award-winning female a cappella group with a youth orchestra ensemble led by President Obama’s first nominee to the National Council of the Arts? I would call it one magnificent night in Chicago at the Harris Theater! On Thursday, October 4th only, they will debut a performance by Sphinx Virtuosi with Sweet Honey in the Rock and the Chicago Children’s Choir with a premiere of its new work, Affirmations for a New World. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are only $10 to $35! For tickets and more information, please visit www.harristheaterofchicago.org.

The 57th Gold Coast Fashion Award show, the signature fundraising event of The Children’s Service Board, an affiliated organization of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, will be at the Hilton Chicago, located at 720 S. Michigan, on Friday afternoon, September 28th beginning at 11 a.m. with a cocktail reception. Emerging designers will compete for the coveted Gold Coast Fashion Award with audience members casting their votes. Last year’s winner, Fabiola Arias, will open the show with her fall collection and designers Lyn Devon, Tess Giberson, Wes Gordon, Stacy Lomnan, Misha Nonoo, Rolando Santana, Verlaine and Rubin Singer will be competing for the 2012 award. Retail partners this year include Chalk, Mark Shale, McElroy Furs, Neiman Marcus, Perchance, Frances Heffernan and Saks Fifth Avenue. David Yurman will once again host the Grand Staircase entrance during the cocktail hour with displays of fabulous jewelry. Tickets begin at $200 and can be purchased by visiting www.gcfas.com.

Now in its sixth year, Latino Fashion Week will premier its 2012 tour with the theme “Images of Fashion.” Co-founded by Arabel Rosales and Cesar Rolon, Jr., the tour will include Dallas, Chicago and Miami, and will honor photographers and videographers involved in the exhibition. Highlighted in the Chicago exhibit is globally renowned fashion photographer, Daniel Garriga. This five-day event will include runway shows, celebrity appearances, VIP receptions, a one-day Fashion Lounge and Expo, and much more! The Kick-Off event, “Lights, Camera, Fashion: A Red Carpet Media Party,” will be at Zhou B Art Center, located at 1029 W. 35th St. on Tuesday, October 9th beginning at 5:30 p.m. (For tickets and more info, please call 773.865.7313 or 773.251.3329.

And now someone you should know! London-based Chef Eric Lanlard is coming to the Windy City on Tuesday, October 30th, to celebrate the launch of his latest book, “Tart it Up!”(Don’t you just love this title!?) Eric is a master patissier and two-time winner of the prestigious Continental Patissier of the Year at the British Baking Awards. Having trained in France, Eric moved to London where he ran the patisserie business for Albert and Michel Roux. For the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, he was commissioned to create a recipe (The Elizabeth Sponge) for the celebration! Eric has also appeared in a number of TV series, including top Brit hit, “Glamour Puds,” that have helped him build a global fan base. He’s charming and witty with four books under his belt (so far): “Master Cakes,” “Cox,” “Cookies & Cakes,” “Cake Boy” and his latest, “Tart it Up!” Hosted by Jean Zivkovic and Don Newcomb, a champagne reception (with delicious gourmet tastings) is planned at the Ritz Carlton Club (located at 160 E. Pearson) on October 30th. So please come meet my “sweet” friend and "Tart It Up!" (For reservations – $99 – please call 312.777.1090.)

The Chicago Artists' Coalition presents its Starving Artist benefit on Saturday, October 6th at 217 N. Carpenter St. beginning at 7 p.m. Artists and chefs will be paired to inspire a dish that’s served at the event and a piece of artwork that results will be auctioned off. There will be a charcuterie battle and food installations. Participants will include food preservationist Tara Lane, artists Laura Letinsky, Jeanne Dunning, Erik Peterson, Jenny Kendler and chefs Jared Van Camp, Erling Wu-Bower and Beverly Kim. For tickets (beginning at $150), please visit www.2012starvingartist.com.

The University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business recently hosted a day-long seminar series that included a fascinating personal branding segment with keynote speakers Jan Anne Dubin (principal of Jan Anne Dubin Consulting) and Joycelyn Winnecke (Chicago Tribune vice president and associate editor). I was even more thrilled when she included me as a “Personal Branding Pro” along with Christie Hefner, Amy Guth, Cheryle Jackson, Sherren Leigh, Dr. Lauren Streicher, Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Jeanne Gang, Ron Culp and Bridget Brennan. It was an honor to be included and introduced to the standing room only crowd! Congrats to Jan and Joyce on a thrilling talk! And speaking of the Chicago Tribune, I hope you enjoyed the new format for my Sunday Candid Candace column! 🙂

The 9th Annual Chicago Canine Rescue (CCR) Mutt Strutt is set for Saturday, September 29th. Dog lovers and their four-legged friends are invited for a 1.5-mile walk followed by a block party with food, entertainment and more! NBC 5’s Kye Martin will be the celebrity emcee of the event. (For more info, please visit www.chicagocaninerescue.org.)

The 8th Annual Silver Lining Event will be held on Saturday, October 6th, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, located at 2233 S. Martin Luther King Dr., beginning at 6:30 p.m. This black tie event will be held in the Regency Ballroom and will present darling Sonya Jackson with the EVY Award! Founded in 2002 by Dr. Sandy Goldberg in honor of her late mother, A Silver Lining Foundation provides cancer resource information and outreach as well as providing funding for free screening mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women and men at seven partner hospitals. Can’t wait to celebrate your honor Sonya for this great cause! (For tickets and more info, please click here.)

Whew, talk about an action packed month! I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy some of these fun events or I hope I will see you at an upcoming one soon! Also, please follow me on Twitter (@CandidCandace) for breaking news from around this beautiful town!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Huge congrats to beautiful Mable Buckner, who has recently been promoted to President and CEO of the Streeterville Chamber of Commerce!!! They are SO lucky to have YOU, Mable! Congrats!

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Tagged as 25 Degrees, 57th Gold Coast Fashion Show, A Silver Lining Foundation, A. Finkl & Sons, Abby Lipton, Abigail Garcia, Adam Hoeflich, Affirmations for a New World, After School Matters’ Culinary Arts Program, Albert Roux, Alexis Bittar, Amy Guth, Andi Laidlaw, Ann & Robert H. Hurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Anuyp Singla, Arabel Rosales, Barbara Bluhm-Kaul, Beatnix, Beth Rooney, Bethany Paris, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Beverly Kim, Black Cards, Blair Spencer, Brian Atwood, Brian Atwood Collection, Bridget Brennan, Cake Boy, Cameron Laidlaw, Candace Jordan, Candice Swanepoel, Candid Candace, CandidCandace, Cassie Gavin, Cesar Rolon Jr., Chalk, Chef Eric Lanlard, Cheryl Pearson McNeil, Cheryle Jackson, Chicago Artists Coalition, Chicago Canine Rescue, Chicago Children's Choir, Chicago Gateway Green, Chicago Luxury Beds, Chicago Tribune, Children’s Service Board, Christie Hefner, Christy Cressey, Cookies & Cakes, Corri McFadden, Cox, Curt Bailey, Dan Uslan, Daniel Garriga, David Lissner, David Yurman, Dean Harrison, DeLeon Tequila, Denise Hoeflich, Diane Falk, Diane Primo, DJ Mick Boogie, Don Newcomb, Donald DePorter, Donald Storino, Dr. Alex Stemer, Dr. Bombay, Dr. Jake Deutsch, Dr. Jim Lipton, Dr. Kris Rooney, Dr. Lauren Streicher, Dr. Sandy Goldberg, Dusty Stemer, e-Drop Off, Eric Himel, Erik Peterson, Erling Wu-Bower, Escada, Estelle, Estelle Walgreen, Evergreen Invitational, Fabbri Furs, Fabiola Arias, Fall Out Boy, Fidelity Consulting Group, Field Museum Women’s Board, Florentine, Frances Heffernan, Fred’s, Frog & Snail, Frontier, Gabrielle Union, George Jewell, George Jewell Catering, Giovanni Bianco, Gisel Bahena, Glamour Puds, Gloria Hafer, Graff, Grant DePorter, GT Fish & Oyster, Hannah Bronfman, Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group, Heidi Klum, Henson Consulting, House of Consignment, III Forks, Images of Fashion, J.P. Anderson, Jackson Miranda, Jan Ann Dubin Consulting, Jan Anne Dubin, Jared Van Camp, JB Pritzker, Jean Zivkovic, Jeanne Dunning, Jeanne Gang, Jeffrey Aronin, Jenny Kendler, Joan Moore, Joe Ahern, Jordan Stemer, Joycelyn Winnecke, Julie Selakovich, Justin Jacobson, Kathleen Carbonara, Kathleen Henson, Katie Lee, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Kim Kardashian, Kye Martin, Lake Forest Sportscars, Latino Fashion Week, Laura Letinsky, Laura Linback, Lee Allison Company, Leslie Hindman, Lettuce Entertain You, Lights Camera Fashion: A Red Carpet Media Party, Lily Harris, Linda Yu, Lisa Aronin, Loreta Corsetti, Lyn Devon, Mable Buckner, Maharaja: The Splendor of India’s Royal Courts, Mariah Smith, Mario Tricoci Jr., Mark Shale, Master Cakes, Mayari Pritzker, McElroy Furs, Meagan Camper, Meagan Nusz, Meredith Wood-Prince, Mert & Marcus, Michel Roux, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Mila Samokhina, Mimi Olson, Misha Nonoo, MK Pritzker, Mutt Strutt, Nate Berkus, Neiman Marcus, Nicky Hilton, Nina Aversa, Nina Mariano, Nora Daley, Northern Trust, Office Max Green Tie Ball, Omar Cardenas, Paris Hilton, Patrick Ryan, Pelago, Perchance, Pete Wentz, Peter Kousothanos, Platinum Events, PR News, Primo Center, Primo Classico d’Italia, Prosecco, Province, Public House, Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, Quintin Primo, Rachel Roy, Rachel Zoe, Red Moon Theater Company, Rick Canada, Rock City, Rolando Santana, Ron Culp, Rosebud, Rub BBQ Company, Rubin Singer, Ryan Chiaverini, Ryan Lochte, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sean Conroy, Shannon Roche, Sherren Leigh, Shirley Ryan, Sonya Jackson, South of 80, Sphinx Virtuosi, Stacy Lomnan, Starving Artist, Stephanie Weiss, Stephen Falk, Steve Starr, Streeterville Chamber of Commerce, Stuart Ellison, SuitSupply, Susan Ahern, Susan Faurot, Susie Jacobson, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Tara Lane, Tart It Up, TCW Magazine, Tempel Smith, Tess Giberson, The Maharaja Ball, The Sex is in the Heel, Thea Robinson, Tissy Eggleston, TOCCO, Tom Cole, Toni Canada, Top Shop, Traci Tricoi, Tricia Rooney Alden, Twitter, University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, Val Warner, Vegan Indian Cooking, Verlaine, VH1, Volare, Walter Jacobson, Watch312.com, Wes Gordon, Windy City Live, Women’s Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Zack Stemer, Zapatista’s Flo & Santos

August 9, 2012 · 1:21 pm

THE SERVICE CLUB’S 8TH ANNUAL FASHION SHOW IS BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER!

