He had an unerring eye. Victor Skrebneski saw the world in black and white with subtle shades in between and no one has ever photographed it like he did. I remember a comment he once made about how much he loved Paris, a city he referred to as his "muse." He said it was because "nothing there offends my eye." I never forgot
this…He made the commonplace seem grand and the grand even grander. He was a genius and one that we, as Chicagoans, were always thrilled and proud to call our own. We almost lost him to NYC but, thanks to his longtime friend and supermodel Carmen Dell'Orifice,
he stayed in the Windy City. He had spoken to her in the '50s about moving and she asked the most logical question, "Why would you want to leave Chicago when you're positioned as the greatest fashion and portrait photographer outside of NYC? The opportunities for you being in Chicago would be endless!" She was right and
he stayed, although I'm pretty sure he would've made history wherever he chose to live. My first encounter with Victor came in
2013, when I had the honor of appearing on the 31st anniversary cover of Today's Chicago Woman Magazine, thanks to its dynamic founder Sherren Leigh. I was thrilled with the idea of appearing on the cover but when I heard it would be shot by the legendary Skrebneski, I damn near lost my mind. He didn't remember our first "almost" meeting though
back in my modeling days. I was sent by my agent for a "go-see" to his famed studio at 1350 N. LaSalle. Then as now, having Victor shoot a photo of you was considered the holy grail of the industry. To be shot by him said you had arrived and in a very big way. Well, I was flatly rejected because
I was only 5' 7" and he insisted his models be 5'8" or over. He wouldn't even look at me …..I remember Jovanna Papadakis, who was his right hand woman at the time, even apologized to me as she thought I had some potential. Sun-Times writer Larry Findley said in Jovanna's obit that she was "the stern
gatekeeper who protected the inner sanctum of Victor Skrebneski's famous photography studio." Her friend Camilla Hawk said, "The models shuddered in
their boots when they walked in. Her reputation spread far and wide that she was a fearsome taskmaster. No model got past her to show their book to Victor. She would take the book, and if she thought it was appropriate, she would show it to him." Well, Jovanna did show it to him but still he wouldn't see me. This was one of the great regrets of my life, but happily, Sherren Leigh and TCW made my dream come true in later years. As I pulled into his
driveway for the TCW shoot on Sept. 15, 2013, I purposely slowed down and put the top down on my car hoping someone would see me pulling in. When I opened the
big, imposing wooden door, there was Dennis Minkel, Victor's assistant and studio manager, with a big grin on his face….I relaxed. And then there was Victor, also with a big smile, and I knew I was among friends. Suddenly, my worries about squeezing into a too tight Herve Leger dress were behind me and I could only focus on the studio and the legends who had been shot there and the decor. All in shades of white and beige, with his famous portraits dotting the walls, it was truly an honor and a privilege to be invited inside. Sherren was there
as well as four beautiful models who would be shooting the fashion feature. Representatives from A. Marek Fine Jewelry were on hand, too, including an imposing security guard
who followed me everywhere once I'd been layered with their exquisite diamond necklaces. The photography space was all white with a step-down that I'm sure has brought many a client and model to their knees as their eyes scanned the room and not the floor as they entered. The lighting was deceptively simple …..clearly, here was a man who didn't require a bank of white lights to make someone look good. No, this lighting was for a genius who knew exactly what he wanted before he shot
it and knew what it would look like before he even snapped his Hasselblad's shutter. This was not a photographer who took
all day long to get "the" shot either. Victor took very few shots and stopped when he knew he had what he wanted. I was in awe. Even after the cover shot, when he cleared the studio for a private portrait (which was much to my surprise as I had no idea he planned on doing this!), there was no time wasted. As Frank
Sinatra played in the background, the shot took just a few lighting adjustments and an arch of my back for Victor to say, "We have it." Victor shot the covers for TCW Mag for
