…PLUS CHICAGO’S NY FASHION WEEK PRESENCE; THE PAYTON FAMILY SERVES COCKTAILS FOR CHARITY; GIRLS IN THE GAME; ART’S BIG GAY ICE CREAM SOCIAL; COSTUME BALL FEATURES 50 YEARS OF EBONY FASHION FAIR; “FEDORAS, FLAPPERS & ALL THAT JAZZ”; LEAH’S NEW VIP SPOT; RAP'S NEW BAD BOY AND SO MUCH MORE!
There were so many Oscar parties around town that it was a hard decision to choose just one. But the event hosted at PUBLIC by GlossedandFound.com’s Graham Kostic and Monika Dixon was not to be missed! The red carpet snaked from the lobby into the library where these two party pros had prepped the room to perfection. A towering cake by Jacob Neminarz (of the family-owned Sugar Hills Bakery) had created an Oscar-worthy delight that included edible film reels! Besides Dixon and Kostic, glam host committee members included Alexis Cozzini, Jessie Kalin and Darnell Robinson. I love the library space at this hotel and think it’s so intimate and chic and the back viewing room served as THE perfect place to watch the 85th Academy Awards in style! I saw so many friends there like Leah Chavie, Jared Hatch, Lonnie Rodriguez, Eva Pawlus, Yana Nirshberg, Paul Iacono, Geoffrey Dixon, Kasia Konair, Mary Kostic, Drew Doleski, Victoria Olivares, William Heard, Ricardo Sebastian, JuJu LaCour, Eva Daiburl, Amelia Canham Eaton, Samantha Voss, Gregory Fear, Greg Dillard, Monika Gabal, Eva Starzomski, Suzan Faber, Anthony Berg, Thai Tyler, Darnell Robinson, Amy DiTomasso, Jessi Sheehan, Anna Majewski, Morgan Byrne, Marisa Ruis and Laura Modica among many others (around 120 in all). Guests enjoyed two large viewing screens and DJ Kamil Bartoszcze kept the crowd swaying to the music. Partygoers received mini bottles of Moet & Chandon champagne and, besides the Sugar Hills Bakery cake, the sweets table also included treats from Amy DiTomasso’s Sugar Chic Designs. All of the guests came dressed to impress but the Best Dressed Award winners were Amelia Eaton (The Chicago Life Blog) and Darnell Robinson (of Christian Louboutin). And my highlight of the Oscars? Seeing Charlize Theron’s stunning new close-cropped haircut! This woman could look fabulous in a garbage bag but her new short do made her look exceptionally stunning. Hope you enjoyed your Oscar party, too!
Another top Oscar party was a more intimate affair but no less delightful! Hostess with the mostest Helen Melchior hosted her own get-together at her fabulous Nate Berkus-designed apartment on Lake Shore Drive – even her hall statue was draped in a red feather boa, alerting to the surprises within. Helen had her own red carpet which flowed down her hallway and into her home theatre (aka her cozy den). As we all enjoyed the show, the food never stopped coming…delightful treats from Helen’s favorite, Benchmark (located at 1510 N. Wells), included sliders, chicken roll-ups, lamb chops, quesadillas and more. Helen prepared her specialty, homemade guacamole, along with tasty Italian meatballs and roasted shrimp and sinful apple tarts came courtesy of George Jewell. Guests included Leslie Hindman, George Jewell, John Walcher, Joan Colmar, Ken Norgan, Cammie Britton, Tara Klecka, Phil Lumpkin and Bill Tadford, Beth Silverman and Christopher Clinton Conway. We were all given ballots to vote for our choices but in the end, Joan Colmar walked away the winner. A fun night with friends…what more could you ask?
Now in its fifth season, EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show created and produced by Dionne Williams of D. Williams Public Relations Group, featured an eclectic ensemble of artists during New York Fashion Week 2013. These aspiring fashion designers from around the world showcased their artistic genius with amazing collections that powered down the runway. Highlights included celebrity stylist and lifestyle guru Phillip Bloch honoring fellow style guru Mikki Taylor, a woman who has given birth to a culture of glamour, sophistication and innovation, with the Fashion Innovator Award. This invite-only affair played host to retail buyers, fashion influencers, top fashion editors, tastemakers, socialites and an amazing array of celebrities who included honoree Mikki Taylor (fashion icon), Phillip Bloch (brand ambassador), Regina Taylor (actress), J. Alexander (“America's Next Top Model”), Dwight Eubanks (“Real Housewives of Atlanta”), Carissa Rosario (international model), Justiin Davis (“Boardwalk Empire”), Phyllis Yvonne Stickney (actress) and many more. The Broad Street Ballroom came to life with the thrilling fashions from EMERGE! designers. They included: Bishme Cromartie – Bishme Cromartie’s collection is edgy sophistication with well-constructed pieces. His collection was cohesive and yet unafraid to take risks. Parul Aneja – Parul Aneja’s collection adorned the runway with vibrant colors inspired by her hometown of New Delhi. She specializes in wedding gowns, cocktail dresses, prom and eveningwear. Deidre Jefferies, ESPION Atelier – ‘ESPION’ (French for the English word ‘spy’) Jefferies defines her design aesthetic as “the future of classic clothing.” Her strong, yet sexy collection embodied a sleek sophistication combining male and female elements into a luxury line committed to quality. Bernice Morgan, Designersberg – A full line of beautiful custom-made African dresses in a variety of materials including cotton prints, damask, lace and linens came down the runway with a fresh take on modern ethnic wear. Butterfli Tia – Butterfli Tia's swimwear collection, 2-A-T, came down the runway making a bold statement with sexy embellishments, well-crafted pieces and bold color choices. EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show has become one of the top emerging designer platforms during New York Fashion Week and has been consistent in providing a national outlet for emerging designers to showcase their work. Hundreds of designer submissions are reviewed by an elite designer committee, which selects some of the top designers from around the world. For more info, please visit www.dwilliamspr.com. (All photos by www.timefrozen.com…you may view more pics from this fantastic event here!)
Glen Ellyn’s Glen Prairie restaurant will host a Celebrity Bartending Event to benefit the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation on April 24th at 1250 Roosevelt Road. With Brittney, Jarrett and Connie Payton all in attendance as well as many Chicago Bears, this night is sure to be fun-filled! Glen Prairie GM Steve Lapino said, “Glen Prairie is proud to be a part of this great event. We look forward to hosting the Payton family and their friends for this fun filled night here in Glen Ellyn.” The event will start at 7:00 p.m. with members of the Payton family bartending during the night. All tips and gratuities made at the bar that evening will benefit the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation. Silent auction items and raffles will take place with all proceeds of these items benefiting the foundation, which is dedicated to the emotional healing of neglected, abused, and underprivileged children in Illinois by providing tools and opportunities to build self-esteem and give them a reason that tomorrow can be different, that tomorrow can be better. For more information, please visit www.payton34.com.
The Chicago Sky’s Swin Cash’s involvement in Girls in the Game (GITG) is more than just as an honored champion at the gala event. In September 2012, one month after receiving her second Olympic gold medal, Swin launched The Sport-It Girl Initiative. Her vision was to develop a mentoring program for middle-school aged girls to honor the 40th anniversary of Title IX (the landmark legislation banning sex discrimination in schools, whether it be in academics or athletics) which had a significant impact on her own life. She partnered with Girls in the Game and works with 40 girls from the Chicago Public Schools system who are involved in sports and collaborated with the Chicago Sky, Sky Cares Foundation and Nike to make the launch a memorable experience for the girls. The initiative provides in-depth mentoring and programming focused on sports, leadership, health and community service. Sport-It-Girl is off to a great start and Swin regularly interacts with her girls through social media. One week later, Swin was at McCormick Place as one of a handful of elite athletes who had been invited to participate alongside First Lady Michele Obama for the launch of Let’s Move Active Schools, the newest program in the Let’s Move! initiative. Adam Fox, CEO of the Chicago Sky said, “We are happy to be a sponsor for Girls in the Game. Through our Sky Cares Foundation, we are able to provide tickets to our games and work with GITG on other initiatives.” Every year, Girls in the Game empowers more than 3,000 girls to make healthier choices and develop the confidence and leadership skills they need to succeed on and off the field. They are one of the only organizations in the Chicago area dedicated to year-round, multi-sport and wellness programs for girls and young women. For more info on GITG, please click here and for more info on the Chicago Sky – whose season begins May 27th! – click here. (Photos by SUMPHOTO Photography.)
More than 400 people recently attended Chef Art Smith’s Big Gay Ice Cream Social at the James Royal Palm Hotel in Miami Beach. Eating handmade ice cream poolside by Real Sorbet of Miami and floats created by the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck, attendees came together to help raise awareness for marriage equality in Florida. (Recently, Chef Art and his life partner Jesus Salgueiro also co-hosted the Equality Illinois Justice for All Gala in Chicago.) Celebrity chefs and a famous female impersonator brought some noise to support marriage equality in the middle of the SOBE Food and Wine Fest. Chef Art said, “For a place known as the sunshine state, it’s in the darkness over LGBT rights. My Florida will see the sunshine. It’s the place where I was born and it’s the place where I found Jesus on South Beach. LOL! It’s the place we will return to my family’s historic farm but, we will return as a recognized legally married couple.” Guests in attendance included Andrew Zimmeren (Discovery Channel), Duff Goldman (Food Network), Johnny Luzzini (“Ace of Cakes”), Spike Mendelsohn (“Top Chef”), Anne Burrell (“Top Chef”), Sunny Anderson (Food Network), Lorena Garcia (“Top Chef Masters”), JM Hirsh (AP Food Editor) and famed gay icon Chi Chi Larue.
The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum, in conjunction with Johnson Publishing Company, will host the Costume Ball on March 15th beginning at 6 p.m. with cocktails and an exhibition preview of “50 Years of the Ebony Fashion Fair.” This one-of-a-kind exhibition will explore the 50 year history of Eunice W. Johnson’s ground-breaking fashion show, which brought couture fashions to African American communities, while raising millions of dollars for charity. More than 60 garments, including works by Oscar de la Renta, Christian Dior, Stephen Burrows and Yves St. Laurent, will be on display. This black-tie event is chaired by Linda Johnson Rice. (For more info, please click here.)
I hope you can join me on March 12th for a special screening of “Girl Rising,” a documentary that tells the stories of nine remarkable girls from around the globe, each striving beyond circumstances. Directed by Academy Award nominee Richard Robbins (who will be in attendance), the film demonstrates the urgent importance of educating some 66 million girls from around the world who today, can only dream of going to school. Hosted by Daphne Ortiz, Gina Marotta and Molly Rudberg-Leshnock, the event will begin with a reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by a 7:30 p.m. screening. Tickets are only $10 each, with a portion of the sales helping to fund girls’ programs through the 10X10 campaign. For tickets and more info, please click here.
