Tag Archives: tiffany’s

May 4, 2009 · 7:40 pm

DREAMING OF “BUBBLES AND BAUBLES!”

The “Bubbles and Baubles” luncheon was held at the gorgeous Prosecco Restaurant at 710 N. Wells on Monday, April 20th. The women of the Auxiliary Board of the Art Institute featured the world famous jewelry designer Tony White and his unique designs. In the center of every table Peter Martino – Tony’s exclusive U.S. representative – had arranged mounds of beautiful jewelry, a wonderfully creative idea. All of the women could touch and try on whatever pieces caught their fancy and believe me, it ALL caught MY fancy! Designer Tony White hails from Australia and his one-of-a-kind pieces have been exhibited all over the world and are included in the permanent collections of the National Gallery of Australia, the National Galley of Victoria (Melbourne) and many others. In addition he has been honored with one-man shows in NY, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. He believes in unusually carved, colored stones and massive exotic shaped and hued pearls (he was the first person to create multi-colored pearl necklaces that are so popular today). His collections include baroque pearls in gold, yellow, blue, white, silver and cocoa; very rare natural keishi pearls; English 18th century carved glass intaglios; fabulous moghul carved cabochons and magnificent colored gems from India, Ceylon and Madagascar; ancient beads dating back 3000 years and an important collection of precious opals. I’ve known Tony and Peter for a long time and besides having such a spectacular selection of jewelry, they are terrific men and work tirelessly for various charities around the world. Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue, Evelyn Lauder and Carmen are fans. This event was hosted by Auxillary board members Toni Canada, Kerry Moriarty, Diana Peterson Makowski and Dustin O’Reagan. Beautiful guests included Karen Smith, board president Roxy Goebel, Mary Jean Reese, Christina Peters, Erin Brophy, Maria Smithburg, Ruth Beattie, Heather Johnson, Ann Lowe, Maria Cieciura, Karen Butler and others. AND, if you haven’t been to Prosecco yet, prepare yourself for romance! This charming space might be the most beautiful restaurant in town. And the food is divine—throw in owners who really care (Kathryn Alevero and Jason Clark) and you have yourself a real winner! Photos from top right: Mary Jeanne Kneen, Auxiliary Board president Roxy Goebel and co-chair Kerry Moriarty; Tony White jewlery; Peter Martino, Me and Tony White; Prosecco Restaurant; Heather Farley and Karen Smith; Peter Martino and Toni Canada; Maria Cieciura and Christina Peters; Christina Peters, Erin Brophy, Dustin O'Regan, Anne Lowe Brown and Jessica Nielson; Jason Clark, Peter Martino and Kathryn Alevero; fabulous tilapia dish; Heather Johnston and Tony White.

The Sofitel Hotel was the place to be on Wednesday, April 15th, when friends gathered to celebrate the birthday of world renowned interior designer, John Regas. Organized by Paul Iacono and Andrew Mann, it was a happy and intimate group of life long friends who all adore and love John. They included Robert Rubinelli, Peter Kamberos, Kathy Stratton, Christine and Ernie Cochanis, Paul and Senya Kolpacke, Jim Zissis, Greg Malinowski, Jim Kabakovich, Sophia and Frank Klopas, Jayme Schenk, Paul Iacono, Pat Lauderdale, Don Poder, Frank Paul, Andrew Mann, Greg Hyder, Michale Wooley and Tom Wood. Chuck and I were very honored to be included. Chef Martial Noguier served an incredible four-course dinner while guests toasted this very special friend. John’s history reads like a fairy tale: He comes from a Greek Orthodox family of six (including a twin). His father wanted all of his sons to become lawyers and all of them passed the bar except for John who never took the test. He knew from the age of 16 that he wanted to be surrounded by beautiful things after cleaning and restoring an icon in his church. After this experience, he says, “it was that clear and that final.” He went on to earn a scholarship from the Art Institute of Chicago and in 1963, he opened a small shop called Bon Fils Antiques. In the first week of business he sold $45,000 in antiques. As a designer, his client list reads like a who’s who including American royalty. We wish him all of the best on his birthday and know he will continue making this world a more beautiful place. Photos from top right: Sofitel Chef Martial Noguier and John Regas; Kathy Stratton, Peter Kamberos and Frank Klopas; Andrew Mann and Frank Paul; Christine Cochanis, Senya Kolpacke and Paul Kolpacke; John Regas and Paul Iacono; Michael Wooley and Tom Wood; Jim Kabakovich, John Regas and Greg Malinowski.

The “Breakfast at Tiffany Gala”/Ascot Ball will be held on June 26th but their cocktail reception to celebrate The English Speaking Union, was held at Tiffany & Co. last week. It brought out an A-list crowd who all came to support Gala chairs Lynn McMahan and Mamie Walton. Guests sipped on Tiffany blue colored martinis and voted for the piece of jewelry which Tiffany will donate for the event. The winner was their popular aquamarine ring with diamonds which will be auctioned off at the Ascot Ball at the Casino on June 26th. This event benefits the English Speaking Unions scholarship fund to enhance and further the teaching of William Shakespeare. Some of their exciting auction offerings will be an afternoon cruise and gourmet lunch on the luxury sailing yacht, The Grand Vizier, which was donated by Jim Kinney and Brian White. Stanley Paul will host a cocktail party on the terrace of his beautiful penthouse and Susan Gohl has donated a yacht party/cruise in Naples, Florida. There will be music and dancing to the Stanley Paul Orchestra. Tickets for “Breakfast at Tiffany’s/Ascot Ball” are available by calling or emailing Betty Melton (630) 241-2363 or bmeltonassoc@earthlink.net. Photos from top left: Cathy Elward, event co-chair Lynn McMahan, ESU president Brian White and event co-chair Mamie Walton; Megan McKinney, Bunky Cushing and Geri Shute; Dede Lubeznik, Sheryl Dyer and Heather Farley; Tiffany blue martinis were served; Bonnie Mitchell, Stanley Paul, me and Brian White; Joyce Sang; Ellen Wesley. For more photos from this event, click here.