about 8 years. Sherren said, "Victor took TCW’s layouts and fashion pages to a level I never could. A true artistic genius." Lots of friends have had the good fortune to own a "Victor Portrait" which I believe he charged around $25K for. Through the years, Victor's generosity extended to so many charitable causes. He would donate a sitting and,
invariably, the money raised would be astronomical for this coveted photo shoot. He raised millions for local charities. Philanthropic friends Andrea Schwartz and Dr. Steve Stryker, have matching Skrebneski photos. Andrea's was purchased at the PAWS Fur Ball's live auction in
2014, shortly after they became engaged, and Steve's was purchased by his loving wife for their 1st anniversary in 2016. What a thrill for those lucky enough to have such a treasure! And even though he shot legends the world over, the images of people I know are the ones I relate to the most. Back in the day, I modeled with one of Victor's favorites, Kerry Harper Melchi. She of the long dark hair and lithe
5'8" frame….along with Deborah Larsen, these two shot so many iconic ads with Victor–I. Magnin, Grosvenor Furs, Oscar de la Renta and so many others. They were/are flawless. I asked Kerry how she came to be a model for the genius. She said, "In 1977 I graduated from high school and went to Chicago to see if I could make it as a model. One day I had a job at his studio, for shoes only. During the shoot, he called in a makeup
artist and after that he began booking me for fashion. Although he did book hair and makeup he liked us to be able to do our own as well. It was 'The School of Victor' so to speak. We knew hair, makeup, styling, posing, acting and becoming aware of what clients wanted. He taught us to be a perfectionist at our job. I became a sought after
model because of what I learned at his studio. I was very grateful. The shoots were amazing, surrounded by very creative and talented people. Always fun music playing and great lunches brought in. We all just clicked and it was a unique atmosphere." Dori Wilson, Dori Wilson PR and a longtime friend and also a former model of
Victor's, had this to say about her experiences with the maestro. "We were all so honored for the opportunity to work for Victor, that we always tried our very best. He didn't say much … one could just tell from his eyes if he was happy or if something needed to be changed. He did makeup better than anyone. I recall Victor told me to show up on a Saturday for a shoot … I did … and thought nothing more about it. Of course, I did not tell my folks that I had done a nude (actually I had on bikini bottoms, but same were retouched out.) One day my Dad came home from work with a page from LOOK Magazine that his boss had given
him. He was not pleased. I said "well, it's not me"… he responded, "well, why is your name there?" …That's how I learned the photo had been picked up by a national magazine…..Yikes! He was THE BEST!" Another longtime friend Michael Kutza, 
founder of the Chicago International Film Festival, bonded with Victor over the Festival photo shoots, which are now iconic. Michael shared this about his friend, "What can I say about Victor? Victor was a very focused professional. I was friends with SKREBNESKI while a select others were friends with VICTOR! So for 55 years we worked on projects for Film Festival posters to help raise funds for the organization. I would bring him a whole slew of
movie stars and personalities to shoot that we then made into posters, with some being included in the book I was doing for the 40th Anniversary entitled MOVING PICTURES. From Francois Truffaut, Anne Nicole Smith, Oliver Stone, Shirley MacLaine, Sigourney Weaver Faye Dunaway so many fun people. They all loved meeting Skrebneski and being in a
shoot. His private life was his private life. I have always respected that. There would be months and months where I would never hear from him and then, maybe 6 months later, I'd get a morning call, "When are we going to RL or La Scarola?" As you or may not know, he put RL on the map. It was a failed enterprise of Ralph's [Lauren]! Ralph asked Victor for advice and he said you need Steve Lombardo to reinvent the place and
manage it. He did and it worked. He loved RL. When I went to him in 1966 and asked him to make the Film Festival SEXY, it took him a few months but he came back with