A big thank you shout-out to my friend Bonnie Spurlock, editor-and-chief of Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide, for including my Candid Candace lipstick from CAMP Cosmetics in her April issue! This magazine is the number one best-selling hair and beauty magazine in the world and features hundreds of new styles, celebrity interviews, product news and more – a must-read for the stylish set!
Congrats are in order for Leah Chavie of Leah Chavie Skin Care Boutique! She has opened a new, exclusive VIP facility located at 2500 N. Halsted, directly across the street from her original location in Lincoln Park. This new spot was designed to be ultra private to cater to celebrity and VIP clients; in fact, all services here will be performed by Leah Chavie herself. To book an appointment, please call 773.360.1714 and for more info, visit www.leahchavie.com. Congrats, Leah!
Opulence, decadence, glamour! Evoking the spirit of the 1920’s when fashions liberated and jazz exploded, the Face the Future Foundation will have you dancing the night away at its Roaring Twenties-inspired gala, “Fedoras, Flappers and All That Jazz,” on March 9th at the Four Seasons. So grab your beaded headbands and top hats, slip into your silk stockings and spats and shimmy on over where you’ll join Honorary Chair and all-around great guy Chicago Bear Israel Idonije, along with event co-chairs Mary Genet and Michael Judge. The night will include dancing to the Stanley Paul Orchestra and a live auction that includes a week at a Tuscan Villa, a trip on the Orient Express and a week at the Bitter End Yacht Club. (For tickets and more info, please visit www.facethefuturefoundation.org/)
Urban Gateways’ annual “Arts for All Gala” will be held on March 8th, at City Winery Chicago (located at 1200 W. Randolph St.) from 6 to 9 p.m. This always exciting and inspiring event will include performances by Urban Gateways students from South Chicago, a film on violence in North Lawndale presented by a Chicago high school student who lives there and a gallery of student artwork. Honorary co-chairs are Kay and Jim Mabie and advisory committee members include Susan and Nick Pritzker, Cheryl and Eric McKissack and Dawoud Bey. (For tickets and more info, please visit www.urbangateways.org.) Check out this video from last year's event!
The Red Moon Theater Company is one of my favorites and its major fundraiser, Red Moon’s Spectacle Lunatique, always puts me and everyone else who attends on sensory overload! The sights, the sounds, phones ringing, fires blazing, confetti falling, people giving, candles winking…it’s a creative wonderland of unimaginable delights! And this year’s event will be held in its new home, a 50,000-square-foot warehouse located at 2120 S. Jefferson in Pilsen! With more space, one can only imagine what will be in store for this year’s gala! So save March 9th for Red Moon! For tickets and more info, please click here! (Photos by Mila Samokhina.)
That’s the news for this week! There’s so much to do and see around town in March! Wowza! I hope I get to see you at one or more of these fabulous events soon! Until next time…
P.S. Congrats to the dynamic team from Siena Tavern – Lucas Stoioff and David Rekhson (Dineamic Group) and Chef Fabio Viviani (“Top Chef All-Stars”) – on their grand opening! Can’t wait to stop in at 51 W. Kinzie and congratulate you all in person!
P.P.S. More congrats are in order for rapper sensation Trinidad James. Coming off the success of his smash radio single and video for “All Gold Everything,” James is now on an 11-city tour that will highlight tracks from his debut project, “Don’t Be S.A.F.E.” and also serve as the launch for his second single, “Females Welcomed.” Check him out here!!
…PLUS SHELLEY MACARTHUR HOSTS JOFFREY VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY; VAL AND JEFF’S “HEARTFELT” NIGHT; CHEF ART AND JESUS WANT “JUSTICE FOR ALL”; FOUNDERS FIRED UP (A FREE EVENT); SPRING FASHION SHOWS; A NEW SHOW FOR WATCH312; GIORDANO CELEBRATES 50; A PHOTO SURPRISE FOR KATIE; SAM’S 28TH; COMMON THREADS CELEBRATES TEN; WORLD FESTIVAL RETURNS TO SOLDIER FIELD AND SO MUCH MORE!
The Joffrey Ballet’s Auxiliary Board hosted its third annual Pointe of Departure at the elegant space of Block 37 on February 7th. It attracted more than 200 guests and helped raise $25,000 to support the Ballet’s programs and performances. The theme of this year’s event was taken from the title of The Joffrey’s Winter Program, “American Legends,” which features pieces by Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp, Gerald Arpino and Stanton Welch. (Arts critic Sid Smith said in a recent article that the company is moving into “legendary territory” and I couldn’t agree more!) The event featured more than 63 pieces of art inspired by the movement of dance and available for sale. Participating artists were encouraged to explore creative interpretations of “American Legends” ranging from classic examples of American art and dance to famous Americans. The Joffrey Ballet’s Director of Special Events, Herbert Migdoll, selected three finalists for Best in Show and they included beloved photographer Mila Samokhina (“Rehearsal”), John Rush (“Cloven Kingdom”) and fabulous Joffrey dancer, Temur Suluashvili (“Untitled”). The artwork covered the walls of Block 37’s 3rd floor space, overlooking State Street and the Joffrey Tower, appropriately. The night began with a cocktail reception provided by Skinnygirl (helllooo Tom Strehle!), Peroni and St. Germain. Jewell Events Catering served a selection of canapés and RL’s Chef Ryan Pitts created mini lobster rolls at an action table on site. The happy art and ballet-loving attendees left with delicious More Cupcakes after dancing the night away to DJ Chicago. The event was expertly co-chaired by Alan Swanke and David Kimball. For more info on Joffrey programming, upcoming events and the Auxiliary Board, please click here! (See all photos by Mila Samokhina here!)
Another FABULOUS Joffrey event, “What is This Thing Called Love,” celebrated Valentine’s Day with beautiful songstress Shelley MacArthur at The Murphy, located at 50 E. Erie. Guests swayed to the music as this talented vocalist took the audience on a journey through song to discover the power that love brings. Shelley was joined by special guests, opera stars Alfreda Burke and Rodrick Dixon, along with The City Lights Orchestra conducted by Rich Daniels. The event attracted more than 250 guests who enjoyed a cocktail and hors d’oeuvre reception with a delectable and inspired menu specially designed for the event by distinguished Chef Charlie Trotter. Attendees were also treated to a superb raw bar from Fortune Fish Company featuring an array of lobster, crab and oysters, paired with a sampling of some of the world’s best limited-production vodkas served up by master mixologists. Following the show, guests were invited to a lavish champagne and dessert reception in the lobby of The Murphy and each received a special Valentine’s Day gift from Vosges Haut-Chocolat. “What is This Thing Called Love” raised more than $210,000 for the organization! Event co-chairs included Shauna Montgomery, Whitney Lasky, Melissa Babcock, Renee Crown, Marty Higgins, Jerrilyn Hoffmann, Traci Mansur, Maria Smithburg and Kim White. Guests included Joan Colmar, Toni and Rick Canada, Virginia Bobins, Joffrey Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway and Floyd Elwell, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Sam Kori George, Wendy Irvine, Jim Karas, Kathleen Klaeser, Dino Labot, Donna LaPietra and Bill Kurtis, Cheryl Larsen and Robert Murphy, Lucien LaGrange and Melinda Jakovich, Peggy and Steve Lombardo, Phil Lumpkin and Bill Tedford, Dawn Meiners, Jan Melk, Shirley Michels, Dierdre and Steve Nardi, Ken Norgan, Shawna Owen, Ken Price, Amanda Puck, Sugar Rautbord, Anthony Rossi, Dale Sandro, Michael Shannon, Amelia and Alejandro Silva, Maureen and E.B. Smith, Karen Strumillo, Robin and Mark Tebbe, Rochelle and Charlie Trotter, Monsignor Kenneth Velo, Tina and Jeff Weller and Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and Brian Johnson among many others. More GREAT event news in store for the Joffrey’s much-anticipated and loved “Couture & Cocktails” event: Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway has secured the internationally renowned design team of Badgley Mischka for its 2013 C & C designers!! I can’t imagine the crowd THIS year! Wow! Since 1995, the Joffrey Ballet has been Chicago’s own classical ballet company, reaching more than 150,000 people annually through its performances, classes and outreach initiatives. Just over four years ago, the Joffrey moved into its first permanent home, Joffrey Tower, at the corner of State and Randolph streets, in the heart of Chicago’s revitalized theater district, reinforcing its commitment to Chicago and taking its place amongst the city’s preeminent cultural institutions. Joffrey Tower, with its 52,000 square feet of space, is home not only to the Joffrey’s world-class company of dancers, but has become a family center for dance in the north loop, dedicated to nurturing young talent while also promoting diversity and inclusion in the field of classical ballet. (Thanks to Bob Carl for the photos!)
The penthouse at Hotel 71 was packed with friends and family who turned out to wish Windy City Live's Val Warner, and her longtime love, handsome Jeff Cartwright, a life filled with happiness at their recent engagement party. A Perfect Event's Debi Lilly had created, well, a perfect event: A charming cupcake bar, ice cream, popcorn and donut stands as well as a delightful Smile Booth all helped to make the evening enchanting and DJ Vince Adams had guests line dancing well into the night while the specialty cocktails flowed. Before coming to Chicago in 2005, Valerie spent five years as primary evening anchor and reporter for WEYI-TV in Flint, Mich. While there, she was very active in the community mentoring young people and speaking at schools. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Valerie's family roots are here in Chicago (South Holland) – her children, Zoe and Max, are her primary focus as well as her darling grandmother, mom and sister. I met Val when she was still working at WGN-TV and even then her energy and charm were off the charts. And, as WCL's executive producer Marlaine Selip once told me, "She is lightning in a bottle" …and her legion of fans couldn't agree more. When I asked Jeff what he loved most about his Val, he said, "Even with all of her many successes, she still remains the same person." On this night, clad in a sexy low-backed black cocktail dress surrounded by admirers, Val looked every inch the star that she is. I feel very lucky to know them both. Here's to a lifetime of happiness, Val and Jeff! (To see all event pics, please click here!)