…PLUS CHEFS & THE CITY HIGHLIGHTS, COOPER TAKES CHARGE, A WHOLE BLU WORLD, IADT’S IMAGINE ’12 FASHION SHOW, OLYMPIC NEWS, STELLA’S LATEST HONORS, BIRTHDAYS GALORE, A VERY SPECIAL NECKLACE, CHICAGO TRIBUNE’S GIFT TO READERS, A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

This event has been a longtime labor of love for this year’s Chair Emeritus and event founder Hazel Barr, who, along with co-chairs Jean Antoniou, Saira Cooper and Tracey DiBuono (Tarantino), planned a fashion extravaganza July 30th that was a sell out with more than 260 guests. The perfect summer day started on the Peninsula terrace. And with the Hancock building looming in the background, guests mingled and enjoyed champagne and hors d’oeuvres while anxiously awaiting the start of the show. Since I was modeling, I got there early for rehearsals which is always great fun with all of the ladies in high spirits and excited about spending the day with their friends. The Grand Ballroom was bathed in a sea of pink and themed “C’est Magnifique.” Images of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe were projected on the walls with a pink runway waiting for models who included Service Club members along with other local celebrities. Tracey Tarantino, as always, expertly produced the show even adding original French street music and remixed French pop music. This year’s runway collections featured fall fashions from top retailers that included Escada (Mary Pat Burns wore my favorite outfit of the day: a feathered coat dress over a strapless dress – exquisite!), Intermix, Starr Couture and Neopolitan. Laurie Davis’ Lulu’s at the Belle Kay provided vintage splendor for a show that had something for everyone. The men’s fashions were provided by Burdi and Tom James with an exciting finale inspired by the Olympics from Ralph Lauren Polo that featured models waving American flags on their runway walks. Other highlights included an exciting evening gown and fur segment from the always popular, long-time supporter, Neiman Marcus, and Stuart Weitzman, whose shoe segment had women clamoring for more! Baton Show Lounge performer Chilli Pepper was a crowd pleaser in her own black mini-dress topped with an eye-popping red cropped fur jacket. (Neiman’s gowns are breathtaking and I was honored to wear one by designer Robin Singer.) Models included Dan Uslan, Skip Grisham, Rich Gamble, Bunky Cushing, Stanley Paul, DC Crenshaw, Dr. Julius Few, Greg Hyder, Rich Varnes, Elizabeth Brodsky, Mamie Walton, Karen Peters, Kelly Drury, Larissa Kronfeld, Matt Lee, John Carroll, Scott Bobek, Rino Burdi, Jean Antoniou, Kim Gleeson, Lynn McMahan, Toni Canada, Gale Gottlieb, Abe Thompson, Rich Gamble, Mary Lasky, Sheila O’Grady, Saira Cooper, Tina Weller, Sherren Leigh, Susanna Negovan, Kip Lewis, Robin Robinson, Amy Wimer, Miss Illinois Ashley Hooks, Mary Ann Childers, and more. (Photography by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr…please click here to view more pics!)

Finally, the PAWS Beach Party is ready for your viewing pleasure! Since we are upgrading our network, this has taken a little longer than usual. Hope you enjoy this darling segment about the pets and the people who love them!

Chefs & the City is always a much-loved and highly-supported event at the Ritz-Carlton benefitting Vital Bridges Chronic Care Center and for its eighth annual event in the Grand Ballroom, more than 30 top chefs donated their time and fabulous samplings for a delectable evening of food for a cause! Beginning with a VIP Reception, guests sipped Grey Goose cocktails and beverages provided by Magic Hat, enjoyed tunes from DJ Megan Taylor and snapped photos in the Magbooth provided by Magnolia Photo Booth Co. Savory fare was prepared by 24 top chefs who included Ryan Pitts (from RL who was also the Chef Chair), Heather Terhune (Sable), Chris Pandel (The Bristol), Carl Shelton (BOKA), Giuseppe Tentori (GT Fish & Oyster), Patricio Sandoval (Mercadito), Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno), Doug Psaltis (RPM Italian), Roger Herring (Socca), Greg Bastien (Tavernita), Michael Garbin (Union League Club), Chuck Kazmer (Deca), Shawn McClain (Green Zebra), Jerome Bacle (Courtright’s), Paul Virant (Perennial Virant/Vie), Andy Motto (Quince) and Jonathan Gorecki (Karyn’s on Green) among many others. Honorary chairs for the event were Rich Varnes, Amanda Puck and Jason Dohmann. The evening also featured an amazing raffle that included a weekend in Harbor Country, a week in Puerto Vallarta, tickets to Chicago Gourmet, a C.D. Peacock necklace and so much more! The tastings were out of this world: Some of my highlights were Chef Jerome Bacle’s tomato gazpacho, Chef Tony Priolo’s seafood salad,
Chef Michael Garbin’s short rib sliders, Chef Stephen Henry’s heirloom tomato burrata with fresh basil and Chef Adam Grandt’s crispy pork bellies with tomato jam. Vital Bridges President/CEO Debbie Hinde, presented RL Restaurant and Gibsons Restaurant Group with the Robert S. Mayo Extra Helping Award which was accepted by RL GM Rich Varnes and Chef Pitts. The dance floor filled for the after-party as DJ Taylor jammed with drummer Michael Riendeau. Guests in attendance included Todd Hatoff, Mark Smithe, Joli Burrell, Jessica Zweig and Brian Fisher, Leslie Hindman’s John Walcher (who did the auctioneering), Alan Harder, Lorin Adolph, Sanjay and Natasha Sharma, Chuck Benya, Tina Weller and Dr. Jeff Weller, Bill Lasche, Helen Melchior, Ken Norgan, Paul Iacono and Elizabeth Brodsky. For this portion of the evening, food choices included a hot dog cart from America’s Dog, Swirlz cupcakes, Vosges chocolates and Jake Melnick’s hamburgers. More than $100,000 was raised to support Vital Bridges Center on Chronic Care, which helps low-income people living with AIDS rebuild their health and lives by providing food and nutrition services, housing and counseling. Revenue from Chefs & the City will underwrite food for more than 30,000 meals and 1,200 nights of housing. (To see more pics and my complete Chicago Tribune Sunday coverage, please click here!)

It was a whole BLU world of fundraising when co-chairs Janet Barnes and Ashley Weinzweig welcomed a record 1,200 guests to a sold-out lakeside soiree at the Shedd Aquarium for the sixth annual Auxiliary Board fundraiser, BLU! Raising more than $266,000 to support Shedd’s conservation and education initiatives, Shedd’s sultry summer evening benefit was filled with the sounds of tinkling cocktail glasses and local performers who included Detour JazFunk, Diver, Ami Moss & The Unfortunate and DJ Zebo. Against a backdrop of the Chicago skyline with fireworks popping over Lake Michigan, this event is always a sellout and a very popular summer social event! “The combining of exotic food and wine tastings with the glittering Chicago skyline made for an unforgettable night to come together in support of the Shedd,” said Barnes. Attendees enjoyed an array of mouthwatering dishes throughout the evening such as Big Fish Farms’ sustainable American paddlefish caviar (a staple at any Shedd event), summer garden rolls from Sunda, walleye tacos with tomato jalapeno chutney from Dirk’s Fish & Gourmet Shop and peeky toe crab cannoli from The Florentine. The planet-friendly event also featured a delectable dish from Sweetspring Salmon – the only sustainably-farmed salmon in the world, signs that were made from recycled materials or will be reused for other Shedd events and compostable plates and silverware. “This is the most successful BLU in the event’s history,” said Weinzweig. “From dollars raised to people in attendance – even down to how much fun everyone had!” To cap off an already enjoyable evening, trolleys shuttled guests between Shedd and Underground for the after-party. (For more pics, please click here!)

One of the city’s hottest fashion showcases is set to take place at the UIC Forum Stage on Friday, September 21st at 8 p.m. when students from The International Academy of Design & Technology host Imagine ’12. Emceed by Jane Monzures of Loop FM’s morning show and host of "Living Healthy" on WGN, this student-produced exhibition will showcase an impressive array of garments by 44 student designers and the production talents of IADT’s students, in addition to highlighting unique programs at the school. Join designer Borris Powell, Michelle Tan, Suzanne Kopulos, Mallory Ulaszek, Rebecca Taras, Horacio Nieto, Tonya Pierce, Fraley Le, LaTonya Williams and Katie Schuppler, among many others, for a night of fashion and inspiration! For tickets ($15 for students and $25 for general admission) and more info, please call 312.980.9295 or email imagine@iadtchicago.com.

W.I.N.E. (Women in Entertainment) TV profiles a journalist and producer who is doing it ALL – Vicky Baftiri. As an Emmy-winning journalist and National Association of Black Journalist “Salute to Excellence” nominee, Vicky’s producing credits include the NBC nationally syndicated “Open House” and special news reports for WGN-TV. W.I.N.E. TV creator Sheila Henley says, “I’m so excit
ed for her to share her experiences and I hope it inspires young women everywhere to write, edit and produce!” Congrats, Vicky and Sheila!