some images that put the Chicago International Film Festival on the map!!! He could be completely impossible and stubborn, but I certainly understood being a fellow Sagittarius, as we are always RIGHT…and do it our way. One year, we Sagittarians got together for a drink at The Casino. The group included Victor, Donna La Pietra, Sugar Rautbord, Leslie Hindman, Beverly Blettner and me. VIC ( as I called him) is about to have a new chapter in his life. He will be rediscovered or discovered for the first time. His iconic photography will live on…" Leslie Hindman,
Hindman Auctions founder, remembered the unique creativity of Victor. She shared, "When Sandra Hindman and I had Antiques Chicago at Navy Pier in 2001, Victor agreed to be honored and to design a “celebrity booth” at
the fair. I couldn’t wait to see what he would bring to the exhibit. He has the best taste of anyone, as you know, and the chicest home in the entire city other than Marilynn Alsdorf’s. He brought his own little paint container and told the painter that the booth needed to be exactly that color – it was off white – but he was SO specific about it that it had to be exactly that off white. Later, I stopped by to see his booth. The ONLY THING in the booth was one beautiful live naked man lying on a very simple table. Stark naked. That was it. Victor explained that that was ART and DESIGN at its best and that there was nothing else necessary whatsoever. So the naked man just sat in various poses in the off white booth – which was just under the stage in the rotunda at Navy Pier – for the duration of the show. Everyone LOVED IT. How
brilliant. It was fantastic!" (Me: I just wish I had been there to see THIS!) Another dear, dear friend of Victor's, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas had this to share. "Victor was the guy in my life who finished my sentences before I started them. Sometimes we never talked we just made faces, giggles and frowned. He unconditionally loved me and was always up for my cooking. He would even tell me to serve straight out of the pot. He could do no wrong, I could do no wrong. We were two interwoven spirits navigating the world's circus." Carmen Dell' Orefice, who is still modeling at age 88 (and who is my 
favorite of all time) worked with Skrebneski alot, creating museum quality images. She said, ”My heart will always vibrate whenever I think about Victor and our many photo shoots and times together. I'm grateful for the fact, as long as my memory works, that some of his energy is forever intertwined with mine. Comforting at this moment. He knew he had taken my all time favorite portrait from that era! Raising the biggest cup of turmeric tea right now, in his honor!“ (Below is the video that introduced Victor when he was awarded the prestigious Achievement in Fashion Award from the world-renowned Lucie Foundation in 2013. (Carmen accompanied him)
Carmen's dear friend, Peter Martino (jewelry designer to the stars and also for the rest of us) remembers Victor's inclusiveness. "I'll never forget how kind Victor was to me early in my career, coming to Chicago. He introduced me to so many of his social and fashion
friends. He was a Chicago icon who took an interest in “a friend of a friend” (ie: Carmen) and made a concerted effort to help me succeed. He came to many of the events I supported knowing it would help
promote my collections and give me recognition. That kind of kindness is rare and will never be forgotten. Victor and I attended quite a few parties and galas together as guests of Beverly Blettner and these bring back wonderful
memories. He and Beverly were close friends who loved to bicker (actually fight! Lol! But always made up) In NYC, we saw each other through Carmen or at fashion events. He was always a very genuine, true and supportive friend. At times a bit testy- but what genius isn’t!? He will always be a beloved mentor and friend to me," Martino said.
Shortly before Victor passed away, he was interviewed by
Fox 32 Chicago's Sylvia Perez in one of the best interviews I've ever seen him do. I also believe this might have been the last request he granted. He and Sylvia hit if off so well, they had made plans to get together for dinner. In a move that showed just how brilliant an artist Victor was, he asked Sylvia to shoot the interview in black and white. Her editor popped the color in at the end. The results are spectacular as you will see below. Kudos and thank you dear Sylvia for capturing this beloved man so beautifully.
I could share so many more stories, since every encounter with Victor was so memorable, but I'll just leave you with these for now. And I'll close with these words from his friend Michael Kutza, "He will be rediscovered or discovered for the first time. His iconic photography will live on…a new beginning." Amen to that.