Chicago-based nonprofit Common Threads is proud to announce its 10th anniversary!!! To celebrate, the organization is holding the 7th Annual World Festival at Soldier Field’s United Club on March 4th from 6-9 p.m. Founded in 2003 by beloved, celebrated chef and restaurateur Art Smith and his partner, artist Jesus Salgueiro, with founding chief executive officer Linda Novick O’Keefe, Common Threads has been teaching school-based nutrition and health education programs to underserved communities in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Palo Alto and Washington, D.C. for 10 years. This year’s World Festival Chicago will feature dishes and participation by such top chefs as: Girl & the Goat’s Stephanie Izard, Mercadito’s Patricio Sandoval, Boka’s Carl Shelton, Socca’s Roger Herring, Paris Club’s Alex Ageneu, Tavernita’s Greg Bastien, Belly Q, Urban Belly and Belly Shack’s Bill Kim, Table 52’s Rey Villalobos, Prasino’s Riley Huddleston, among many others. Be sure to come HUNGRY! “World Festival is an example of the power of the chef community,” said O’Keefe. “It shows us that growth is unlimited when you work together and these chefs have rallied from around the world in support of Common Threads and our greater mission – to educate children on the importance of nutrition and physical wellbeing, all while fostering an appreciation of cultural diversity through cooking.” The event kicks off with an exclusive VIP trolley ride hosted by Food & Wine editor in chief and Bravo’s "Top Chef" judge Gail Simmons. For $1,000, a limited number of generous and epicurean guests will board a Chicago trolley with Simmons and a few surprise chefs that will land at Kendall College, where students from Common Threads’ Small Threads classes will prepare a chef-led meal before heading to Soldier Field for the main event. General admission tickets are $250 and World Festival VIP tickets are $500. The evening will feature a live fund-a-need auction, with all proceeds going directly to Common Threads programs. Common Threads is also conducting a silent online auction thru March 12th. Click here to participate! I’m proud to be co-chairing this event with Hillshire Farm’s Jon Harris and Beam’s Mindy MacKenzie. Hope to see YOU there!
Governor Pat Quinn declared "a historic week in Illinois" and on Valentine’s Day, it became just that when the Illinois Senate passed the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act on a vote of 34-21. (If the bill becomes law, Illinois will become the 10th state to allow same-sex couples to marry and Gov. Quinn will become the sixth consecutive Catholic governor to sign marriage equality legislation). At the recent Equality Illinois Justice for All Gala, co-chaired by Chef Art Smith and his partner/husband Jesus Salgueiro, Quinn issued a call to arms for supporters of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act. “This year we're going to pass and make a law called marriage equality in Illinois,” Gov. Quinn said. “When people band together and work together using the power of democracy, we can make sure we pass a landmark law. And I hope everybody works together in these next few weeks so we get the votes in the Senate (we did), to get the votes in the House, and make history in Illinois.” On the night of February 9th in the Chicago Hilton, the biggest black-tie gala for LGBT equality in the Midwest was a combination celebration of the coming vote and a call to action. “To all those who said ‘it’s not gonna happen,’ it is happening,” Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov told the crowd. “The freedom to marry is unstoppable; in the Land of Lincoln, it is inevitable!” The bill has been endorsed by more than 300 members of the clergy and top Illinois business leaders and according to polls, the freedom to marry has the support of a majority of Americans and a majority of Illinoisans. In addition to Quinn, gala attendees included Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who is part of the national group Mayors for the Freedom to Marry. Scores of other federal, state and local officials attended the event, including U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, Lt. Gov Sheila Simon, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Illinois Comptroller Judy Barr Topinka, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and the bill’s legislative sponsors, state Senator Heather Steans and State Rep. Greg Harris. Among the 1,200+ attending guests, the organization hosted local business leaders who included Hillary and Danny Wirtz, Col. James Pritzker, Laura Ricketts, and other Chicago notables. At the gala, Senator Steans was honored with the Equality Illinois Freedom Award for her indefatigable work on behalf of equality. Equality Illinois also recognized United Airlines with the Business Leadership Award for the company’s long history of commitment to the LGBT community. (Photos by Mystic Images Photography).
Twelve of Chicago’s non-profit founders get four minutes on the mic to tell their stories at “Founders Fired Up” on April 11th from 6-9 p.m. Emceed by Immerman Angels founder Jonny Immerman, the event will feature Lindsay Avner (Bright Pink), Jenna Benn (Twist Out Cancer), Kathleen Casey (Bear Necessities), Israel Idonije (Israel Idonije Foundation), Jackson Kaguri (The Nyaka Aids Orphan Project), Colleen Kisel (Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Fndtn.), Cathy Krieger (The Children’s Place), Diane Latiker (Kids Off the Block), Jeff Nelson (ONEGOAL), Reveca Torres (Backbones) and Immerman. This night at John Barleycorn (located at 149 W. Kinzie) promises to be an evening of celebration, inspiration and enlightenment and is FREE to the public (with a cash bar). I hope to see you there!
The Fashion Show Production class at the Illinois Institute of Art- Schaumburg is hosting its annual fashion show, Awakening, at the Meadows Club (2950 W. Golf Rd.) in Rolling Meadows, Ill., on March14th beginning at 7 p.m. All proceeds will benefit Women At Risk International, an organization that helps women in more than 30 different countries, including the United States, who have been trafficked or are at risk of being trafficked. Help them “Create a Circle of Protection & Hope Around Women at Risk.” For more information about this charity, visit www.warinternational.org and for more information about the show please contact Amanda St. Augustine at aaugustine2@gmail.com.
Giordano Dance Chicago will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a concert and gala celebration on March 23rd at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Following the performance, a celebration will take place on the stage of the Pritzker Pavilion overlooking Millennium Park. Tickets are $200 per person but the $500 VIP Signature Experience will include an in-the-wings champagne toast, a back-stage buffet and conversation with artistic director Nan Giordano, honorary chair Pam Crutchfield and choreographer/honorary artistic chair Liz Imperio. My friend Kip Helverson, who has a long history with this dance company, has been invited to perform! This alone will be worth the price of admission! The troupe is featured on this month’s Dance Magazine cover, too! I can’t wait and hope to see you there! For tickets and more info, please click here!
I’m so excited for a brand new show coming to Watch312.com! “Gear Grinders,” hosted by John Basile and Kyle DePersia with segments by Hersey Mallory, promises to be the end-all, be-all car show! I know these guys are huge gear heads and really know their stuff so “Top Gear” better watch out! Stay tuned for their premiere episode of the Chicago Auto Show’s hits and misses. I was honored to be their first guest! Good luck guys! Also, “Candid Candace Chicago” can now be seen on Watch305.com!! Founder Bob Mills has expanded programming so now you can see the latest news from Chicago AND Miami!
Beloved girlfriend Katie McLenaghan received a very special surprise 40th birthday gift from talented photographer/friend Lori Allen. Lori shot 28 of Katie’s dearest friends for a very unique photo shoot, dressed them all in white and created a dramatic montage starring Katie as the Lady in Red! Katie said, “When Lori showed me the photos of all of my glamorous, gorgeous, gifted and generous girlfriends, I was floored!!! I still cannot believe that our dear friend Lori Allen conceptualized and executed this amazing shoot as her gift to me. How spoiled are we to not only have such a beautiful and kind friend but one that is the talented photographer that she is?”
The photo included adoring girlfriends Kerry and Sally Shorr, Carey Isom, Jennifer Rexroat Lavin, Dr. Hasen, Fadila Zec, Carla Frangella, Annette Isom, Sarah Zeller, Margaret O’Connor, Julianne Glatz, Cindy Burns, Rachel DeMarte, Mary Long, Julie Darling, Sonya Jackson, Frances Renk, Sylvia Perez, JoeAnna LaCourse, Heather Murphy, Jennifer Sutton, Katie, Lori and me! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear Katie – we are all SO lucky to have you in our lives! (To contact Lori Allen and find out what she can create for YOUR special moments, please email her at laphotodesigns@aol.com.)
The Smithe brothers (Tim, Walter and Mark), known across Chicago for their witty and memorable Walter E. Smithe television commercials and extensive inventory of stylish and well-made furniture are at it again, this time inviting Billy Corgan and his Resistance Pro wrestling company to join in their commercial hijinks, which can be seen below. Corgan may be best known as the Smashing Pumpkins’ singer/songwriter but he’s not OK with smashing just anything. In the commercial, Corgan humorously saves a bar chair by beloved Chicago furniture retailer Walter E. Smithe from a royal crushing. “I am proud of Resistance Pro’s growing popularity,” says Corgan. “Tim Smithe and his brothers presented us with the opportunity to share our brand. I’m grateful to the Smithe brothers for their $50,000 donation to PAWS, a charity that is important to me.” (Corgan has helped raise more than $140,000 for PAWS this year!) Why musical chairs in a wrestling ring, you ask? Corgan is the creative director of Chicago-based Resistance Pro wrestling company – a partnership between Corgan and brothers Jacques and Gabriel Baron. The commercial will officially air on TV soon.
I hope you will save April 24th, when I’ll be honored by The Stanley Paul Foundation/Apparel Industry Board at the Casino on Delaware. Tickets are $200 and will benefit the Stanley Paul/Raelene Mittelman Fashion Design Scholarship Fund, which was established in 1990 by Stanley Paul in honor of his sister, Raelene Mittelman, who was a great lover of fashion and had a strong belief that we must aid the future of fashion by aiding in the education of its students. The scholarships are awarded annually to students from greater Chicago and/or Illinois who are enrolled in a Chicago college that has a fashion design program. I’m honored and humbled by this recognition and hope you can join me! (For tickets and more info, please call 312.836.1041 or email aibi@aibi.com.)
It’s all about the kids for the “Mini Me Fashion Show” coming March 10th. Presented by Fashion Wars (Kesha Wilson), this is a total kid’s production from top to bottom with child models and even stylists! This fun competition teaches hands on training in the world of fashion with designers who include Andre Swanson, Derricka Cole, Rachel Spencer, Lande Sanusi, Anne Marie and Kia Hall. In addition to the runway show, the event will feature many on-site vendors, including children’s boutiques, activity stations and interactive games with a silent auction benefitting RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). For tickets ($40 includes adult and child) please click here! The event will be held at Lacuna Fitness, located at 645 N. Clark.
Thanks for reading Candid Candace and if you have any comments or suggestions, please let me know! I write for YOU!
P.S. I celebrated my beloved goddaughter’s 28th birthday recently with her and mom, Rhonda Sanderson, at the Pump Room. Samantha Amato grows more beautiful by the day and I’m so lucky to have her and her mother in my life! Happy Birthday, Sam! Love you!