Olympian Ruth Riley, who won gold as a member of the undefeated 2004 USA women’s basketball team in Athens, hosted an Opening Ceremony viewing party at Rockit Bar & Grill. Prior to her party, she spent the afternoon as the guest of the British Consulate in Chicago watching a live feed of the Opening Ceremonies. The viewing was held at the residence of Her Majesty’s Consul General, Robert Chatterson Dickson with citizens of Great Britain, members of the Mayor’s office and other guests in attendance. Ruth is currently a member of the WNBA basketball team, the Chicago Sky. Selected by ESPN as one of only three former Olympians to be given a Flip cam, she recorded interviews from both viewing parties with portions from each to be used as vignettes during telecasts. Meet Ruth and her teammates in person when they appear at a fundraiser for Nothing But Nets sponsored by Amazing Cosmetics on August 12th in Libertyville from noon to 4 p.m. Nothing But Nets' malaria campaign is a global initiative to eliminate one of the leading killers of children in Africa. For more info, please click here. (Pics by Slawek Chrzaszcz and Steve Starr…check out more pics here!)

Six months ago, the Chicago Tribune proudly launched Printers Row, a membership program for those who love books, authors and conversations about the ideas they generate. This weekend, they offered readers a special eight page sample tucked inside the Sunday section (where Candid Candace’s column also appears!). And beginning this week, they are offering even MORE perks with the membership program ($99 per year) which will include four free tickets to Printers Row Live! Events in addition to Book-of-the-Month discounts, private author receptions and conversations at Tribune Tower. You can now also buy it as a digital-only subscription for $29 or just the journal/fiction, no events or programs, for $49, which includes the Printers Row Journal and Fiction home-delivered every week in print and digital editions. To join, call 866.977.8742, offer code X156, or click here! Happy reading from your friends at the Chicago Tribune!!! This is a real literary treat!

Lots of friends’ birthdays this month! I loved celebrating the Squire, Bunky Cushing’s, birthday at the Four Seasons’ Allium Restaurant with his special ladies who included Hazel Barr, Zarada Gowenlock, Linda Heister, Mamie Walton, Robin Segesta, Myra Reilly and Megan McKinney. Chef Kevin Hickey’s menu is out of this world delicious and I was so thrilled to be included! Friends also celebrated the perpetually glam Toni Canada’s birthday (or as Dusty Stemer called it “her birthday tour”) at Piccolo Sogno. The evening couldn’t have been more perfect and Toni matched the occasion in one of the most beautiful dresses I’ve seen in a long time, a form-fitting floral sheath with purple feathers by Prabal Gurung. Friends on the patio included Corri McFadden (who regaled us with tales of her fairytale engagement on Capri), Jan Flanagan (sporting the coolest Louis Vuitton cuff on the planet), Lynn McMahan, Nina Mariano, Dusty, Susanna Negovan, Heather Farley Ingram and Jennifer Hamood. And a special thanks to all of my sweet friends who came out for my late birthday celebration at Chicago Cut! I loved seeing Leslie Hindman, Sheila O’Grady, Helen Melchior, Toni Canada, Nina Mariano, Jan Flanagan, Sheryl Dyer, Chris Long, Kristina McGrath, Sonya Jackson, Hazel Barr, Lynn McMahan, Mary Pat Burns, Mamie Walton, Jean Antoniou and Tracy Tarantino. (Sharyl Mackey couldn’t attend since she and Mike were vacationing in Michigan.) Bon anniversaire a mes amis! 🙂 (For more pics from these fun parties, please click here!)

I’m lovin’ all of this great press for and about Stella Foster! People are coming out of the woodwork to celebrate, honor, fete and host events to celebrate her long career! Her "Windy City Live" interview on Monday was priceless and now comes word she will be the FIRST African American women to be named Honorary Grand Marshall for the Columbus Day Parade on October 8th!!!! Later that same night, she also appeared on Jim Williams’ Show and Chicago Tonight with Phil Ponce! I have a feeling her “retirement” won’t be quite what she thinks it will be! LOL! Oh, and did I tell you the Mayor proclaimed Monday to be Stella Foster Day in Chicago!?! I was honored to be included in her last column along with so many other friends like Shell Reyes, Tony Weisman, Ken Bedford, Bonnie Krueger Spurlock, Anna Davlantes, Les Coney, John Roger and Mark Suppelsa! Stay tuned for more “Stellabration” updates! The Foster Love Train is just startin’ to roll!

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Check out this pic of Cooper Hefner that his dad tweeted Monday night along with the phrase, “And the legend continues!” He is the spitting image of Hef! I also hear he was a fabulous host at Saturday night’s Midsummer Night’s Dream party, even donning PJs! Too cute for words! And yes, Crystal Harris (aka the runaway bride) was there, too! (Check out a few more pics here!)

And if you’re in the market for unique jewelry and fast cars, then you might want to check out the Concurs d’ Elegance in Pebble Beach next week, August 15th through 19th. This is one of the top car shows in the world with rare autos showcased against a stunning backdrop. A special highlight of the grand event will be a one-of-a-kind necklace created by former race car driver, Mary Kaczor. This piece is so special (for this 100th anniversary) that it even has its own name, Winning Ways II! It was created from pieces of famous cars in the past including the frame nut from the Marmon Wasp, the very first car to win the Indy 500. The necklace is sculpted out of 18K white gold with black and white princess cut diamonds on its sides symbolizing two checkered flags. The centerpiece is a 10.43 carat diamond graded E VVS1. Bids will begin at $1.6 million…yeah, you heard me! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum as well as the Wheldon Family Trust. (Driver Dan Wheldon was killed in the Las Vegas race last year and is survived by his widow and two young sons.) (For more info, visit www.pebblebeachconcours.net or email mary@racerxdesigns.com.)

One of my favorite boutiques, STRUT, will be hosting a special shopping night, “High Fashion Without the High Price,” on Thursday, August 9th from 6 to 9 p.m. at 2549 N. Clark. Darling designer Borris Powell will feature his latest ready-to-wear collection and be on hand to answer all of your fashion questions. Beautiful boutique owner Niala Conte will be offering wine and appetizers to her lucky customers! Hope to see you there!

A special thanks to CS Magazine for featuring our Glamorama Launch Party in such fun style
in this month’s magazine! I love the comments and thought this was so clever! Hope to see you all Friday night, too! 🙂

That’s all folks! Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition and I hope you’re having a fun-filled summer!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Breaking news from my friend Tissy Eggleston who submitted this pic of the FIRST image transmitted from the Curiosity Rover on Mars!

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Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Fashion, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs

Tagged as Abe Thompson, Alan Harder, Allium Restaurant, Amanda Puck, Amazing Cosmetics, America’s Dog, Ami Moss & The Unfortunate, Amy Wimer, Andy Motto, Anna Davlantes, Ashley Weinzweig, Baton Show Lounge, Big Fish Farms, Bill Lasche, BLU, BOKA, Bonnie Krueger Spurlock, Borris Powell, Brian Fisher, Bunky Cushing, Burdi, C.D. Peacock, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Carl Shelton, Chefs & the City, Chicago Cut, Chicago Gourmet, Chicago Sky, Chicago Tonight with Phil Ponce, Chicago Tribune, Chilli Pepper, Chris Long, Chris Pandel, Chuck Benya, Chuck Kazmer, Columbus Day Parade, Concurs d’Elegance, Cooper Hefner, Corri McFadden, Courtright’s, Crystal Harris, CS Magazine, Curiosity Rover, Dan Uslan, Dan Wheldon, DC Crenshaw, Debbie Hinde, Deca, Detour JazFunk, Dirk’s Fish & Gourmet Shop, Diver, DJ Megan Taylor, DJ Zebo, Doug Psaltis, Dr. Jeff Weller, Dr. Julius Few, Dusty Stemer, Elizabeth Brodsky, Escada, Four Seasons, Fraley Le, Gale Gottlieb, Giuseppe Tentori, Glamorama Launch Party, Green Zebra, Greg Bastien, Greg Hyder, Grey Goose, GT Fish & Oyster, Hazel Barr, Heather Farley Ingram, Heather Terhune, Helen Melchior, High Fashion Without the High Prices, Horacio Nieto, Hugh Hefner, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Intermix, International Academy of Design and Technology, Jake Melnick’s, Jan Flanagan, Jane Monzures, Janet Barnes, Jason Dohmann, Jean Antoniou, Jennifer Hamood, Jerome Bacale, Jessica Zweig, Jim Williams’ Show, John Carroll, John Roger, John Walcher, Joli Burrell, Jonathan Gorecki, Karen Peters, Karyn’s on Green, Katie Schuppler, Kelly Drury, Ken Bedford, Ken Norgan, Kevin Hickey, Kim Gleeson, Kip Lewis, Kristina McGrath, Larissa Kronfeld, LaTonya Williams, Laurie Davis, Les Coney, Leslie Hindman, Lorin Adolph, LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, Lynn McMahan, Magic Hat, Magnolia Photo Booth Co., Mallory Ulaszek, Mamie Walton, Mark Smithe, Mark Suppelsa, Mary Ann Childers, Mary Kaczor, Mary Lasky, Mary Pat Burns, Matt Lee, Megan McKinney, Mercadito, Michael Garbin, Michelle Tan, Midsummer Night’s Dream Party, Mila Samokhina, Miss Illinois Ashley Hooks, Myra Reilly, Natasha Sharma, Neiman Marcus, Neopolitan, Niala Conte, Nina Mariano, Nothing But Nets, Patricio Sandoval, Paul Iacono, Paul Virant, PAWS Beach Party, Perennial Virant, Piccolo Sogno, Prabal Gurung, Printers Row, Printers Row Live! Events, Quince, Ralph Lauren Polo, Rebecca Taras, Rich Gamble, Rich Varnes, Rino Burdi, RL, Robert Chatterson Dickson, Robin Robinson, Robin Singer, Rockit Bar & Grill, Roger Herring, RPM Italian, Ruth Riley, Ryan Pitts, Sable, Saira Cooper, Sanjay Sharma, Scott Bobek, Service Club of Chicago, Sharyl Mackey, Shawn McClain, Shedd Aquarium, Sheila Henley, Sheila O’Grady, Shell Reyes, Sherren Leigh, Sheryl Dyer, Skip Grisham, Slawek Chrzaszcz, Socca, Sonya Jackson, Stanley Paul, Starr Couture, Stella Foster, Stella Foster Day, Steve Starr, STRUT, Stuart Weitzman, Sunda, Susanna Negovan, Suzanne Kopulos, Sweetspring Salmon, Swirlz, Tavernita, The Bristol, The Florentime, Tina Weller, Tissy Eggleston, Todd Hatoff, Tom James, Toni Canada, Tony Priolo, Tony Weisman, Tonya Pierce, Tracey DiBuono, Tracey Tarantino, UIC, Underground, Union League Club, Vie, Vital Bridges Chronic Care Center, Vivky Baftiri, Vosges, W.I.N.E. TV, Wheldon Family Trust, Windy City Live, Winning Ways II, WNBA, Women in Entertainment TV, Zarada Gowenlock

June 26, 2012 · 9:07 am

FASHION COLUMBIA 2012: BIGGEST, GREENEST AND RECORD BREAKING!