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Another tragic loss to our community was Ernest Collins, a world renowned photographer, who was also a Chicago native. Ernest passed away on April 12 at age 67 in his home and studio on the Near West
Side. He started his career as a makeup artist and hairstylist who styled The Emotions, the Pointer Sisters and so many more. In this wonderful obit in the Sun-Times by Maureen O'Donnell, it states "Ernest elevated black beauty in elite modeling circles in Chicago, Milan and Paris. As his reputation grew, his clients included model Tyra Banks, basketball legend Michael Jordan, singer Eddie Kendricks of the Temptations, actors Sheryl Lee Ralph and Gabrielle Union, model-actress Roshumba Williams and Oprah Winfrey." I was so lucky to 
have been photographed by him. As a matter of fact, his headshot of me is my all-time favorite. It's surprising that these two legendary photogs, he and Victor, would pass away so close to each other. They each had such a striking style of shooting glamour and, in many ways, were very similar. Each worked with a bare minimum of shots and had lighting that was deceptively simple and yet genius all at the same time. Ernest was a big bear 
of a guy…gruff on the outside with a marshmallow heart. I didn't know him as well as I'd wanted to. His last big shoot was for A Silver Lining Foundation's "Glitz & Glamour" gala on
March 4. Produced and conceived by his longtime friend, fashion designer Mark Roscoe, the shoot consisted of all of the event's celebrity models being shot by Ernest in his studio. Afterwards, he photo-shopped them all together in a brilliant backdrop/collage for the show that
went from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. I was so happy he was in the audience to see the thunderous applause and appreciation for his work. I 
adored him in every way. We had plans for another shoot and more laughs, but sadly, that wasn't meant to be. His longtime friend and hairstylist Leigh Jones said, "He basically brought a lot of black models to the forefront. He saw in these young black women what some other white photographers didn't see." Ernest did campaigns for L'Oreal, Fashion Fair and Iman Cosmetics, Soft Sheen hair products, Alberto-Culver, and many more. A future memorial is planned. RIP dear Ernest.
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Since we all have so much time on our hands, I love seeing all the creative ways people are surviving this crisis. Many of our beloved local designers and everyday people have
taken on the life-saving task of making masks. A pivot for sure and one that is greatly appreciated. I believe Peach Carr was the first to jump in to help followed by designers Elda de la Rosa, Lauren Lein, Shernett Swaby, Thierry Couture and even PR maven Betsy Shepherd, who is creating reversible Cubs masks on her brand new Etsy page. And I love and appreciate all the people out there who have shared on Instagram their support of said designers like Sherry Lea Fox, Mary Lasky, Bobbi Panter, Sherrill Bodine, Thomas O'Gorman and so many others. Thanks to all!
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Other Chicago companies making a difference include BBJ Linens, which provides linen rentals for all occasions, has temporarily shifted its focus 
to making gowns and masks and shields for hospitals across the country. Lanie Hartman, BBJ Linens regional account exec, said, "I’m so, so proud of the help that we have given during this crazy time. Our talented sewers are so busy trying to get all of these PPE’s finished as quickly as possible. We’ve turned our talented staff and Atelier Custom Department into a Covid 19 fighting machine!"
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And kudos also go out to Justin Jacobson, founder of Platinum Events, a premiere event planning company. He and his company have pivoted towards sanitation services through his newly formed Platinum Sanitation Services. They offer antibacterial and antiviral deep cleaning, steaming and more for warehouses, offices, homes and educational facilities. #HatTip
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More love from Common Threads— To address food insecurity issues Chicago residents are facing in the wake of COVID-19, Common Threads, Top Box
Foods and local restaurateurs are teaming up to deliver family meals and grocery boxes for up to 500 residents per week. Distribution began the week of April 6 and will continue through at least early June thanks to support from Mariano’s, Nielsen-Massey Foundation and donations from Common Threads supporters. Common Threads identified participating chefs, including Chef Bill Kim of Urbanbelly, Chef Kevin Hickey of The Duck Inn, Chef Josh Katt of KitchFix, Chef Paul Hitalenko of Huegah Catering Company and Chef Tiffany Williams of Exquisite Catering to produce the family meal boxes. (To learn more and how you can support, click here!)