Pointe of Departure: The Joffrey Ballet’s “Artful” Affair …Plus Shelley MacArthur hosts Joffrey Valentine’s Day party; Val and Jeff’s “heartfelt” night; Chef Art and Jesus want “Justice for All”; Founders Fired Up (a free event); spring fashion shows; a new show for Watch312; Giordano celebrates 50; a photo surprise for Katie; Sam’s 28th; Common Threads celebrates TEN; World Festival returns to Soldier Field and so much more!
The Joffrey Ballet’s Auxiliary Board hosted its third annual Pointe of Departure at the elegant space of Block 37 on February 7th. It attracted more than 200 guests and helped raise $25,000 to support the Ballet’s programs and performances. The theme of this year’s event was taken from the title of The Joffrey’s Winter Program, “American Legends,” which features pieces by Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp, Gerald Arpino and Stanton Welch. (Arts critic Sid Smith said in a recent article that the company is moving into “legendary territory” and I couldn’t agree more!) The event featured more than 63 pieces of art inspired by the movement of dance and available for sale. Participating artists were encouraged to explore creative interpretations of “American Legends” ranging from classic examples of American art and dance to famous Americans. The Joffrey Ballet’s Director of Special Events, Herbert Migdoll, selected three finalists for Best in Show and they included beloved photographer, Mila Samokhina (“Rehearsal”), John Rush (“Cloven Kingdom”) and fabulous Joffrey dancer, Temur Suluashvili (“Untitled”). The artwork covered the walls of Block 37’s 3rd floor space, overlooking State Street and the Joffrey Tower, appropriately. The night began with a cocktail reception provided by Skinnygirl (helllooo Tom Strehle!), Peroni and St. Germain. Jewell Events Catering served a selection of canapés and RL’s Chef Ryan Pitts created mini lobster rolls at an action table on site. The happy art and ballet-loving attendees left with delicious More Cupcakes after dancing the night away to DJ Chicago. The event was expertly co-chaired by Alam Swanke and David Kimball. (For more info on Joffrey programming, upcoming events and the Auxiliary Board, please click here! http://www.joffrey.org)
Another Joffrey event, “What is this Thing Called Love,” celebrated Valentine’s Day with beautiful songstress Shelley MacArthur at The Murphy, located at 50 E. Erie. Guests swayed to the music as this talented vocalist took the audience on a journey through song to discover the power that love brings. Shelley was joined by special guests, opera stars Alfreda Burke and Rodrick Dixon, along with The City Lights Orchestra conducted by Rich Daniels. The event attracted more than 250 guests who enjoyed a cocktail and hors d’oeuvre reception with a delectable and inspired menu specially designed for the event by distinguished Chef Charlie Trotter. Attendees were also treated to a superb raw bar from Fortune Fish Company featuring an array of lobster, crab and oysters, paired with a sampling of some of the world’s best limited-production vodkas served up by master mixologists. Following the show, guests were invited to a lavish champagne and dessert reception in the lobby of The Murphy and each received a special Valentine’s Day gift from Vosges Haut-Chocolat. “What is This Thing Called Love” raised more than $210,000 for the organization. Event co-chairs included Shauna Montgomery, Whitney Lasky, Melissa Babcock, Renee Crown, Marty Higgins, Jerrilyn Hoffmann, Traci Mansur, Maria Smithburg and Kim White. Guests included Joan Colmar, Toni and Rick Canada, Virginia Bobins, Joffrey Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway and Floyd Elwell, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Sam Kori George, Wendy Irvine, Jim Karas, Kathleen Klaeser, Dino Labot, Donna LaPietra and Bill Kurtis, Cheryl Larsen and Robert Murphy, Lucien LaGrange and Melinda Jakovich, Peggy and Steve Lombardo, Phil Lumpkin and Bill Tedford, Dawn Meiners, Jan Melk, Shirley Michels, Dierdre and Steve Nardi, Ken Norgan, Shawna Owen, Ken Price, Amanda Puck, Sugar Rautbord, Anthony Rossi, Dale Sandro, Michael Shannon, Amelia and Alejandro Silva, Maureen and E.B. Smith, Karen Strumillo, Robin and Mark Tebbe, Rochelle and Charlie Trotter, Monsignor Kenneth Velo, Tina and Jeff Weller and Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and Brian Johnson among many others. More GREAT event news in store for the Joffrey’s much-anticipated and loved “Couture & Cocktails” event: Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway has secured the internationally renowned design team of Badgley Mischka for its 2013 C & C designers!!!! I can’t imagine the crowd THIS year! Wow! Since 1995, the Joffrey Ballet has been Chicago’s own classical ballet company, reaching more than 150,000 people annually through its performances, classes and outreach initiatives. Just over four years ago, the Joffrey moved into its first permanent home, Joffrey Tower, at the corner of State and Randolph streets, in the heart of Chicago’s revitalized theater district, reinforcing its commitment to Chicago and taking its place amongst the city’s preeminent cultural institutions. Joffrey Tower, with its 52,000 square feet of space, is home not only to the Joffrey’s world-class company of dancers, but has become a family center for dance in the north loop, dedicated to nurturing young talent while also promoting diversity and inclusion in the field of classical ballet.
The penthouse at Hotel 71 was packed with friends and family who turned out to wish Windy City Live's Val Warner, and her longtime love, handsome Jeff Cartwright, a life filled with happiness at their recent engagement party. A Perfect Event's Debi Lilly had created, well, a perfect event: A charming cupcake bar, ice cream, popcorn and donut stands as well as a delightful Smile Booth (http://smilebooth-midwest.smugmug.com/Smilebooth/val-jeff-engagement/i-ZsPB4TK/0/M/20130215%20Smilebooth%20a237-M.jpg) all helped to make the evening enchanting and DJ Vince Adams had guests line dancing well into the night while the specialty cocktails flowed. Before coming to Chicago in 2005, Valerie spent five years as primary evening anchor and reporter for WEYI-TV in Flint, Mich. While there, she was very active in the community mentoring young people and speaking at schools. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Valerie's family roots are here in Chicago (South Holland) – her children, Zoe and Max, are her primary focus as well as her darling grandmother, mom and sister. I met Val when she was still working at WGN-TV and even then her energy and charm were off the charts. And, as WCL's executive producer Marlaine Selip once told me, "She is lightning in a bottle" …and her legion of fans couldn't agree more. When I asked Jeff what he loved most about his Val, he said, "Even with all of her many successes, she still remains the same person." On this night, clad in a sexy low-backed black cocktail dress surrounded by admirers, Val looked every inch the star that she is. I feel very lucky to know them both. Here's to a lifetime of happiness, Val and Jeff!
Chicago-based nonprofit Common Threads is proud to announce its 10th anniversary!!! To celebrate, the organization is holding the 7th Annual World Festival at Soldier Field’s United Club on Monday, March 4th from 6-9 p.m. Founded in 2003 by beloved, celebrated chef and restaurateur Art Smith and his partner, artist Jesus Salgueiro, with founding chief executive officer Linda Novick O’Keefe, Common Threads ha
s been teaching school-based nutrition and health education programs to underserved communities in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Palo Alto and Washington, D.C. for 10 years. This year’s World Festival Chicago will feature dishes and participation by such top chefs as: Girl & the Goat’s Stephanie Izard, Mercadito’s Patricio Sandoval, Boka’s Carl Shelton, Socca’s Roger Herring, Paris Club’s Alex Ageneu, Tavernita’s Greg Bastien, Belly Q, Urban Belly and Belly Shack’s Bill Kim, Table 52’s Rey Villalobos, Prasino’s Riley Huddleston, among many others. Be sure to come HUNGRY! “World Festival is an example of the power of the chef community,” said O’Keefe. “It shows us that growth is unlimited when you work together and these chefs have rallied from around the world in support of Common Threads and our greater mission – to educate children on the importance of nutrition and physical wellbeing, all while fostering an appreciation of cultural diversity through cooking.” The event kicks off with an exclusive VIP trolley ride hosted by Food & Wine editor in chief and Bravo’s Top Chef judge Gail Simmons. For $1,000, a limited number of generous and epicurean guests will board a Chicago trolley with Simmons and a few surprise chefs that will land at Kendall College, where students from Common Threads’ Small Threads classes will prepare a chef-led meal before heading to Soldier Field for the main event. General admission tickets are $250 and World Festival VIP tickets are $500. The evening will feature a live fund-a-need auction, with all proceeds going directly to Common Threads programs. Common Threads is also conducting a silent online auction thru March 12th. Click here to participate! (www.charitybuzz.com/CommonThreads) I’m proud to be co-chairing this event with Hillshire Farm’s Jon Harris and Beam’s Mindy MacKenzie. Hope to see YOU there!
Governor Pat Quinn declared "”an historic week in Illinois” and on Valentine’s Day, it became just that when the Illinois Senate passed the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act on a vote of 34-21. (If the bill becomes law, Illinois will become the 10th state to allow same-sex couples to marry and Gov. Quinn will become the sixth consecutive Catholic governor to sign marriage equality legislation). At the recent Equality Illinois Justice for All Gala, co-chaired by Chef Art Smith and his partner/husband Jesus Salgueiro, Quinn issued a call to arms for supporters of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act. “This year we're going to pass and make a law called marriage equality in Illinois,” Gov. Quinn said. “When people band together and work together using the power of democracy, we can make sure we pass a landmark law. And I hope everybody works together in these next few weeks so we get the votes in the Senate, to get the votes in the House, and make history in Illinois.” On the night of February 9th in the Chicago Hilton, the biggest black-tie gala for LGBT equality in the Midwest was a combination celebration of the coming vote and a call to action. “To all those who said ‘it’s not gonna happen,’ it is happening,” Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov told the crowd. “The freedom to marry is unstoppable; in the Land of Lincoln, it is inevitable!” The bill has been endorsed by more than 300 members of the clergy and top Illinois business leaders and according to polls, the freedom to marry has the support of a majority of Americans and a majority of Illinoisans. In addition to Quinn, gala attendees included Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who is part of the national group Mayors for the Freedom to Marry. Scores of other federal, state and local officials attended the event, including U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, Lt. Gov Sheila Simon, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Illinois Comptroller Judy Barr Topinka, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and the bill’s legislative sponsors, state Senator Heather Steans and State Rep. Greg Harris. Among the 1,200+ attending guests, the organization hosted local business leaders who included Hillary and Danny Wirtz, Col. James Pritzker, Laura Ricketts, and other Chicago notables. At the gala, Senator Steans was honored with the Equality Illinois Freedom Award for her indefatigable work on behalf of equality. Equality Illinois also recognized United Airlines with the Business Leadership Award for the company’s long history of commitment to the LGBT community. (www.eqil.org)
Twelve of Chicago’s non-profit founders get four minutes on the mic to tell their stories at “Founders Fired Up” on April 11th from 6-9 p.m. Emceed by Immerman Angels founder Jonny Immerman, the event will feature Lindsay Avner (Bright Pink), Jenna Benn (Twist Out Cancer), Kathleen Casey (Bear Necessities), Israel Idonije (Israel Idonije Foundation), Jackson Kaguri (The Nyaka Aids Orphan Project), Colleen Kisel (Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Fndtn.), Cathy Krieger (The Children’s Place), Diane Latiker (Kids Off the Block), Jeff Nelson (ONEGOAL), Reveca Torres (Backbones) and Immerman. This night at John Barleycorn (located at149 W. Kinzie) promises to be an evening of celebration, inspiration and enlightenment and is FREE to the public (with a cash bar). I hope to see you there!