…PLUS JOFFREY’S COSTUME LUNCHEON, RUSSIA DAY, SERVICE CLUB’S FASHION SHOW, VICTORIAN BALL, NICOLE’S BABY LUNCHEON, A WHITE PARTY FOR CHARITY, A NEW FASHION BLOG, "ELEVEN DIVAS" AT DUSABLE, MY FAVORITE WEDDING AND SO MUCH MORE!

Fashion Columbia 2012 raised record funds, was the greenest fundraiser and was largest event at the college to date! Proceeds from the event, which brought out over 200 guests, will benefit the Eunice W. Johnson Scholarship in Fashion Studies. All of this good news must’ve made event chair Desiree Rogers very, very happy along with her glam Host Committee that consisted of Trish Rooney Alden, Madeleine Burrell, Gwendolyn Butler, Bonita Chapman, Nora Daley, Janice Barnes Davis, Susan Downing, Elissa Hamid Efroymson, Rich Gamble, Ikram Goldman, Mary Lou Haddad, Mellody Hobson, Susie Kiphart, Julie Latsko, Sylvia Neil, Diane Primo, MK Pritzker, Shawnelle Ritchie, Lynne Turner and Allison Grant Williams. The event at the Media Production Center at 16th and State Streets opened with a red carpet which led to models wearing a selection of vintage pieces from fashion icon, Eunice Johnson’s Fashion Fair Collection. For the main event, 15 fashion studies students showcased 45 designs that included menswear, evening gowns and dresses. The models wore Fashion Fair cosmetics, of course, from the company founded by Eunice Johnson. Desiree had this to say: “Many of the designs intrigued me and I would have purchased them that evening. I could not help but think of how happy Eunice Johnson would have been to see such talent. It was a magical evening.” During the program, Lana Jewelry founder Lana Bramlette was awarded the Alumni Achievement in Fashion Design Award by VP of Institutional Advancement, Eric Winston. Lana is known as the “Queen of Hoops,” with her jewelry adorning celebs like Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson, Angelina Jolie and Cameron Diaz, to name a few. A host committee dinner, rooftop reception, VIP lounge and after-party all completed this fabulous night of fashion that raised more than $70,000. Event sponsors included Macy’s and Mercedes-Benz. Live auction packages raised an additional $16K and included a fur donated by Fabbri Furs and a travel package to New York Fashion Week. As for the green aspect, the organizers recycled all post-event paper and other products, even composting food scraps! To learn more about Columbia College and the Eunice Johnson Scholarship Fund, please visit www.colum.edu/. (Click here to see ALL of the pics by Caitlin Saville Collins!)

The Joffrey Ballet’s 10th Anniversary Celebration of its Women’s Board continued with a Costume Luncheon held recently at the Ritz Carlton. Joffrey trainees modeled historic ballet costumes from its archives displaying the wonderful cross section, variety and depth of the collection. Besides the costumes, more than 200 guests also enjoyed beautifully decorated tables by Drew Holitik with mounds of flowers spilling out of Joffrey hat boxes and a luncheon menu that featured spring pea soup, followed by grilled chicken salad and ending with a chocolate Pot de Crème – elegant and yummy all at the same time! The 10th Anniversary Chair, Maureen Smith, introduced her long-time friend, Tina Sloan (a well-known actress from her time on “Guiding Light” and the author of “Changing Shoes”), who delivered a hysterical presentation of her one-woman show based on her book and life experiences including her role in the Academy Award- winning film, “Black Swan.” Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway (who could definitely have his own stand-up comedy show) then introduced Artistic Director Ashley Wheater, who thanked everyone for coming. The chairwomen for the event were Sophie Bross, Liz Ryan, Jennifer Litowitz and Maggie Scheyer with Nena Ivon (Chicago History Museum president and former fashion director of Saks on Michigan Avenue) serving as honorary chair. More than $50K will go towards supporting the Joffrey’s programs and performances as well as providing funds for the Costume Project, whose capable and devoted chair is Lisa Leiden. Seen on the scene were Helen Melchior, Kathleen Klaeser, Dusty Stemer, Tina Weller, Sherren Leigh, Amelia Silva, Leslie Hindman, Suzette Bulley, Jamee Field, Liz Adams, Mary Jo Basler, Sandy Deromedi, Astra Gamsjaeger, Yolanda Tyler, Jim Karas, Shelley Farley, Shauna Montgomery and Marci Holzer among many others. (View more pics here!)

More than 250 Russian nationals and Americans joined together to celebrate Russia Day at a black-tie gala at the Chicago Cultural Center on June 14th. Hosted by the Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, chaired by the dynamic Aleksandra Efimova and Prince Piotr Galitzine, the event honored Russia’s national holiday, which is celebrated on June 12th and commemorates the day in 1990 when the Russian Parliament formally declared sovereignty over Russia. This is only the second year that Russia Day has been celebrated in Chicago and the first year the event included a black-tie gala. The evening began with Sergey Kislyak, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the U.S., giving the keynote speech highlighting the importance of strengthening the relationships between the U.S. and Russia and focusing on the similarities between Chicago and Moscow. Other speakers included Prince Galitzine, the chairman of TMK IPSCO (a Russian company with offices in Downers Grove); Alexander Tseitline, VP of technology and research of NLMK USA (the U.S. arm of a Russian-owned steel company); and Mike Rehwinkel, president and CEO of EVRAZ North America. In addition to the speeches, the evening included a dinner featuring authentic Russian food, as well as performances by the Campanella Children’s Choir, the Joffrey Ballet, the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Ryan Opera Center and 75 members of the Chicago Master Singers, who will be traveling to St. Petersburg at the end of June. The Moscow Committee presented donations to the Children’s Choir as well as to several WWII vets from both the Russian and American sides. “I truly hope Russia Day encourages people of all countries to see the commonalities between each other and fosters collaboration among Russians and Americans to promote peace and economic growth,” Ms. Efimova said. Since its inception in 1960, Chicago Sister Cities International has built bridges between the people of Chicago and its international neighbors to achieve greater mutual understanding and to strengthen civic, economic and cultural ties. (Chicago has been a sister city with Moscow since 1997.) To conclude Russia Day 2012, Aleksandra and the Russian Federal Agency for the Commonwealth hosted a children’s story time that featured Aleksandra’s Russian translated books and toys. Is there no end to this woman’s talents!!?? Congrats Aleksandra…can’t wait to see what you do next!! For more info, please visit www.cityofchicago.org. (Photos by Mila Samokhina unless otherwise noted.)

The Service Club of Chicago is hosting its annual Day on the Terrace Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Peninsula on Monday, July 30th. This year’s luncheon will have a Parisian theme – “C’est Magnifique in Couture & Contemporary Fashion” - and feature the fall collections from Escada, Intermix, Ralph Lauren, Starr Couture, Neapolitan, Lulu’s at the Belle-Kay, Burdi, Thomas James, Stuart Weitzman and a presentation of evening wear and furs by Neiman Marcus. Fashion show co-chairs Jean Antoniou, Tracey DiBuono and Saira Cooper along with Chair Emeritus Hazel Barr guarantee a show-stopping fashion extravaganza with some surprises planned, as always! The Cocktail Reception will begin on the Terrace at 11 a.m. and will be followed by the Fashion Show at 11:45 a.m. and a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $175 with all proceeds benefitting the Club’s supplemental grant program. (Photos by Caitlin Saville Collins.)

Fashion, art, music and dance came together on June 15th at the Stan Mansion for the Victorian Ball in the 21st Century. Founder Laura Elvis created one of the most intriguing events of the summer with proceeds, this year, benefitting Chicago Lost and Found and their efforts to raise funds for art education. This year’s star performers included the Joffrey Ballet’s Abigail Simon and Mauro Villanueva and Miss Chicago Marisa Buchheit. The event was emceed by WGN’s Jane Monzures with a red carpet hosted by HGTV’s design star (and all around cute guy) Kevin Grace. The Ball was produced by the handsome and talented Benjamin Cottrell with photos by Kirsten Miccoli and custom designed looks by Anna G. Costumes. It takes a village to have a successful event and Laura Elvis – along with event contributors Shari Duffy, Cera Stan, Ramsey Prince and April Padilla – pulled it off! Congrats to all!

A beautiful baby shower was hosted at the Casino Club recently by glam soon-to-be-grandma, Lynn McMahan for her only daughter, Nicole Brown. Thirty lucky ladies mixed and mingled amidst the elegance of a room dressed in shades of blue for Baby Boy Brown, who is due in September. Designer Tom Kehoe and Lynn planned beautiful table décor that included oversized floral arrangements of blue (naturally!) hydrangeas, New Zealand tea tree blossoms, white stock, purple hyacinths and baby roses with children’s alphabet blocks scattered across the pale blue tablecloths. In a word: BREATHTAKING! Lynn gave a heartfelt and loving tribute to Nicole and after both of their eyes cleared from tears, Lynn asked Rebecca Besser to say a few words. Rebecca emphasized being consistent, not ever be afraid to tell your children that you love them and to savor every moment. Hazel Barr spoke next, commenting that she has raised “three children, five grandchildren and half the neighborhood!” She went on to say, “You will feel a degree of love that you never thought you would have and like most things in life, you learn on the job.” (She also joked that “having children makes you no more of a parent than having a piano makes you a pianist.”) It was a true love fest for Lynn and Nicole and I couldn’t be happier for them or prouder to have been included! Seen in the elegant room were Michaela Parrillo, Toni Canada, Kristina McGrath, Jan Flanagan, Hedwig Golant, Dede Lubeznik, Gail Leahy, Sherrill Bodine, Lynda Silverman, Susan Gohl and Averill Leviton among others. Can’t wait to meet the little guy in September! Congrats, Nicole! Beautiful job, Lynn! (For more pics, please click here!)