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experiences due to COVID-19 social distancing. Children and families affected by pediatric cancer in 18 Midwest-area hospitals and at home received a giant virtual Bear Hug recently, through the efforts of celebrities, Chicago personalities and supporters. “We are thrilled to
be blessed by the participation of these individuals who have come together to provide much needed hope at this time,” said Kathleen A. Casey, founder and CEO of BNPCF. Celebrities, Chicago personalities and supporters bidding well-wishes to Bear Necessities families in the Bear Hug video include power couple of American Idol fame Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young, who were set to headline the March premiere of the Chicago musical HIT HER WITH THE
SKATES; “Saturday Night Live” alum and film star Nora Dunn; Chicago Bears long snapper Patrick Scales; ABC7’s Roz Varon; CBS2’s Ryan Baker; FOX32’s Sylvia Perez; Brookfield Zoo and The Langham Chicago and yours truly. Bear Necessities has supported thousands of children and families through the unique Bear Hugs program over the years, providing customized experiences from events such as tickets to a concert or a Joffrey Ballet to family-friendly moments like brand-new backyard swing sets and fishing trips to Wisconsin. More than 384 Bear Hugs were provided in 2019 alone. For more information on how to support Bear Necessities and Bear Hugs programs for families in need, visit https://www.bearnecessities.org/donate/.
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If you're not following Chef Art Smith on Insta (@thechefartsmith), you are truly missing out! A week
ago, he started doing 30 minute virtual cooking demos called "Healthy & Comfort Cooking with Chef Art Smith", executive produced by Lucas Cancelier (who is also a chef and kick-ass health coach (Insta @iamdapower). He helped Chef Art lose 50 lbs. in 6 weeks on a healthy eating, fitness plan!). Art's broadcasts are on his Insta story for 24 hours and then they go to IGTV. He said, "In these challenging times people need 
some happy! A little food and love makes people's day. Pray about better days to come and don't allow the news to become the narrative of your day." Amen to this Chef! In the first week, he showed viewers how to make his famous Hummingbird Cake and, in his most recent video, he showed us (with wit, charm and talent) how to fix un-fried chicken and his world famous fried chicken. Next week, Wednesday, April 22 (4-4:430 pm, EST) he plans on sharing his recipes for biscuits and sweet tea, among others! You have to tune in. He films from his home kitchen in Jasper, Florida, and you feel like you're spending time with a much loved relative. Thank you Art for bringin' the foodie love!
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Our very own Mary Ann Rose's life story should be made into a movie! We all know and love her as a premier event planner through her Tamar Productions but I bet you didn't know she was a star performer for many of Bob Hope's shows entertaining the troops and others! She said, "I toured with Bob Hope during the Viet Nam War and then worked for him for several years as an opening act throughout the US. In addition to the opening of the Notre Dame Center, you’d get a kick to know that I was working with him on one of his birthdays at the Playboy Club in Lake Geneva as well as when he appeared in Chicago for the National Houseware’s Show opening event at the Chicago Hilton and Towers. I was dating Heinz [Kern] at the time but had never told him I had another career other than as a meeting planner. I'd invited him to come see me and he brought some fellow co-workers from the Hyatt and they almost fell off their chairs. He had no clue that I could actually sing! In addition to my opening act, we did a comedy duet together to “
It’s Wonderful. “ I don’t think I’ll ever get over the look on Heinz’s face. That picture you have was also featured in Life Magazine’s tribute to Bob. When my daughter was old enough to go to school at Francis Parker, I decided that since I was never going to be a household name, it was time to look for other employment. A friend told me “you can’t stay too long at the party.” Thus the founding of Tamar Productions, Inc. which looking back, is the best thing I ever did, other than marrying Heinz." Mary Ann, I think you ARE a household name! Thanks for sharing this fun story! Once a star, always a star!
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The Chicago History Museum announced a community-based initiative, “In This Together” to collect digital records that capture personal experiences during these uncertain times. Gary T. Johnson, Chicago History Museum president said, "In the midst of a global pandemic, it is imperative we turn to our friends, family and community for support and share stories of these uncharted moments in everyday life that will soon be vital pieces of history. We are all affected by this crisis in varying 
degrees, and personal materials such as diaries, journals, oral histories, images and recordings will help us tell stories of this unprecedented time in history. (Contributions can be made here.) Now more than ever, the Chicago History Museum is committed to sharing Chicago’s stories, and we are honored to launch “In This Together” to shine a light on our shared experiences during this critical time in our history. History is in the making, and we encourage all 
Chicagoans to share their stories and continue to lean on our community for support as we navigate through the unknown together.” “In This Together” invites those living in Chicago and its surrounding metropolitan area to contribute any digital records that document their experience and tell a story of their community during the COVID-19 pandemic. These could include digital journal entries, audio/video recordings, images or emails. Submissions can be made via smartphones, tablets or computers. Contributors will have the option to remain anonymous. To contribute a physical item, please use our donation inquiry form.