The Fashion Show Production class at The Illinois Institute of Art- Schaumburg is hosting its annual fashion show, Awakening, at the Meadows Club (2950 W. Golf Rd.) in Rolling Meadows, Ill., on March14th beginning at 7 p.m. All proceeds will benefit Women At Risk International, an organization that helps women in more than 30 different countries, including the United States, who have been trafficked or are at risk of being trafficked. Help them “Create a Circle of Protection & Hope Around Women at Risk.” For more information about this charity, visit http://www.warinternational.org  and for more information about the show please contact Amanda St. Augustine at aaugustine2@gmail.com. Local Chicago fashion designers and industry professionals will come together for the annual Spring Awakening Fashion Show on March 20th from 6-10 p.m. at the Lincoln Park Conservatory to support Chicago Gateway Green. Hosted and produced by handsome Benjamin Cottrell, VIP guests will enjoy exclusive runway seating, light bites and a private champagne reception from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. while strolling through the gardens listening to the melodic sounds of the Candid Concert Opera. After the show, guest will be treated to a pop-up boutique where they will be able to meet the designers from the show and shop their ready-to-wear merchandise and place orders with the designers. A cash bar will be available all night with drink specials. For tickets and more info, please email benjamin@benjamincottrelldesigns.com or click here! (http://www.facebook.com/events/120462988134937/?ref=notif¬if_t=plan_user_joined)
Giordano Dance Chicago will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a concert and gala celebration on March 23rd at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Following the performance, a celebration will take place on the stage of the Pritzker Pavilion overlooking Millennium Park. Tickets are $200 per person but the $500 VIP Signature Experience will include an in-the-wings champagne toast, a back-stage buffet and conversation with artistic director Nan Giordano, honorary chair Pam Crutchfield and choreographer/honorary artistic chair Liz Imperio. My friend Kip Helverson, who has a long history with this dance company, has been invited to perform! This alone will be worth the price of admission! The troupe is featured on this month’s Dance Magazine cover, too! I can’t wait and hope to see you there! For tickets and more info, ple
ase click here! http://www.giordanodance.org/50thanniversarycelebration.html
I’m so excited for a brand new show coming to Watch312.com! “Gear Grinders,” hosted by John Basile and Kyle DePersia with segments by Hersey Mallory, promises to be the end-all, be-all car show! I know these guys are huge gear heads and really know their stuff so “Top Gear” better watch out! Stay tuned for their premiere episode of the Chicago Auto Show’s hits and misses. I was honored to be their first guest! Good luck guys! Also, “Candid Candace Chicago” can now be seen on Watch305!! Founder Bob Mills has expanded programming so now you can see the latest news from Chicago AND Miami! (www.Watch312.com, http://www.Watch305.com )
Beloved girlfriend Katie McLenaghan received a very special surprise 40th birthday gift from talented photographer/friend Lori Allen. Lori shot 28 of Katie’s dearest friends for a very unique photo shoot, dressed them all in white and created a dramatic montage starring Katie as the Lady in Red! Katie said, “When Lori showed me the photos of all of my glamorous, gorgeous, gifted and generous girlfriends, I was floored!!! I still cannot believe that our dear friend Lori Allen conceptualized and executed this amazing shoot as her gift to me. How spoiled are we to not only have such a beautiful and kind friend but one that is the talented photographer that she is?” The photo included adoring girlfriends Kerry and Sally Shorr, Carey Isom, Jennifer Rexroat Lavin, Dr. Hasen, Fadila Zec, Carla Frangella, Annette Isom, Sarah Zeller, Margaret O’Connor, Julianne Glatz, Cindy Burns, Rachel DeMarte, Mary Long, Julie Darling, Sonya Jackson, Frances Renk, Sylvia Perez, JoeAnna LaCourse, Heather Murphy, Jennifer Sutton, Katie, Lori and me! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear Katie – we are all SO lucky to have you in our lives! (To contact Lori Allen and find out what she can create for YOUR special moments, please email her at laphotodesigns@aol.com.)
The Smithe brothers (Tim, Walter and Mark), known across Chicago for their witty and memorable Walter E. Smithe (www.smithe.com) television commercials and extensive inventory of stylish and well-made furniture are at it again, this time inviting Billy Corgan and his Resistance Pro (www.resistancepro.com) wrestling company to join in their commercial hijinks, which can be seen below. Corgan may be best known as the Smashing Pumpkins’ singer/songwriter but he’s not OK with smashing just anything. In the commercial, Corgan humorously saves a bar chair by beloved Chicago furniture retailer Walter E. Smithe from a royal crushing. “I am proud of Resistance Pro’s growing popularity,” says Corgan. “Tim Smithe and his brothers presented us with the opportunity to share our brand. I’m grateful to the Smithe brothers for their $50,000 donation to PAWS (www.pawschicago.org), a charity that is important to me.” (Corgan has helped raise more than $140,000 for PAWS this year!) Why musical chairs in a wrestling ring, you ask? Corgan is the creative director of Chicago-based Resistance Pro wrestling company – a partnership between Corgan and brothers Jacques and Gabriel Baron. The commercial will officially air on TV soon.
I hope you will save April 24, when I’ll be honored by The Stanley Paul Foundation/Apparel Industry Board at the Casino on Delaware. Tickets are $200 and will benefit the Stanley Paul/Raelene Mittelman Fashion Design Scholarship Fund which was established in 1990 by Stanley Paul in honor of his sister, Raelene Mittelman, who was a great lover of fashion and had a strong belief that we must aid the future of fashion by aiding in the education of its students. The scholarships are awarded annually to students from greater Chicago and/or Illinois who are enrolled in a Chicago college that has a Fashion Design program. I’m honored and humbled by this recognition and hope you can join me! (For tickets and more info, please call 312.836.1041 or email aibi@aibi.com.)
It’s all about the kids for the “Mini Me Fashion Show” coming March 10th. Presented by Fashion Wars (Kesha Wilson), this is a total kid’s production from top to bottom with child models and even stylists! This fun competition teaches hands on training in the world of fashion with designers who include Andre Swanson, Derricka Cole, Rachel Spencer, Lande Sanusi, Anne Marie and Kia Hall. In addition to the runway show, the event will feature many on-site vendors, including children’s boutiques, activity stations and interactive games with a silent auction benefitting RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). For tickets ($40 includes adult and child) please click here! (www.fashionwarkids-eorg.eventbrite.com/#) The event will be held at Lacuna Fitness, located at 645 N. Clark.
Thanks for reading Candid Candace and if you have any comments or suggestions, please let me know! I write for YOU!
Love, as always, Candace Candace@CandidCandace.com
P.S. I celebrated my beloved goddaughter’s 28th birthday recently with her and mom, Rhonda Sanderson, at the Pump Room. Samantha Amato grows more beautiful by the day and I’m so lucky to have her and her mother in my life! Happy Birthday, Sam! Love you!
…PLUS THERE’S A BIG NEW RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE IN TOWN, PARIS OPERA BALLET’S ELEGANT DEBUT AT THE HARRIS, GLAMOURCON RETURNS TO CHICAGO WITH PLAYMATES, PIN-UPS & MODELS, DESIGNER AZEEZA KHAN’S NOMINATION, NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!