And speaking of love, dear friends Alison Howlett and Josh Walters tied the knot in a loving ceremony at Holy Name Cathedral on June 9th. The reception and dinner followed at Gibson’s, where Steve Lombardo and John Colletti outdid themselves to ensure that Alison and Josh were happy as clams! Popular crooner Tony Ocean sang for the wedding party that included Zack Edwards (best man) and Kanika Rankin (maid of honor). The Shannon Rovers even led the couple into the room – how’s THAT for cool?! Guests included proud papa Ed Howlett, Mr. and Mrs. Vinnie Mehta, Senator Howard Carroll and wife Eda, Judge William Bauer and wife Patty, Alison’s mom Lynn Cialdella and grandma Helen Howlett, Judge Mike Howlett and wife Kathy, Helen Cashman and family, Senator Jim Deleo, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Allison, Mr. and Mrs. Al Childress (Alison’s aunt), Roxanne Holloway (Josh’s mom) and John Walters (Josh’s dad) among many others. The couple flew off for their honeymoon shortly after at the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba. Congrats with love, Mr. and Mrs. Walters! (Fab, creative fotos by Kristyna Archer.)

Mark your calendars now for The White Party set for Friday, July 27th, from 9 to 11 p.m. at Underground Chicago, located at 56 W. Illinois. Last year, beloved man-about-town Marco Foster planned this benefit for One Hope United around his birthday so it was a dual celebration. This charity helps abused children as well as foster kids and their parents and since Marco was a foster child himself, this event is very near and dear to his heart. Marco said, “I know what it’s like to get passed around from home to home and it’s not fun. It just so happens my last name is Foster by my adopted mother.” This two-hour cocktail reception will have very low ticket prices as Marco wants everyone to be able to come and support this wonderful cause! For tickets and more information, please click here!

Congrats to personal stylist Maggie Rei Stepf, formerly manager of J.Mendel on Michigan Avenue: This enterprising and talented lady has launched a new website, ChicXCity.com, which exclusively highlights local designers and boutiques as well as featuring insider scoops on deals of must-have items for the season. Maggie also offers wedding styling advice! I’m so happy for her and wish her all the best! Click here and find out the latest fashion news! :)

A thrilling concert featuring eleven of our town’s top female vocalists will return to the DuSable Museum, located at 740 E. 56th Place, on Sunday, July 8th. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Timeless Gifts, which is a summer mentoring program that gives young performers the opportunity to participate in performances where they will be mentored by world-class performers and technicians. The concert, dubbed “Eleven Divas,” was founded by Joan Collaso and will feature Lynne Jordan (love you…and your Shivers!), Frieda Lee, Sue Conway, Julia Huff, Maggie Brown, Bobbi Wilsyn, Tecora Rogers, Margaret Murphy, Theresa Davis, Yvonne Gage and Joan herself. There will be two shows – 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. – and for ticket info, please call 312.808.0005.

Who will I see at Old St. Pat’s Block Party next weekend, June 29th and 30th!? I hope YOU! I’ll be guest bartending with some very well-known peeps so I hope you’ll come out and see us! (Please don’t order anything difficult as my skills behind the bar leave something to be desired! Have a great week and I hope to see you here the next time! If you enjoy my weekly “blogazine,” please sign up (above right) and receive updates. :)

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. As I’m always happy to promote new models/designers, I would like to introduce you to 19-year-old Johnathan Cook, who is trying to make a fashion statement from Rockford, Illinois! Besides being a designer, Johnathan describes himself as “son, brother to Liberty Cook, gospel singer, musician and model.” From the looks of this photo, I think he’s got a great start! Good luck, Johnathan, and follow your dreams!

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Tagged as Abigail Simon, Al Childress, Aleksandra Efimova, Alexander Tseitline, Alison Howlett, Allison Grant Williams, Alumni Achievement in Fashion Design Award, Amelia Silva, Angelina Jolie, Anna G. Costumes, April Padilla, Ashley Wheater, Astra Gamsjaeger, Benjamin Cottrell, Black Swan, Bobbi Wilsyn, Bonita Chapman, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Burdi, Caitlin Saville Collins, Cameron Diaz, Campanella Children’s Choir, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, C’est Magnifique in Couture & Contemporary Fashion, Cera Stan, Changing Shoes, Chicago Master Singers, ChicXCity.com, Christopher Clinton Conway, Columbia College Chicago, Costume Luncheon, Day on the Terrace Fashion show and Luncheon, Dede Lubeznik, Desiree Rogers, Diane Primo, Drew Holitik, DuSable Museum, Dusty Stemer, Ed Howlett, Eda Carroll, Eleven Divas, Elissa Hamid Efroymson, Eric Winston, Escada, Eunice W. Johnson Scholarship, EVRAZ North America, Fabbri Furs, Fashion Columbia 2012, Frieda Lee, Gail Leahy, Gibson's, Guiding Light, Gwendolyn Butler, Hazel Barr, Hedwig Golant, Helen Cashman, Helen Howlett, Helen Melchior, HGTV, Ikram Goldman, Intermix, J. Mendel, Jamee Field, Jan Flanagan, Jane Monzures, Janice Barnes Davis, Jean Antoniou, Jennifer Litowitz, Jennifer Lopez, Jim Karas, Joan Collaso, Joffrey Ballet, John Colletti, John Walters, Johnathan Cook, Josh Walters, Judge Mike Howlett, Judge William Bauer, Julia Huff, Julie Latsko, Kanika Rankin, Kate Hudson, Kathleen Klaeser, Kathy Howlett, Kevin Grace, Kirsten Miccoli, Kristina McGrath, Kristyna Archer, Lana Bramlette, Lana Jewelry, Laura Elvis, Leslie Hindman, Lisa Leiden, Liz Adams, Liz Ryan, LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, Lynda Silverman, Lynn Cialdella, Lynn McMahan, Lynne Jordan, Lynne Jordan and the Shovers, Lynne Turner, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Macy’s Mercedes-Benz, Madeleine Burrell, Maggie Brown, Maggie Rei Stepf, Maggie Scheyer, Marco Foster, Margaret Murphy, Mary Jo Basler, Mary Lou Haddad, Maureen Smith, Mauro Villanueva, Mellody Hobson, Michaela Parrillo, Mika Samokhina, Mike Rehwinkel, Miss Chicago Marisa Buchheit, MK Pritzker, Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, Neapolitan, Neiman Marcus, Nena Ivon, New York Fashion Week, Nicole Brown, NLMK USA, Nora Daley, Old St. Pat’s Block Party, One Hope United, Patty Bauer, Peninsula, Prince Piotr Galitzine, Ralph Lauren, Ramsey Prince, Rebecca Besser, Rich Gamble, Roxanne Holloway, Russia Day, Ryan Opera Center, Saira Cooper, Sandy Deromedi, Senator Howard Carroll, Senator Jim Deleo, Sergey Kislyak, Service Club of Chicago, Shannon Rovers, Shari Duffy, Shauna Montgomery. Marci Holzer, Shawnelle Ritchie, Shelley Farley, Sherren Leigh, Sherrill Bodine, Sophie Bross, Stan Mansion, Starr Couture, Steve Lombardo, Steve Starr, Stuart Weitzman, Sue Conway, Susan Downing, Susan Gohl and Averill Leviton, Susie Kiphart, Suzette Bulley, Sylvia Neil, Tecora Rogers, The White Party, Theresa Davis, Thomas James, Timeless Gifts, Tina Sloan, Tina Weller, TMK IPSCO, Tom Allison, Tom Kehoe, Toni Canada, Tracey DiBuono, Trish Rooney Alden, Underground Chicago, Victorian Ball in the 21st Century, Vinnie Mehta, Yolanda Tyler, Yvonne Gage, Zack Edwards

November 21, 2011 · 8:47 pm

“DREAMING A LITTLE DREAM” FOR ST. JUDE

…PLUS PAWS’ RECORD BREAKER, OPEN DOORS GALA, MARTHA STEWART, TOY DRIVES, A TRIP TO THE DESERT, HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS AND MORE!

It is so heartwarming to see charity events breaking records in these tough economic times. All of the events I’ve attended recently have had record attendance and have raised more money than in years past. This year’s, St. Jude “Dream a Little Dream” Fashion Show and Luncheon was no exception. With the biggest crowd in the event’s 17-year history, this much loved event brought out more than 1,500 supporters and raised more than $338K! Presenting sponsors for the next two years, Camping World and Good Sam presented a fashion extravaganza produced by none other than Chicago’s own Tracey Tarantino of ZZazz Productions. (Nancy Long was the fashion coordinator.) They knocked it out of the ballpark with collections from York Furrier, BCBG, Cusp, Neiman Marcus, Escada, Talbots, Luca Luca, Swaby, Nade Baer, Elda de la Rosa, menswear by Lord & Taylor and Furla accessories. Show highlights included glam jewels from sponsor Swarovski and a cool, holiday-inspired collection by designer darling Peach Carr of “Project Runway.” Since this is the 17th year of this event and the underlying theme of the fashion show was “Dream a Little Dream,” Tracey opted for music from The Beatles, opening with “She Was Just 17.” There were even five dancing Marilyn Monroes to add some high energy fun to the show. Entertainment was provided by Larry Adams who performed with his wife, Jessye Wright. Both are accomplished singers with Larry being named by Chicago magazine as Chicago Theatre’s best singer. Emcee for the event was NBC’s Allison Rosati who charmed the crowd from beginning to end. I was so thrilled to be the honorary chair and my highlight was introducing this year’s host family, Annie and Michael Brady and their superhero son, Michael. Michael was diagnosed last year at age three with Stage 4 neuroblastoma. Within hours of this diagnosis, Michael and Annie were pursuing the best course of treatment for their precious little boy. With the support of family and friends, they decided to uproot their small family (Michael also has a little sister, Allie) and relocate to Memphis, the home of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They made this decision knowing that at St. Jude, Michael would receive the best care in the world available for children with cancer. Annie, told the crowd in a moving speech that her daughter “took her first steps in the halls of St. Jude with the support and cheering of St. Jude staff.” Executive Committee member Cathy Shaker Breit said, “I was informed that tickets sales were sold out four weeks ago or else the attendance might have hit over 2,000. This event, from my 478 years on the Board (LOL!) is by far the largest I’m aware of. The goodwill and grassroots efforts it creates to fuel other local Chicago events is invaluable.” (To view Michael Brady's heartfelt story, please see the following video).