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My favorite hair stylist, Charles Ifergan, is throwing it back! Take a look at the salon's new 20th anniversary tee-shirts! 100% of the profits will go toward its employee 
fund. I've been going to Charles since we were both in diapers. Back in the 80s, I appeared in ads for the salon shot by another iconic photographer Jack Perno (the image appears on the tee-shirt). We have a long history together and I love this fashionable idea to support the stylists. (Click here for info) Or check your own salon for ways you might be able to support them, too. Perhaps prepay for haircuts so they have money now to support the staff?
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So many nonprofit events have been cancelled but several have plans in place for either an actual rescheduled event or to take the fun online virtually. Ronald McDonald House Charities, whose Un-Gala was cancelled on April 2, is now hosting the event online through May 2. Check it out here! The Digestive Health Gala has been
reset to Friday, June 5. Luminarts, a nonprofit that provides support to aspiring young artists, had to cancel its signature event that was originally scheduled for April 18th. It will now take place sometime in the fall and will be held at the Union League Club and include performances by Luminarts Fellows and a sit-down dinner. Lookingglass Theatre has developed a whole host of free digital 
offerings presented by Lookingglass Ensemble Members and Artistic Associates, including a new weekly podcast, a virtual yoga class, and exclusive performances (click here). Designs for Dignity, a nonprofit that supports organizations serving adults and children dealing with homelessness, abuse, mental health issues and more, announced a new fundraising initiative to honor its 20th anniversary. The $20 for 20 
Challenge will help fundraise for pro-bono design services for charitable organizations. (For more info, click here) Chicago Zoological Society’s largest annual fund-raising gala, the Whirl benefiting Brookfield Zoo, is going virtual too. This year’s event, Rain Forests of the Virtu-Whirl, which is presented by the Society’s Women’s Board and Board of Trustees, will consist of an online auction. Beginning Thursday, April 23, at 5:00 p.m. and continuing through Saturday, April 25, at 9:00 p.m., the public can bid on a variety of fabulous auction items or even contribute with a monetary donation as in a paddle raise. (Details and register here!)
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I love seeing all of the funny memes, gifs and jokes out there. It seems this virus has brought out a sense of 
humor I didn't realize we had. As they say, laughter is the best medicine, and we sure do need a lot of this now. I don't know how much longer this will last but I do know that we will all get through it together. I'm not a big phone person but I have been calling friends more and more. The sound of their voices is comforting and makes me feel connected. I so miss not being out and covering my nonprofit events but I know they will return in one form or another and, hopefully, I will be there to cheer them on. And, I never miss the 8 pm balcony call to cheer on our frontline healthcare workers….Stay safe out there!
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In closing, my friend/designer/art curator Daniel Kinkade, shared these comments on his Facebook page. I couldn't have said it better nor agree more: "Can we STOP complaining and whining about being in lockdown? We are BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE to live where we have access to WIFI, Netflix, Hulu, cable, Facetime, ZOOM, social media, air conditioning, heat, food, food 
delivery, grocery pickup, grocery delivery, etc. As Americans we don't have to worry about what over 50% of the rest of the world worries about on a DAILY basis such as clean water and food to eat. If you're not in a third world country stuck in a one room hut in a slum in 105 degree heat with 10 other immediate family members and none of the above mentioned pleasures we take for granted every day, then you sound ridiculous moaning and groaning about a few weeks in which we have to self-reflect, meditate, pray, read, organize, learn a new language, grow internally and perhaps cherish our loved ones even more. Let's step back and be thankful that we are ALIVE. This will pass." Thank you Daniel.
Love, as always,
Candace
P.S. Funniest bird video ever, watch that lil' claw….