As many of you know, I write a weekly column in the Chicago Tribune Sunday Magazine section and this Sunday’s Candid Candace featured the Gene Siskel Film Center benefit honoring Reese Witherspoon. Since I have limited space there (around 400 words), I’m going to tell you the WHOLE story right here! The night began with the largest bank of media I’ve ever seen at events of this type surrounding (though swarming would be a better word) the red carpet. I saw Bill Zwecker, Janet Davies, Jeff Conway, Dean Richards, the cute guy from “Extra” and more photographers than I knew even existed in our town! Everyone was in high anticipation to see this darling actress with such an amazing body of work and she didn’t disappoint. Her small frame hid her baby bump even though she joked about “feeling round.” When I asked her what her biggest challenge was filming “Walk the Line” – the film for which she won a Best Actress Oscar – she said it was “learning how to sing” and went on to talk about her seven months of lessons and sessions she had at T. Bone Burnett’s house. She was so unsure of her singing abilities that she called her lawyer at the start of filming to see if she could get out of the film. The answer, happily, was no! She went on to talk about the things she DID love about filmmaking saying, “I’ve had such a great career getting to learn new skills. I learned to ride an elephant in “Water for Elephants” and I got to play softball for another film (“How Do You Know”).” Reese was at the Film Center to accept the Renaissance Award, following in the footsteps of past honorees Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey, Jr., Nicole Kidman and George Lucas. Two-time Oscar-winning screenwriter and director Alexander Payne (who directed Reese in “Election”) conducted the Q & A with this petite actress but before the questions and retrospective of her films, a hilarious video was shown featuring past Renaissance Award winner, Robert Downey, Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow. The video opened with Downey deadpanning into the camera, “I say the name and feel a burning in my loins but it’s not just because you’re the sexiest woman alive, it’s because of your talent, your gift. I’ve often thought about leaving my wife, Susan Downey, for you.” All the while he’s talking, Paltrow is trying to distract him. Downey turns to her and says, “Insecure newsflash! If you don’t heap compliments on them [actresses], they end up marrying rock stars.” It had the sell-out crowd roaring! (Downey and Paltrow clearly are friends and fans and Robert even donated a set visit to “Iron Man 3,” now filming in North Carolina, to the event’s auction.) During the Q & A with Payne, Reese talked about landing the lead in the “The Man in the Moon” when she was 14. She was living in Nashville and doing some community theatre. Her father saw an ad in the paper and they auditioned, thinking she might have ended up as an extra but, of course, she landed the lead. She went on to say, “I’ve never done interviews reviewing my career. Being pregnant, I hope I don’t get too emotional taking a walk down memory lane.” Film clips were shown from “Pleasantville,” “Election,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Water for Elephants,” “Legally Blonde” and “Walk the Line,” among others. Reese talked about attending Stanford for a year and said, “In retrospect, I’d wished I’d finished.” When asked how she chooses a role, she said, “I find out about the character and whether or not I could see myself in that role. Secondly, it’s about the director, not so much for comedies, but for dramas, I need a leader. It’s difficult for a woman to be able to do both comedy and drama – it’s a privilege to be able to do both.” When asked about staying in character for a role (a la Meryl Streep), she said, “It really doesn’t work staying in character if you have kids. You can’t go home and tell them to call you June.” Her favorite films "ever" are “Splendor in the Grass” and “Raising Arizona” and her favorite co-star was Rosie the elephant in “Water for Elephants.” (“She remained in character throughout the whole movie!” joked Reese.) Marlene Iglitzen, Gene Siskel’s widow, attended the event with her three beautiful children Kate, Callie and Will. Looking stunning in a full-length black Jean Paul Gaultier dress and Lanvin necklace, she said, “Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. He would be so proud to see these people here tonight.” Marlene went on to say that her husband often described his movie critic job as “covering the American dream beat.” The black-tie crowd feasted on a delicious dinner with each course inspired by one of Reese’s films. There was the “Vanity” salad, the “June and Johnny Duo” (fish and beef) and “Sweet Homes of the South: Alabama, Mississippi and Pleasantville” (a whoopie pie, mud cake and roasted strawberries). Seen in the crowd were Marc Klutznick and Anita Liskey (co-chairs), Michelle Cucchiaro (Advisory Board and committee member), Eda Davidman and Barry Missner, Melissa Sage Fadim (Advisory Board member), Bill Marcus, Ellen Sandor (Chairman of the Board) and husband Richard, Rosie Levin (Advisory Board member) and husband Elliot, Roopa Weber (Advisory Board and committee member), Jamey Fadim, Jean de St. Aubin (Film Center Executive Director), Cynthia and Rich Varnes, Jim Mayhercy, Shirley and Dr. Walter Massey (President of SAIC), Daniel Bryant and Joe Trpik, Jeffrey Sprecher, Averill and Buddy Leviton, Kelly Loeffler, Camille Cook (Film Center founder), Tony Jones (past SAIC president), Kristina and Mike McGrath, Lynn and John McMahan, Paul Iacono, Andrea Schwartz and Dr. Steve Stryker, Diana Palomar and many others. The evening raised more than $340,000 to support programming at the Gene Siskel Film Center. Check out the website for more cool upcoming events! Check out my Watch312.com video below to see what Reese and Alexander had to say. Congrats again to the Gene Siskel Film Center on all of their wonderful programming and exciting events like this one! (Fabulous photos by Mila Samokhina.)
Well, it finally happened! After so much planning, hoping, wishing and fundraising, the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House is OPEN! I was honored to be there for this special celebration on a parking garage rooftop which was directly across from the House. It was so cool! Throughout the impressive program, more than 600 attendees could plainly see the purpose for this party. Wrapped in a giant bow, the House loomed large at 16 stories and 86 rooms. I remember when Ken Norgan first got me involved with RMHCCNI at the press party at Morton’s and I was just as thrilled then as I was this day! Emcee Mark Giangreco opened the ribbon cutting ceremony on June 26th – there were so many people there…thank goodness the real Chicago heat came later in the week! But on this day, nothing could dampen anyone’s spirits as 13-year-old Kate Wild sang the National Anthem (she will also be singing the anthem on opening day in Soldier Field.) Mary Agnes Laguatan (VP of Operations for RMHCCNI) gave a moving invocation and then Governor Quinn spoke before he had to rush off to meet with the First Lady. He declared this day “Ronald McDonald House Charities Day” in Chicago. “Long may it live!” he said. Next, Senator John Cullerton presented a proclamation from the Mayor, who ALSO named June 26th as RMHC Day in Chicago. Giangreco then jokingly introduced Jim Skinner (McDonald’s CEO) as the “Grand Imperial Quarter Pounder with Cheese.” Skinner thanked the crowd on "behalf of the 1.7 million people in the McDonald’s family." The Soul Children of Chicago, directed by Walt Whitman, gave a moving performance of “The Future’s Up to Me and You” (written by Nancy Slattery and Ira Antelis) that brought the crowd to tears. MaryAnne Smith (president of the Auxiliary Board for the House) spoke next, along with her adoring husband, Coach Lovie Smith. “As we drove down Grand, I could see the House. I said to Lovie, ‘It’s a palace, it’s a home, it feels like a home and now it’s working like a home.’ It’s what we tried to build.” Doug Porter (CEO of RMHCCNI) said, “Today’s ceremony is for you to recommit.” He called out people who were instrumental in the House’s success including Jim Murray (Founder of Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia & Former Eagles' General Manager) and Joe Antunovich (House architect) among many others. Macy’s has been a HUGE supporter of the new House and has dedicated their Glamorama funds, raising more than $645K not including this year’s event, from the last three years to its building! (Speaking of Glamorama, I hope you can put Chicago’s biggest and best fashion show on your calendars! Friday, August 10th at the Harris Theater! A huge shout out and thank you to Macy’s!!! Where would we be without YOU???!!!! Following the rooftop ceremony, guests were whisked via trolley to the River East Art Center for a delicious reception! (For Glamorama tickets, click here and to view more pics, please click here!)
I must confess, I am a total loyalist to our Joffrey Ballet but I have to say the recent Paris Opera Ballet debut at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance brought tears to my eyes it was so hauntingly beautiful. The Theater hosted a gala celebration for the world’s oldest national ballet company on June 26th. Every notable, VIP, civic leader and arts lover in town attended this black tie gala that began with the performance and a cocktail reception at the Harris. More than 800 guests enjoyed the POB’s American debut of the iconic story ballet “Giselle.” “Giselle” was created in 1841 specifically for the POB and was written by poet Theophile Gautier, composed by Adolphe Adam and choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot. The Paris Opera Ballet is considered the birthplace of classical ballet with origins that trace back to 1661, during the reign of King Louis XIV of France. The 154-member ballet company is considered the epitome of perfection, purity, artistry and technical acumen and, from the performance on opening night, I can certainly see why: This company hasn’t been to the U.S in 15 years and the full corps has NEVER performed in Chicago before so I was so proud to hear that the company chose Chicago as a debut destination with stops to follow at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and then Lincoln Center in New York. Second City? I think NOT! Michael Tiknis, president and CEO of the Harris, welcomed the sold out crowd, “It’s my pleasure to introduce the first performance ever of the Paris Opera Ballet in Chicago!” The Grant Park Symphony Orchestra accompanied the performance with Graff as the presenting sponsor. The Mayor commented, “It’s only fitting that the POB chose the city of Chicago as the first appearance of its North American tour. In my view, they’re picking the most American of American cities. I am committed to making Chicago a worldwide destination for arts and creativity.” Abby McCormick O’Neil, chairman of the Harris Theater’s Board of Trustees, said, “The opening night gala and performance support the ongoing mission of the Harris. Proceeds from this event will benefit its programs.” (One of their programs, Access Tickets, donated 200 free tickets to students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend.) Before the performance, Mayor Emanuel – a former dancer himself – greeted students from the Chicago High School for the Arts along with POB dancers and Artistic Director Brigitte Lefevre. Caryn and King Harris and Alexandra and John Nichols were presenting sponsors and chairs. Vice chairs included Francie Comer, Stephanie and John Harris, Mellody Hobson and George Lucas, Lindy and Michael Keiser, Anne and J. Christopher Reyes, Linda Johnson Rice and Shirley and Patrick Ryan. Sponsors for this event included Abby McCormick O’Neil and D. Carroll Joynes, Chauncey and Marion McCormick (Foundation), Hyatt Regency Chicago, Northern Trust and United Airlines. The post performance dinner was held in an elegant tent adjacent to the theater in Millennium Park. Two million was raised on this night to support Harris programming. Guests seen in the crowd included Joan Harris, Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra (Chairman of Millennium Park, Inc.), Sheila O’Grady and Jean-Luc Decaux, Francie Comer, Amelia and Alejandro Silva, Ken Shanoff, Chris Long, Marilyn Vitale, Pam Crutchfield, Phil Lumpkin, Ken Shanoff and Steve Young, Desiree Rogers, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Sonya Jackson, Jacqueline and Leon Kinloch, Julie Latsko, Martha Melman, Sonya Jackson, Helen Melchior, Ken Norgan, Sherren Leigh, Dori Wilson and Mary and Tim Smithe among many others. (Fab fotos by Mila Samokhina and Bob Carl…click here for more pics!)
Mark your calendars now for Glamourcon 53, a lively celebration and marketplace of the glamour arts that features dozens of Playboy Playmates from FIVE decades as well as many other past and present glamour and pin-up models. Vendors sell trading cards, autographs, catalogs, magazines, books, photos, original pin up art, videos and so much more. This year, attendees will get a rare opportunity to meet two “legends” of Playboy: former photo directors Gary Coleand Jeff Cohen. For all of you budding glamour photogs, this is a great opportunity to have your photos and portfolios critiqued by the experts! They will also be orchestrating a first time EVER Playmate Photo Special! A photography session will be offered with Playmates Beth Williams (Miss August 2012) and Shelby Chesnes (Miss July 2012), who are both appearing in Playboy’s July/August double issue which will be on newsstands this month. Sign up to attend a Saturday night VIP party at the Joynt (located at 650 N. Dearborn) with Playmates, Special Edition Models and other Playboy models! Glamourcon presents a great opportunity to meet your favorite vintage and contemporary pin-up stars and get their autographs. I love this event and especially love seeing my fellow Playmates at this special Glamourcon Reunion…hope to see you at Crowne Plaza O'Hare on August 4th and 5th! (For tickets and more info, please click here.)
A special shout out and congrats to beautiful fashion designer, Azeeza Kahn! She has just been nominated for the Rising Star Award by the Fashion Group International! Fingers crossed, Azeeza! Ikram, are you watching??!!!
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday that included good food, friends and fun! I will be taking the next week off and will see you again on July 16th!
P.S. If you missed the Summer Lovin’ party at the MCA co-hosted by Chicago magazine and the Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, check out all the fun here from Watch312.com!!!