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This event began with a champagne reception as well as makeup and hair touchups by Trish McEvoy and Ultimate Hair and a wine tasting by The Naked Grape. I was also proud to conduct a “Text to Live” that raised an extra $4,400 for the event. The extensive raffle had something for everyone and is always a favorite of attendees. Exciting packages this year for the Dream Raffle included 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. The St. Jude Executive Committee – Cathy Shaker Breit, Ann Danner Dwyer, Toni Hasan and Terry Shaker – worked long and hard to make this “Dream a Little Dream” a reality and they did so in grand style. Congrats on this wonderful event benefitting the premier pediatric cancer research center in the world! To view ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina and John Giesecke, please click here and to view my “Candid Candace Chicago” video on Watch312.com, please see below! Do you like the new show name!!??? 🙂

Watch live streaming video from watch312 at livestream.com

The PAWS Fur Ball is one of my favorite events! How could it not be when you see terriers in tennis shoes, dachshunds in diamonds and Chihuahuas in cowboy hats?! And like the St. Jude event, this event was also a sellout with more than 650 animal lovers and their 200 pets! The 10th annual Fur Ball’s co-chairs Julie and Kurt Miller and Nancy and Michael Timmers planned an exciting night of fundraising highlights that included amazing one-of-a-kind live auction packages. A trip for two to Argentina brought $11K while a portrait sitting by Victor Skrebneski raised $31K. Other packages included two tickets to an “American Idol” taping in Hollywood, a week-long stay in a Tuscan villa, tickets for two to the 2012 Grammy Awards (that sold for $25K) and the opportunity to have your pet featured on the cover of PAWS’ 2013 desktop calendar that sold for $38K. Five-year board member Judith Blazer also donated $1 million the week before to support PAWS’ many good works. Fifteen PAWS puppies and kittens were on display tugging at everyone’s heartstrings and during the course of the evening six were adopted. One of the adoptees, a kitten with burned paws who had just been released from the hospital on this day, was the first to be adopted by Joann and Michael Sweig. Two of my tablemates, Anne-Marie and Murry Peretz, also became proud parents of a darling doggie on this magical night. This premier pet lover’s event began with a red carpet followed by a cocktail reception surrounded by the extensive silent auction items. There was even a doggie spa complete with masseuses and pawdicures donated by Paradise 4 Paws. Canine guests were also treated to a Pet Buffet located in the French Room where they could dine on chicken and rice with gravy, green beans and carrots served in crystal goblets and dog cookies, donated by McGrath Lexus & Acura. Animal communicator Debbie Weaver was on hand as well as artist Rosemary Fanti who had so many requests for pet pics that she ran out of paper!!! Human parents enjoyed a delicious dinner buffet in the elegant Gold Coast Room of the Drake Hotel; dancing continued in the French Room. PAWS Chicago has been saving pets’ lives since 1997 and, this year, will exceed 4,200 adoptions. Founder Paula Fasseas was proud to report that this year’s event netted $750K - $150K more than last year’s! To learn more about this worthwhile organization, please click here. To view ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina and moi, please click here and to see my “Candid Candace Chicago” video on Watch312.com, please see below!

Watch live streaming video from watch312 at livestream.com

Columbia College’s Open Doors Gala, co-chaired by Richard Kiphart and Sylvia Neil, raised nearly $700K and honored Linda Johnson Rice, chairman of Johnson Publishing Company. The organization’s first Chicago Legacy Award was created to recognize those who have made a significant impact in the Chicago community and have helped “open doors” for future generations. Johnson Publishing has a long-standing relationship with Columbia College, including hiring interns and graduates. Columbia College recently purchased the Johnson Publishing headquarters building for the future site of the college library. This festive evening began with a cocktail reception featuring creative installations throughout the Media Production Center displaying student film work, art, photography, jazz music and fashion design. Columbia President Dr. Warrick Carter and Board Chairman Allen Turner welcomed guests. The sit-down dinner, catered by Food for Thought, followed and included a root vegetable “mosaic wall” and beef tenderloin plus a made-to-order donut bar for dessert. The evening’s entertainment featured performances by the Columbia College Gospel Choir & Rhythm Section among other student-driven performances. Congrats to Linda Johnson Rice for this much deserved honor! For more info about Columbia College and all they have to offer, please click here. (Photos courtesy of Steve Becker and Robert Kusel…to view all event pics, please click here!)

The North Shore Women’s Board and the Chicago Women’s Board of the American Cancer Society along with The Book Stall recently welcomed dining and design guru Martha Stewart to celebrate the release of her new book, “Martha’s Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations.” More than 320 guests, including author luncheon chair of the NSWB Shannon Weasler, author luncheon chair of the CWB Connie Teska, and emcee Kathy Brock (ABC 7) enjoyed lunch at the Hilton Orrington Hotel in Evanston while listening to Stewart discuss her life and work. The event raised more than $15K for the American Cancer Society. Seen on the scene were Lynn McMahan, Michaela Parrillo, Toni Canada, Kristina McGrath, Jan Flanagan, Angie Campolo, Megan Galante, Jan Evans, Stacy Barrins (Chicago Women’s Board president), Andrea Hurteau (North Shore Women’s Board president), Sally Jo Morris, Betty Rendell, Ann Lynch and Sheree Valukas among many others.

And now here are some upcoming events for wonderful causes that Candid Candace Recommends!

On December 10th, don’t miss Kris Kringle’s 9th Annual Holiday Toy Drive and Kandy Kane Ball at 940 W. Weed St. beginning at 9 p.m. Spinmasters DJ Sye Young and DJ JEM will get the party started at this Winter Wonderland (aka Joe’s Bar) where a toy donation is required and pre-sale tickets are only $40. Cocktail attire is requested and there will be an open bar, appetizers, a live choir and festive holiday décor. The toys will be distributed to hundreds of children at Holy Name Church on December 17th and anyone is welcome to help. It’s a great opportunity to give back during the holiday season! This event is an annual sellout so get your tickets now! Tickets can be purchased at www.Ticketweb.com or at Joe’s Bar.

Still with children in mind for the holidays, the 5th Annual Brad’s Kids Toy Drive will take place on Thursday, December 15th, from 7 – 9 p.m. at The Joynt, located at 650 N. Dearborn. All you need to bring is a new, wrapped toy to gain entry to this party offering complimentary cocktails, live music and more! Since 2007, Brad’s Kids has delivered more than 25,000 toys to seven local hospitals. Visit www.bradskids.org for more info.

How about a terrific holiday getaway for a good cause? On January 27th, Dance for Life will host a celebratory evening of dance in support of the AIDS Assistance Program and The Dancer’s Fund in Palm Springs at the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Annenberg Theater. Tickets for the event start at $150 and can be purchased by calling 760.325.8481 or clicking here. With Chicago Ambassadors Katherine Chez Malkin and Carol Kaplan rounding up support from other “snowbirds,” you know this event will be a sellout!

I hope you, your families and friends all have a delightful, healthy and Happy Thanksgiving. We have much to be grateful for…

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. And if you’re getting in the gift giving mood for the holidays and just don’t know where to go, may I suggest Leslie Hindman Auctioneers at 1338 W. Lake St.? Her “Fine Jewelry and Timepieces” auction will begin previews on Wednesday, November 30th , beginning at 10 a.m. The preview will run through Saturday, December 3rd, with the auction on Sunday and Monday, December 4th and 5th. I have the catalog and, believe you and me, there are more than 1,100 lots running the gamut and price ranges in luxurious jewelry and watches. :) Sigh…

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Tagged as 5th Annual Brad’s Kids Toy Drive, AIDS Assistance Program, Allen Turner, Allison Rosati, American Idol, Andrea Hurteau, Angie Campolo, Ann Danner Dwyer, Ann Lynch, Anne Marie Peretz, Annie Brady, BCBG, Betty Rendell, Blackhawks, Camping World, Candid Candace Chicago, Carol Kaplan, Cathy Shaker Breit, Chicago Legacy Award, Chicago Women’s Board of the American Cancer Society, Columbia College Chicago, Connie Teska, Cubs, Cusp, Dance for Life, Debbie Weaver, Disney, DJ Jem, DJ Sye Young, Dr. Warrick Carter, Drake Hotel, Dream a Little Dream, elda de la rosa, Escada, Fashion Show, Fine Jewelry and Timepieces, Food for Thought, Furla, Good Sam, Grammy Awards, Jan Evans, Jan Flanagan, Jessye Wright, Joann Sweig, Joe’s Bar, John Giesecke, Johnson Publishing Company, Judith Blazer, Julie Miller, Katherine Chez Malkin, Kathy Brock, Kayman Scooter, Kris Kringle’s 9th Annual Holiday Toy Drive and Kandy Kane Ball, Kristina McGrath, Kurt Miller, Larry Adams, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, Linda Johnson Rice, Lord & Taylor, Luca Luca, Lynn McMahan, Martha Stewart, Martha’s Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations, McGrath Lexus & Acura, Megan Galante, Michael Brady, Michael Sweig, Michael Timmers, Michaela Parrillo, Mila Samokhina, Murray Peretz, Nade Baer, Nancy Long, Nancy Timmers, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, North Shore Women’s Board of the American Cancer Society, Open Doors Gala, Paradise 4 Paws, Paula Fasseas, PAWS, PAWS Fur Ball, Project Runway, Richard Kiphart, Robert Kusel, Rosemary Fanti, Sally Jo Morris, Shannon Weasler, Sheree Valukas, St. Jude, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Stacy Barrins, Steve Becker, Swaby, Swarovski, Sylvia Neil, Talbots, Terry Shaker, Thanksgiving, The Book Stall, The Dancers' Fund, The Joynt, The Naked Grape, Toni Canada, Toni Hasan, Tracey Tarantino, Trish McEvoy, Ultimate Hair, Victor Skrebneski, Waldorf-Astoria, Watch312.com, White Sox, York Furrier, ZZAZZ Productions

September 27, 2011 · 3:47 pm

THE JOFFREY BALLET’S COUTURE & COCKTAILS: SIX YEARS LATER AND STILL GOING STRONG!