We are quickly becoming a city of FIRSTS and BIGGESTS and I am so thrilled for our Windy City! Chicago’s first beach polo matches are coming to North Avenue Beach beginning Saturday, October 1st. And, if the recent Kick-Off party for the Grey Goose Chicago Beach Polo World Cup I at Union Sushi & Barbeque Bar is any indication of the interest, we’re gonna need a bigger beach!!! More than 400 guests gathered at this new River North hotspot to hobnob with polo enthusiasts, players and polo royalty like Reute Butler, whose family founded Oak Brook and literally introduced the sport to the Midwest. Reute’s great-grandparents built the Oak Brook Polo Club in 1922 and, at one time, the Butler family had 13 polo fields at the height of the season with 600 to 700 horses stabled there. The Butlers also hosted the U.S. Open Tournament in Oak Brook for decades. (They have a fascinating family history, as you can see, and plans for a book are in the works so stay tuned!) The Chicago Beach Polo World Cup will take place on North Avenue Beach beginning with a VIP, by-invite-only party on Friday, September 30th. The matches begin on Saturday, October 1st with a horse parade, fashion show and more parties. The finals, along with a closing party on the Wit’s ROOF, will be on Sunday, October 2nd beginning at 11:30 AM. This event, founded by The Polo Life, produced its first beach polo event on Miami Beach in 2004. For tickets and more info, please visit, www.ChicagoBeachPolo.com. (Photos by Mila Samokhina…to view ALL images, please click here.)
The first annual Chicago Dancing Festival Opening Night Gala heralded a five day long celebration of dance in Chicago described by Mayor Rahm Emanuel as “the largest free festival anywhere in the country.” More than 19,000 people were able to enjoy the fifth anniversary of this much- anticipated and much-loved event. During its Opening Night Gala, co-founders and artistic directors Jay Franke and Lar Lubovitch welcomed over 400 people to this inaugural event. Franke spoke of the Mayor’s early years as a dancer and suggested that he might have chosen a different course in his life. When the Mayor stepped up to the podium, he said, “I want you to know that’s exactly what my mother says to me, every day. And that’s only fitting as a Jewish mother.” He went on to say, “Nothing has made me more excited for the city than this dance festival, in this sense: We have 19 companies and 19,000 people are going to show up over the next five days to see dance here in the city of Chicago.” And indeed, this past week was a “dream-come-true lineup,” as described by the Tribune’s Sid Smith. On Gala night, there were a series of duets on the MCA Stage beginning with The Joffrey Ballet who opened the five performances with a pas de deux from “Swan Lake.” They sent their own dream team, husband and wife dancers Temur Suluashvili and Victoria Jaiani. Words can’t describe the beauty they bring to the stage so I won’t even try. They were followed by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago who performed “Following the Subtle Current Upstream.” Next, Martha Graham Dance Company danced “Shaker Interior” from “Snow on the Mesa.” Brian Brooks Moving Company performed a seemingly impossible piece by Brian Brooks and David Scarantino. A world premiere by modernist Walter Dundervill closed the show with his translation of “Swan Lake” called “Compression Piece.” The party continued on the Terrace overlooking the Sculpture Garden. On this perfect summer night, VIP guests included Susan and Lew Manilow, Pamela Crutchfield, the Mayor with his wife and daughter, Helen Melchior (who sponsored The Joffrey Ballet in the Dancing Festival), Nora Daley and Sean Conroy, George Jewell, Carrie and Michael Sacks, Commissioner Michelle Boone, Joan Harris, Dia and Ed Weil, Ken Norgan, Phil Lumpkin, Neal Zucker, Linda Johnson Rice, Grace Barry, Sandra and Jack Guthman, Dr. Linda O’Bannon, Jan Melk, Lisa Key, Robert Mills, Kim Venezia and Lindsay Hoey, among others. Following the Dancing Festival’s Saturday night finale, VIP guests enjoyed an after-party called “Last Dance” at the Intercontinental. All of the dancers were invited to attend free of charge, of course! Congrats to event co-founders and artistic directors, Jay Franke and Lar Lubovitch!!! I can’t wait to see what next year’s event will bring! (Photos by Caitlin Saville Collins…to view ALL event pics, please click here.)
The third annual Taste of the Gold Coast was held at The Sutton Place Hotel recently. Fun-loving and food-loving guests enjoyed delicious dishes from Il Mulino’s, Chicago Q, The Drawing Room, Carmine’s, RA Sushi, Hendrickx Belgian Bread, Go Roma, Whiskey Bar & Grill, Cape Cod Room, Gaylord, Devon Seafood Grill, Saloon Steakhouse and Pane Caldo. Lynne Jordan & the Shivers, along with Nan Mason & Terry Higgins, kept the music flowing for this event, whose extensive silent auction, benefitted the North Dearborn Association. Produced by Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions, their next venture will occur on Friday, September 30th, at the Dana Hotel with the second annual “Who Is Chicago” event. This evening will highlight and honor 10 influential Chicagoans who are active in the philanthropic community. Emceed by Laura Schwartz, the honorees include Sonya Jackson, Sherrill Bodine, Jonny Immerman, Janet Szylk, Shaun Rajah, Rochelle Trotter, Sergio Fernandez, Linda Novick O’Keefe, Quenten Schumacher and Jamie Haberkorn. For tickets and more info, please visitwww.ceceandmelinda.com. Congrats to all of these deserving honorees AND to Cece and Melinda! (Photos by Steve Starr)
Don’t miss the TOPSHOP/TOPMAN opening set for Thursday, Sept. 8th at Pearson and Michigan (in the old Borders spot). Free and open to the public, this event will begin at 9:30 AM with a day filled with activities beginning with a ribbon cutting by founder Sir Philip Green at 10:30 AM. This will be their second flagship store in the U.S. (their first in the Midwest) and will feature over 30,000 feet of trend-setting fashions. The opening day runway show will be hosted by the always adorable Brittney Payton. Will YOU be there, too?
And now I have a wonderful book suggestion for you! Not only does “A Dog Named Slugger” have a wonderful message, but 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the nonprofit St. Francis Service Dogs Organization! The book, lovingly written by Leigh Brill, is a true story about a woman (Leigh) who, at the height of her cerebral palsy symptoms, turned to a service dog organization where she was matched with Slugger, a highly intelligent, devoted and loving yellow Lab. More than just a memoir, this book shines a light on the growing service dog movement, hopefully leading to more trainers, helper dogs and triumphant “Slugger stories” throughout the country and the world. A must- read for dog lovers and people lovers everywhere! Leigh is a writer, speaker and advocate for people with disabilities and is actively involved in organizations promoting the noble work of service dogs. To order, PLEASE visit www.LeighBrill.com and to learn more about this wonderful service dog organization, please visit www.saintfrancisdogs.org.
I hope you will join me for a meet-and-greet with Victory Gardens Theater’s new Artistic Director, Chay Yew, on Monday, Sept.12th, beginning at 5:30 PM at Victory Gardens Theater, located at 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. Refreshments will be served followed by a season preview presentation. Please RSVP to 777.871.3000.
A reminder! Don’t forget to follow the Yellow Brick Road to buy your tickets for Chicago Gateway Green’s 20th Annual Green Tie Ball on Saturday, September 17th, at A. Finkl & Sons, located at 2011 N. Southport, in Chicago. With fun-loving co-chairs like Tim Smith (Walter E. Smithe) and Stephanie Castagnier (NBC’s “The Apprentice”), you know this formal affair will be something to remember! (Tickets are $125, VIP tickets are $250; purchase yours at www.GatewayGreen.org.)
I can’t wait for the fun-filled week ahead! I’m so excited and grateful to be returning to “Windy City Live” on Wednesday, September 7th, and Monday, Sept. 12th! On Wednesday, with all of the news about the upcoming show “The Playboy Club” and rumors of a real-life Playboy Club opening here, I’ve been asked to come on and discuss my own Playboy Bunny experiences. AND, on Monday, Sept. 12th, I will be discussing all things Chicago with Val, Ryan and Ji. (Windy City Live, Monday-Friday, 9 AM, Ch. 7!)
And, happily for all of you, this will be the LAST time I ask, so please remember to vote HERE for my blog, Candid Candace, IF you enjoy reading it! I will send you ALL lots of money if I win! (Thankfully, voting ends on September 9th!)
Have a happy and healthy week and I will “see” you again soon!
P.S. And even though Hurricane Irene was nothing to laugh at, this photo did crack me up! My neighbors had chosen this moment in time to visit the Jersey Shore with their entire family, dog included! Here is a pic of Berit Waterfield with Burger (aka Toto) escaping back to Chicago!
There were so many Oscar parties around town that it was a hard decision to choose just one. But the event hosted at PUBLIC by GlossedandFound.com’s 
Graham Kostic and Monika Dixon was not to be missed! The red carpet snaked from the lobby into the library where these two party pros had prepped the room to perfection. A towering cake
by Jacob Neminarz (of the family-owned Sugar Hills Bakery) had created an Oscar-worthy delight that included edible film reels! Besides Dixon and Kostic, glam host committee
members included Alexis Cozzini, Jessie Kalin and Darnell Robinson. I love the library space at this hotel and think it’s so intimate and chic and the back viewing room served as THE
perfect place to watch the 85th Academy Awards in style! I saw so many friends there like Leah Chavie, Jared Hatch, Lonnie Rodriguez, Eva Pawlus, Yana Nirshberg, Paul Iacono, Geoffrey Dixon, Kasia Konair, Mary Kostic, Drew
Doleski, Victoria Olivares, William Heard, Ricardo Sebastian, JuJu LaCour, Eva Daiburl, Amelia Canham Eaton, Samantha Voss, Gregory Fear, Greg Dillard, Monika Gabal, Eva Starzomski, Suzan Faber,
Anthony Berg, Thai Tyler, Darnell Robinson, Amy DiTomasso, Jessi Sheehan, Anna Majewski, Morgan Byrne, Marisa Ruis and Laura Modica among many others
(around 120 in all). Guests enjoyed two large viewing screens and DJ Kamil Bartoszcze kept the crowd swaying to the music. Partygoers received mini bottles of Moet & Chandon champagne and, besides the Sugar Hills Bakery cake, the sweets table also included treats from Amy DiTomasso’s Sugar Chic Designs. All of the guests came dressed to
impress but the Best Dressed Award winners were Amelia Eaton (The Chicago Life Blog) and
Darnell Robinson (of Christian Louboutin). And my highlight of the Oscars? Seeing Charlize Theron’s stunning new close-cropped haircut! This woman could look fabulous in a garbage bag but her new short do made her look exceptionally stunning. Hope you enjoyed your Oscar party, too!
Another top Oscar party was a more intimate affair but no less delightful! Hostess with the mostest Helen Melchior hosted her own get-together at her fabulous Nate Berkus-designed
apartment on Lake Shore Drive – even her hall statue was draped in a red feather boa, alerting to the surprises within. Helen had her own red carpet which flowed down her hallway and into her home theatre (aka her cozy den). As we all enjoyed the show, the food never stopped
coming…delightful treats from Helen’s favorite, Benchmark (located at 1510 N. Wells), included sliders, chicken roll-ups, lamb chops, quesadillas and more. Helen prepared her specialty, homemade guacamole, along with tasty Italian meatballs and roasted shrimp and sinful apple tarts came courtesy of
George Jewell. Guests included Leslie Hindman, George Jewell, John Walcher, Joan Colmar, Ken Norgan, Cammie Britton, Tara Klecka, Phil Lumpkin and Bill Tadford, Beth Silverman and Christopher Clinton Conway. We were all given ballots to vote for our choices but in the end, Joan Colmar walked away the winner. A fun night with friends…what more could you ask?
Now in its fifth season, EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show created and produced by Dionne Williams of D. Williams Public Relations Group, featured an eclectic
ensemble of artists during New York Fashion Week 2013. These aspiring fashion designers from around the world showcased their artistic genius with amazing collections that powered down the runway. Highlights
included celebrity stylist and lifestyle guru Phillip Bloch honoring fellow style guru Mikki Taylor, a woman who has given birth to a culture of glamour, sophistication and innovation, with the Fashion Innovator Award. 
This invite-only affair played host to retail buyers, fashion influencers, top fashion editors, tastemakers, socialites and an amazing array of celebrities who included honoree Mikki Taylor (fashion icon), Phillip Bloch (brand ambassador), Regina Taylor (actress), J. Alexander (“America's Next Top Model”), Dwight Eubanks (“Real Housewives of Atlanta”), Carissa
Davis (“Boardwalk Empire”), Phyllis Yvonne Stickney (actress) and many more. The Broad Street Ballroom came to life with the thrilling fashions from EMERGE! designers. They included:
specializes in wedding gowns, cocktail dresses, prom and eveningwear.
for the English word ‘spy’) Jefferies defines her design aesthetic as “the future of classic clothing.” Her strong, yet sexy collection embodied a sleek sophistication combining male and female elements into a luxury line committed
to quality.
African dresses in a variety of materials including cotton prints, damask, lace and linens came down the runway with a fresh take on modern ethnic wear.
with sexy embellishments, well-crafted pieces and bold color choices.
in providing a national outlet for emerging designers to showcase their work. Hundreds of designer submissions are reviewed by an elite designer committee, which selects some of the top designers from around the world. For more info, please visit www.dwilliamspr.com. (All photos by www.timefrozen.com…you may view more pics from this fantastic event here!)
Glen Ellyn’s Glen Prairie restaurant will host a Celebrity Bartending Event to benefit the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation on April 24th at 1250 Roosevelt Road. With Brittney, Jarrett and Connie Payton all in attendance as well as many Chicago Bears, this night is sure to be fun-filled! Glen Prairie GM Steve Lapino said, “Glen Prairie is proud to be a part of this great event. We look forward to hosting the Payton family and their friends for this fun filled night here in Glen Ellyn.” The event will start at 7:00 p.m. with members of the Payton family bartending during the night. All tips and
gratuities made at the bar that evening will benefit the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation. Silent auction items and raffles will take place with all proceeds of these items benefiting the foundation, which is dedicated to the emotional healing of neglected, abused, and underprivileged children in Illinois by providing tools and opportunities to build self-esteem and give them a reason that tomorrow can be different, that tomorrow can be better. For more information, please visit www.payton34.com.
The Chicago Sky’s Swin Cash’s involvement in Girls in the Game (GITG) is more than just as an honored champion at the gala event. In September 2012, one
month after receiving her second Olympic gold medal, Swin launched The Sport-It Girl Initiative. Her vision was to develop a mentoring program for middle-school aged girls to honor the 40th anniversary of Title IX (the landmark legislation banning sex discrimination in schools, whether it be in academics or athletics) which had a significant
impact on her own life. She partnered with Girls in the Game and works with 40
girls from the Chicago Public Schools system who are involved in sports and collaborated with the Chicago Sky, Sky Cares Foundation and Nike to make the launch a memorable experience for the girls. The initiative provides in-depth mentoring and programming
focused on sports, leadership, health and community service. Sport-It-Girl is off to a great start and Swin regularly interacts with her girls through social media. One week later, Swin
was at McCormick Place as one of a handful of elite athletes who had been invited to participate alongside First Lady Michele Obama for the launch of Let’s Move Active Schools, the newest
program in the Let’s Move! initiative. Adam Fox, CEO of the Chicago Sky said, “We are happy to be a sponsor for Girls in the Game. Through our Sky Cares Foundation, we are able to provide tickets to our games and work with GITG on other initiatives.” Every
year, Girls in the Game empowers more than 3,000 girls to make healthier choices and develop the confidence and leadership skills they need to succeed on and off the field. They are one of the only organizations in the Chicago
area dedicated to year-round, multi-sport and wellness programs for girls and young women. For more info on GITG, please click here and for more info on the Chicago Sky – whose season begins May 27th! – click here. (Photos by SUMPHOTO Photography.) 
More than 400 people recently attended Chef Art Smith’s Big Gay Ice Cream Social at the James Royal Palm Hotel in Miami Beach. Eating handmade ice cream poolside by Real Sorbet of Miami and floats created by the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck, attendees came together to help raise awareness for
marriage equality in Florida. (Recently, Chef Art and his life partner Jesus Salgueiro also co-hosted the Equality Illinois Justice for All Gala in Chicago.) Celebrity chefs and a famous female impersonator brought some noise to support marriage equality in the middle of the SOBE Food and Wine Fest.
Chef Art said, “For a place known as the sunshine state, it’s in the darkness over LGBT rights. My Florida will see the sunshine. It’s the place where I was born and it’s the place where I found Jesus on South Beach. LOL! It’s the place we will return to my family’s historic farm
but, we will return as a recognized legally married couple.” Guests in attendance included Andrew Zimmeren (Discovery Channel), Duff Goldman (Food Network), Johnny Luzzini (“Ace of Cakes”), Spike Mendelsohn (“Top Chef”), Anne Burrell (“Top Chef”), Sunny Anderson (Food Network), Lorena Garcia (“Top Chef Masters”), JM Hirsh (AP Food Editor) and famed gay icon Chi Chi Larue. 
The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum, in conjunction with Johnson Publishing Company, will host the Costume Ball on March 15th beginning at 6 p.m. with cocktails and an exhibition preview of “50 Years of the Ebony Fashion Fair.” This one-of-a-kind exhibition will explore the 50 year history of Eunice W. Johnson’s ground-breaking fashion show, which brought
couture fashions to African American communities, while raising millions of dollars for charity. More than 60 garments, including works by Oscar de la Renta, Christian Dior, Stephen Burrows and Yves St. Laurent, will be on display. This black-tie event is chaired by Linda Johnson Rice. (For more info, please click here.)
I hope you can join me on March 12th for a special screening of “Girl Rising,” a documentary that tells the stories of nine remarkable girls from around the globe, each striving beyond circumstances. Directed by Academy Award nominee Richard Robbins (who will be in attendance), the film demonstrates the urgent importance of educating some 66 million girls from around the world who today, can only dream of going to school. Hosted by Daphne Ortiz, Gina Marotta and Molly Rudberg-Leshnock, the event will begin with a reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by a 7:30 p.m. screening. Tickets are only $10 each, with a portion of the sales helping to fund girls’ programs through the 10X10 campaign. For tickets and more info, please click here. 
A big thank you shout-out to my friend Bonnie Spurlock, editor-and-chief of Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide, for including my Candid Candace lipstick from CAMP Cosmetics in her April issue! This magazine is the number one best-selling hair and beauty magazine in the world and features hundreds of new styles, celebrity interviews, product news and more – a must-read for the stylish set! 
Congrats are in order for Leah Chavie of Leah Chavie Skin Care Boutique! She has opened a new, exclusive VIP facility located at 2500 N. Halsted, directly across the street from her original location in Lincoln Park. This new spot was designed to be ultra private to cater
to celebrity and VIP clients; in fact, all services here will be performed by Leah Chavie herself. To book an appointment, please call 773.360.1714 and for more info, visit www.leahchavie.com. Congrats, Leah! 
Opulence, decadence, glamour! Evoking the spirit of the 1920’s when fashions liberated and jazz exploded, the Face the Future Foundation will have you dancing the night away at its Roaring Twenties-inspired gala, “Fedoras, Flappers and All That
Jazz,” on March 9th at the Four Seasons. So grab your beaded headbands and top hats, slip into your silk stockings and spats and shimmy on over where you’ll join Honorary Chair and all-around great guy Chicago Bear Israel Idonije, along with event co-chairs Mary Genet and Michael Judge. The night will include dancing to the Stanley Paul Orchestra and a live auction that includes a week at a Tuscan Villa, a trip on the Orient Express and a week at the Bitter End Yacht Club. (For tickets and more info, please visit www.facethefuturefoundation.org/)
Urban Gateways’ annual “Arts for All Gala” will be held on March 8th, at City Winery Chicago (located at 1200 W. Randolph St.) from 6 to 9 p.m. This always exciting and inspiring event will include performances by Urban Gateways students from South Chicago, a film on violence in North Lawndale presented by a Chicago high school student who lives there and a gallery of student artwork. Honorary co-chairs are Kay and Jim Mabie and advisory committee members include Susan and Nick Pritzker, Cheryl and Eric McKissack and Dawoud Bey. (For tickets and more info, please visit www.urbangateways.org.) Check out this video from last year's event!
The Red Moon Theater Company is one of my favorites and its major fundraiser, Red Moon’s Spectacle Lunatique, always puts me and everyone else who attends on sensory overload! The sights, the sounds, phones ringing, fires blazing, confetti falling, people giving, candles winking…it’s a creative
wonderland of unimaginable delights! And this year’s event will be held in its new home, a 50,000-square-foot warehouse located at 2120 S. Jefferson in Pilsen! With more space, one can only imagine what will be in store for this year’s gala! So save March 9th for Red Moon! For tickets and more info, please click here! (Photos by Mila Samokhina.)
Love, as always,
P.P.S. More congrats are in order for rapper sensation Trinidad James. Coming off the success of his smash radio single and video for “All Gold Everything,” James is now on an 11-city tour that will highlight tracks from his debut project, “Don’t Be S.A.F.E.” and also serve as the launch for his second single, “Females Welcomed.” Check him out here!! 