I have a soft spot for The Joffrey Ballet’s “Couture & Cocktails”…I admit it. Six years ago when Helen Melchior and I planned this event, I could never have anticipated how successful it would become nor how it would bring me a lifelong friend in Helen. I know this year’s co-chairs, Rebecca Besser and Kristina McGrath, also bonded over this event. It usually happens this way when two like-minded people unite for a common purpose, especially one that is so much fun to plan and for such a wonderful organization. The Joffrey Ballet has come a long way too since its inception. Founded by visionary teacher Robert Joffrey in 1956 in NY, guided by celebrated choreographer Gerald Arpino from 1988 until 2007, The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under internationally renowned Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway. I have loved watching it grow since I’ve been a Women’s Board member and, this year, the Women’s Board has a birthday, too: Our 10th anniversary is being planned as I type and I can’t wait to share those details with you when they’ve been formed by Event Chair Maureen Smith. Every year, Couture & Cocktails has presented a top name designer and, in years past, they have included Maria Pinto (for the inaugural event at The Illuminating Co.), Temperley London and Escada (for the party at the Bentley Dealership where the street was closed and tented!), Pamella Roland (for the first fashion show ever to be presented in the Grand Lobby of the Palmer House), Carmen Marc Valvo (another killer show at the W) and this year’s designer, David Meister. This year’s event was also a first, being the first institution to host a major event at The Hudson at 2222 South Michigan. The previous party held there was the much publicized Ikram anniversary party! Another signature for Couture & Cocktails is always the food! For the original event, we had re
al White Castle sliders in boxes served on silver trays – the first, fun food idea! This year, The Entertaining Company carried on in fine form with sliders, yes, but beef tenderloin sliders, along with many other tasty and creative choices. The dancers were an inspiration and the reason the event was created. We wanted to showcase them in a friendly, fun atmosphere…away from the stage where guests could get to know them as people. They are not only incredible dancers, as we all know, but the most amazing human beings with multiple talents. Why, dancer Amber Neumann even designed cocktail dresses for a number of her cohorts for this night and they were GORGEOUS! Many others are artists and designers. And they are all charming! The live auction was something to behold this year. Great auction packages included a trip for four plus airfare to the British Virgin Island’s Bitter End Yacht Club with airfare courtesy of United Airlines that sold for $14,500. For this package, Executive Director Christopher Conway even donned a sailor suit! He looked adorable! Another package was an “Instant Cellar: Wine & Champagne Collection” with over 50 bottles that sold for $6,500. A PGA Masters Tournament and the Double Eagle Club for four (courtesy of Charlie and Rebecca Besser) plus business class airfare on United Airlines sold for $13,500. Mike and Kristina McGrath donated their 108-foot yacht, the Kristina, for a group of eight for four days and three nights that sold for $21,000. And for the final package, for the first time in the ballet company’s history, a dance-on role was offered during the season opener of its upcoming world premiere of Don Quixote (which begins on October 12th and runs through the 23rd). This sold for $5,000. The party continued in the Intersport VIP Lounge as hot DJ Ashok lured the guests onto the dance floor. Seen on the scene were Chicago Bears Charles Tillman, Anthony Adams, J’Marcus Webb and Robbie Gould as well as the sensational, international choreographer for Don Quixote, Yuri Possokhov. May it never end! Congrats to Kristina and Rebecca along with the supportive Joffrey staff and Women’s Board committee members. (C & C 2011 raised over $250K). For tickets and more info for the Joffrey Ballet and Don Quixote, please visit www.Joffrey.org/DonQuixote or call 800.982.2787. (To view ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, with additional pics by Steve Starr, please visit here!)

Huge congrats to Emerge!, the premier runway showcase for new designers hosted during New York Fashion Week on its recent blockbuster success! More than 400 people attended this event that opened with designer Tracy Reese presenting the 2011 Fashion Innovator Award to Constance C. White, Editor-in-Chief of ESSENCE Magazine. The audience applauded as White took the runway and expressed her gratitude to the fashion industry and confidence in the Emerge! production (hosted by PR whiz Dionne Williams). Hosted in the magnificent landmark Broad Street Ballroom, located in the financial district, this fantastic production included collections from Adriana Osorio Lugo (Adriana Osorio Lugo Designs), Kirk Johnson (b.-Vain Couture), Berny Martin (Catou) and Borris Powell (Borris Powell Designs). The audience included fashion icon Freddie Leiba, Tamron Hall (MSNBC), Rebecca Crews, fashion execs, buyers, bloggers, socialites, family and friends. Check out this cool video and I hope to see you in the front row next year! To view more pics, please click here!

Chicago Gateway Green

hosted its 20th Green Tie Ball at A. Finkl & Sons over the weekend as you know from, hopefully, reading my Tribune column on Sunday! The theme, “A Return to the Emerald City,” made it easy for some guests to plan their wardrobe! Ruby slippers? Check. Toto? Check. Tin hat and oil can? Check! This year’s co-chairs, Tim Smithe (Walter E. Smith Furniture & Design) and Stephanie Castagnier (The Apprentice 2010) planned an event that included tastings from more than 60 restaurants, a silent auction, charitable gaming, live entertainment by Dr. Bombay, Too White Crew, DJ Rock City plus Platinum Event DJs. Music was everywhere! The Supreme Lobster Chef Challenge featured its final round of the Chicago Summer Chef Challenge Series, too, judged by the Food Dude David Lissner. Emcees Valerie Warner and Ryan Chiaverini kicked off the party in grand style as Grant DePorter was honored with a Leadership Award for his longtime support. His dad, Don DePorter, created Chicago Gateway Green in 1986. This event hosted more than 2,500 guests who came out to support this organization dedicated to the greening and beautifying of Chicago’s expressways, gateways and neighborhoods. For more info, please visit www.GatewayGreen.org or call (312) 540.9930. (For ALL event photos by Mila Samokhina, please click here!)

The 47th Chicago International Film Festival will host its opening night benefit on Thursday, October 6th at the Harris Theater located 205 E. Randolph St. beginning with a Red Carpet at 6 PM. The opening night presentation will premiere “The Last Rites of Joe May.” This film is the latest creation from two giant Chicago institutions, actor Dennis Farina and the Steppenwolf Theater Company. Farina gives “the finest performance of his career as an aging hustler whose way of life is at a crossroads” in this film shot in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood and featuring members of the Steppenwolf ensemble. Expect to see Dennis walking the Red Carpet along with the show’s cast and writer/director Joe Maggio. Event emcee will be award-winning journalist Bill Kurtis. The VIP Reception will follow at the Chicago Cultural Center at 77 E. Randolph from 9:30 –11:30 PM. Opening Night tickets can be purchased by visiting the Festival Box Offices (322 E. Illinois or 30 E. Adams) or by calling the Festival Hotline at 312.332.3456. Hopefully, I will see you all there! (I am proud to be a co-chair for this event along with dynamo, RL’s Rich Varnes 🙂 )

I love the name of this event! The 8th Annual “Mutt Strut” invites Chicago to “strut” their stuff for charity on Saturday, October 8th, in Lakeview along Newport Avenue (between Southport and Lakewood) from noon until 2 PM. The party kicks off with a 1.5-mile walk “with your mutt” followed by an old-fashioned block party. This event is open to all ages and will include lunch, children’s activities, contests, raffles, music and a chance to visit with adoptable Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation doggies. Tickets are $25 but kids and dogs get in free! Proceeds will benefit CCR, which was founded in 2001 to help find loving homes for dogs and cats, especially for the most vulnerable in Chicago who are slated for euthanasia because they are too old, too young, too injured, have disabilities or have simply been overlooked for too long by potential adopters and other shelters. CCR is moving to a larger space and the proceeds from this event will help a lot! I hope to see you all there with your four-legged and two-legged friends!

My handsome friends and uber wardrobe stylists to the stars, Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo, have designed their own line of clothing for QVC called VT Luxe. They always have great fashion styling tips and have advised many an A-list celeb, too! Check out their latest video here and you’ll see what I mean! Congrats to Jesse and Joe on their much-deserved success!

And, as long as you’re in a video state of mind, please check out my “Social Circles” video from the Parkways Foundation Hat Luncheon…there is a story around every Chicago corner and I will find it and share it with you! So, keep checking my website at www.Watch312.com for continuous updates of “Behind the Velvet Ropes” coverage of all of Chicago’s TOP events! Some expected, some surprising, but ALWAYS fun!!!!!

Watch live streaming video from watch312 at livestream.com

Well, that’s the lowdown on this week’s Chicago highlights! Hope to see you all for this weekend’s first Chicago Beach Polo Event! May the chukkers be spirited and the horses light-footed! (Who would’ve ever thought these words would come out of my computer!?) I’ll just meet you at the bar… :) (For tickets and more info, please visit www.ChicagoBeachPolo.com!)

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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Tagged as A. Finkl & Sons, Adrian Osorio Lugo Designs, Adriana Osorio Lugo, Amber, Anthony Adams, Ashley Wheater, b.-Vain Couture, Berny Martin, Bill Kurtis, Bitter End Yacht Club, Borris Powell, Borris Powell Designs, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Carmen Marc Valvo, Catou, Charles Tillman, Chicago Beach Polo, Chicago Bears, Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation, Chicago Gateway Green, Chicago International Film Festival, Christopher Clinton Conway, Constance C. White, Couture & Cocktails, David Meister, Dennis Farina, Dionne Williams, DJ Ashok, DJ Rock City, Don DePorter, Dr. Bombay, Emerge!, Escada, Essence Magazine, Food Dude David Lissner, Freddie Leiba, Gerald Arpino, Grant DePorter, Green Tie Ball, Helen Melchior, J’Marcus Webb, Jesse Garza, Joe Lupo, Joe Maggio, Kirk Johnson, Kristina McGrath, Maria Pinto, Maureen Smith, Mila Samokhina, MSNBC, Mutt Strut, Neuman, New York Fashion Week, Pamella Roland, Platinum Event DJs, QVC, Rebecca Besser, Rebecca Crews, Robbie Gould, Robert Joffrey, Ryan Chiaverini, Social Circles, Stephanie Castagnier, Steppenwolf Theater Company, Tamron Hall, Temperley London, The Apprentice, The Entertaining Company, The Joffrey Ballet, The Last Rites of Joe May, Tim Smithe, Too White Crew, Tracy Reese, United Airlines, Valerie Warner, VT Luxe, Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design, Watch312.com, Yuri Possokhov

July 26, 2011 · 12:42 pm

TWO CHICAGO INSTITUTIONS HOLD BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: GENE & GEORGETTI AND KATHY O’MALLEY!

Gene & Georgetti owners, Marion and Tony Durpetti, welcomed hundreds of guests over the course of three days as they recently celebrated the 70th anniversary of their legendary restaurant located at 500 N. Franklin. For this momentous occasion, they featured 1940’s décor and offered a prix-fixe, four course menu with old-time favorites that included stuffed celery, minestrone soup, mostaccioli, anchovy canapés, broiled strips, filets and pork chops, chicken Vesuvio and whitefish. Sides included sautéed spinach, broiled mushrooms and cottage fried potatoes. The entire bill (excluding tax and gratuity) was only $15.25. You can certainly see why reservations went faster than Paul McCartney tickets. Guests were seen sipping Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, Rob Roys and Hiballs as they enjoyed the Lucille Ball, Carmen Miranda, Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn and Veronica Lake impersonators. Magician David Kovac enchanted the crowd before the big band, Sway, began at 8:30 with a cake cutting ceremony that included all of the guests. General Manager, Richard Ciota, said, “I don’t work a day in my life. These guys are like my family.” The restaurant served 1,100 lunches and dinners each day and night with ALL proceeds benefitting Common Threads, The Standing Tall Foundation and St. Vincent DePaul Center. Congrats also to Tony and Marion’s daughter, Michelle, for planning and promoting this great three-day celebration for wonderful causes!

Chicago’s Hostess with the Mostest, Kathy O’Malley Piccone, celebrated her 50th birthday in grand style at Moe’s Cantina recently. We have been friends for years and years (truth be known, since Faces days…all of you over 50 will know what I mean!) and she has always been one of the nicest people I know. It’s no wonder Gibson’s is so very successful having her at the front desk meeting and greeting every customer like they are long lost friends. And, in many cases, they are! She’s been featured on the cover of TCW in their “Powerful Women” issue and in many other articles and publications. She should’ve run for Mayor! Her long-time friend, BJ Murray, had been at Moe’s all day inputting tons of photos which were shown on the multiple video screens throughout the venue. Hundreds of friends showed up and stayed into the wee hours of the morning. Long may she reign! Love you Kath! Happy BD!!! (To view more party pics, most by Steve Starr, click here.)

Old St. Pat’s recently celebrated two days of music, food and fun at their 27th Annual World’s Largest Block Party. This is one of the most anticipated events of the summer with almost 20,000 people attending this year. Dubbed the “party with a purpose,” this event featured music by Farraday, Plain White T’s, Cobra Starship, Out for Hours, Spazmatics, No Love for Linus, Matt Nathanson and Barenaked Ladies. The food stands held all of the expected delights of a summer festival and then some including BBQ from Robinson’s Ribs, rotisserie chicken and pork and corn on the cob from Nicholas Quality Meats, Good Humor ice cream, Quang Noodles’ crab Rangoon, pad Thai and shrimp fried rice, burgers and brats from Old St. Pat's Grill & Bones Grill, funnel cakes, foot-long corn dogs, Wisconsin cheddar cheese curds and coconut shrimp from Suzie’s Fun Foods and Connie’s Pizza. In a word, heaven! As one of the celebrity bartenders, I even learned how to pour a perfect cup of beer! FYI, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy was a run away winner! Other celeb bartenders included Windy City Live’s Ryan Chiaverini, NBC 5 reporter Anthony Ponce, Fox 32 meteorologist Tammie Souza, Fox 32 reporter and anchor Kori Chambers, WGN-TV anchor Lourdes Duarte and ABC 7 reporter John Garcia among others. This event is also a matchmaker’s dream come true having introduced 102 couples, who are now married, after meeting at this Block Party! So mark your calendars now for next year…maybe YOU could be next!!! Proceeds from this event goes towards Old St. Pat’s dozens of global outreach programs. (To view ALL pics, with additional photos by Gary Chang, please click here).

Four hundred guests dressed in their Sunday best to attend Bright Pink's "For the Women We Love" high tea celebration. Celeb TV's Kelli Zink emceed the fourth annual benefit, which raised over $80,000, and also included musical entertainment by former Broadway performer, Laurie Akers, who sang Rascal Flatts' "I Won't Let Go." There were heartfelt and empowering stories from young women in the Bright Pink community as well as the presentation of the "Bright Impact Award" which was presented to Carolyn Brundage, the founder of Pretty City. This successful entrepreneur and beauty columnist has raised nearly $100,000 through her "Pretty in Pink" campaign which benefits breast cancer charities. Bright Pink founder, Lindsay Avner, has created much needed awareness with her organization that supports, enlightens and empowers young women to be proactive with their breast and ovarian health. To learn more and for donations, please visit www.bebrightpink.org. (To view ALL event pics by Steve Feferman, please click here!)

Congrats to another great year for PAWS! Their 9th Annual All Paws on Deck Beach Party was a tail-wagging success! US99’s Lisa Dent, who was the emcee again this year, auctioned off some exciting packages that included two tickets to “Dancing With the Stars” (won again this year by Tails in the City’s Bruce Haas and Phillip Emigh). Judy and Howard Tullman won the right to showcase their five “kids” next year in the always hotly anticipated PAWS poster. This year’s benefit was chaired by Nancy and Ron Officer along with Dawn and Jim O’Neal. PAWS founder, Paula Fasseas, welcomed guests Deborah and Bruce Crown, last year’s co-chair Bonnie and Jim Spurlock, Kim Gleeson, Alexis Fasseas, Kathy Hinton, Christine and John Mallul, Carol and John Walter, Carole Mack, Gigi Ross, Sue and Wes Dixon, Dr. Barbara Royal, Colleen Garard, Lindsay Carlton, Len Goodman, Angie DeMars and Cheri Lawrence to name a few. Presenting sponsors included North Community Bank, Bonnie and Jim Spurlock and Pomellato. This event raised $212,000 this year. Congrats PAWS and keep up the good work in support of our beloved four-legged friends! Mark your calendars now for the Fur Ball coming to the Drake Hotel on Friday, November 11th. For tickets and more info, please visit www.pawschicago.org.

The Service Club of Chicago’s “Day on the Terrace” luncheon and fashion show is just around the corner, August 1st, and I hope you all have your tickets for this 25th annual event which promises to be a show stopping fashion extravaganza featuring real women and men wearing the best Fall 2011 fashions from Chicago’s premier retailers. Participating stores include Escada, Intermix, Luca Luca, Tory Burch, Paul Stuart, Lulu’s at the Belle Kay, Saks Fifth Avenue Men, Mark Shale Women’s and Men’s and a finale presented by Neiman Marcus that will include selections from their evening wear and fur collections. The event, which will be held at the Peninsula, was the first event ever held at this hotel when it first opened 10 years ago. Fashion Chairs include Jean Antoniou, Tracey Di Buono and Hazel Barr. Look for some celebrity guest appearances, too! All proceeds from this popular event benefits the Service Club, which supports grants established by government or corporate entities. Tickets are $175. For tix and more info, please call Jean Antoniou at 630.564.5700.

Congrats to UBS for giving back! Two hundred UBS volunteers participated for the Special Olympics Softball Competition Day at Grant Park this year. This is the 13th year that UBS volunteers have totally produced the two days of fun activities supporting Special Olympic athletes. UBS Head of Community Affairs, Patrick Sheahan, said, “It’s a very fulfilling and rewarding event. Every athlete is a winner and every athlete walks away with a medal.” This year, there were more than 750 participants. Congrats to UBS for being such an excellent example of corporate responsibility!

Step Up Women’s Network will launch its first signature event in Chicago, “Shine & Dine,” on Thursday, August 18th, at Galleria Marchetti beginning at 6 PM. The evening will feature philanthropy and seasonal fare from Chicago’s hottest restaurants while welcoming 400 local professionals and notables. Valerie Warner, co-host of Windy City Live, will serve as Honorary Charo for this inaugural event. Step Up Managing Director, Gina Marotta, said, “Step Up has been a fixture in Chicago for five years and this special event is the perfect way to celebrate our work with local women and girls, as well as attract new enthusiasts to our cause.” I hope to see you there! For tickets and more info, please visit www.suwn.org.

Congrats are in order for friends Leslie Hindman, Amanda Puck and Debra Baum! Leslie had a fantastic half-page article by Melissa Harris in Sunday’s Tribune about her expanding business empire! She will be opening up new locations in Palm Beach and Milwaukee (she recently opened in Naples, too) and she’s busier than ever! Amanda has started a food blog and it’s fantastic! Who better to write about food than AMANDA?! And last but not least, Debra also has a new website devoted to health issues for women over 30. It will have daily updates with a dose of humor!

Good luck and congrats to one and all!!! I hope you are enjoying my new column in the Chicago Tribune called “Chicago Scene.” I am so proud to be the new social columnist for this venerable newspaper that has just been through a major overhaul! My column appears weekly in the Sunday Magazine section, full page, full color! 🙂

And lastly, the launch is coming soon for www.Watch312.com, an online network of Chicago-centric shows! This network and its team of experts from Illinois Center for Broadcasting will provide viewers with a portal connecting them to everything Windy City! DC Crenshaw’s show, "Chicago Unplugged," covers the restaurant scene from top to bottom and everything in-between while Dr. Sandy Goldberg’s call-in show, "LIVE! With Dr. Sandy," will address nutritional and health concerns in a non traditional yet informative way. Her co-host is radio veteran Scott Mackay. As the host for “Social Circles,” I will be bringing you a behind-the-scenes look into charity events, parties, movie premieres, celebrities, nightlife and more! Check it out and let me know what you think! We are still in the early stages with lots of tweaking to do but I wanted to make you aware of all of the excitement to come!!! 🙂

Watch live streaming video from watch312 at livestream.com

And THAT is the lowdown on Chicago’s MANY highlights for this week! Hope to “see” you next week, same time, same place!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Here is an inspiring video that will put our petty, daily concerns in the right perspective. This young Chinese girl began playing the piano three years ago and she plays masterfully, despite the fact that she has no fingers on her right hand. Miracles are all around us if we just look for them.

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