The premiere of the Harry Potter exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry Tuesday night was beyond my wildest expectations. I must say, I consider myself one of the biggest Harry Potter fans on the planet and this show blew me away. In a 10,000-square-foot exhibit space you can see over 200 artifacts from all of the Harry Potter films and some things you just couldn't imagine…..like being able to sit in one of Hagrid's oversized chairs inside his hut, viewing a life-size Buckbeak and centaur up close and personal, throwing quaffle balls into the Quidditch rings, the Ford Anglia “borrowed” by Ron and Harry, seeing the Triwizard Cup and Harry's wand and glasses, props and artifacts from the Yule Ball, walking into the Great Hall and seeing for yourself those magical candles hanging from the ceiling, being sorted by the Sorting Hat (I was in Gryffindor) and even the Hogwart's Express!! The Museum of Science and Industry beat out 40 other institutions all vying for the honor of being the first to present this extraordinary collection of Harry Potter memorabilia. It opened Thursday, April 30th, and runs through September 27th. Tickets are $26 for adults and $19 for children age 3-11. I suggest you go early since some of the props will be removed for the filming of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One” (YES, there will be TWO more films for sure!) Prepare to be SORTED! :) Photos from top right: Harry Potter at the Museum of Science and Industry; flying Ford Anglia from "The Chamber of Secrets"; young wizards in training; Barb Malott Kizziah and Christine Ott.

Under the category of “why didn’t I think of that” comes a creative new idea in galoshes from Rebecca Miller. They're called Shuellas and they are like little umbrellas for your shoes! Chicago designer Miller was

frustrated that every time it would rain or there was inclement weather, she had nothing fashionable and functional to wear that would protect her shoes. She looked everywhere and couldn’t find anything suitable so she created them herself. Shuellas fit over heels or flats and are available in hot pink, apple green, buttercup yellow and classic black. They’re the perfect way to brighten up those dreary days. They come with a nonslip sole, carrying pouch and drying cloth for $49.95 and can be found here at Nordstrom or purchased online at www.Shuella.com. Thanks to crack PR whiz Lynne Bredfeldt, they have appeared in the New York Times style section as well as on "The Today Show" with Kathie Lee Gifford. Photos from top right: Shuella founder Rebecca Miller; a Shuella shoe cover.

And it wouldn’t be a good blog without a pic of my friend David Aminzadeh in La La Land…..here he is at a recent Playboy pajama party… 🙂 Photo: David Aminzadeh attending a Playboy pajama party in Los Angeles.

I hope you all recognize the yellow orb up in the sky…..it’s called the sun for all of us who are unfamiliar with it…and now for another cheery little note, visit this link.

Have a wonderful week!

Love,
Candace 🙂

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Filed under Chicago, Culture, Fashion, Food and Drink, Music

Tagged as Art Institute, ascot ball, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, CandidCandace, chef martial noguier, david aminzadeh, harry potter, jewelry, John Regas, Museum of Science and Industry, Playboy, Prosecco, rebecca miller, shakespeare, shuella, sofitel, Stanley Paul Orchestra, tiffany's, today show, tony white

April 27, 2009 · 10:53 pm

JOFFREY WOWS SPRING GALA CROWD!

How does one describe a magical evening like Friday night when the Joffrey Spring Gala was held at the Hilton Chicago? From beginning to end, the memory-making moments never stopped. First, guests arrived at the Auditorium Theater for a wine reception starting at 5:30 p.m. and the performance began at 6:30 p.m. Gala co-chairs Sandy Deromedi, Mary Jo Basler and Jay Franke welcomed the crowd and thanked the sponsors and artistic director Ashley Wheater and executive director Christopher Clinton Conway introduced the program which began with an inspiring video. The production was, in a word, breathtaking. I’ve followed the Joffrey dancers for a while now and I will tell you, they are a world-class ballet company and every time they dance, they are so much better than the time before. (If you haven’t gotten tickets for the Spring Series, DO IT NOW! You don’t have to be a dance aficionado to appreciate these thrilling performances. The program began with all of the Exelon Strobel Step-Up students performing "Groove", a fast paced, energetic piece that showcased these young dancers’ incredible skills. (They are brilliantly and passionately directed by former dancer Pierre Lockett.) Next up was our own Joffrey Ballet performing a pas de deux from “Reflections” and danced exquisitely by Christine Rocas and Temur Suluashvili. Then “Age of Innocence” choreographed by Edwaard Liang and danced by Derrick Agnoletti, Raul Casaola, Aaron Rogers and Mauro Villanueva. A haunting “Aria” was performed by Matthew Adamczyk and you could hear a pin drop in the audience with his skillful performance. “In the Middle Somewhat Elevated” was danced to perfection by Fabrice Calmels and Victoria Jaiani. This number was very modern and Pulp Fiction-esque in feel and had the audience enthralled. The closing piece – the highlight – was “Carousel A Dance.” With music by Richard Rodgers and choreographed by the genius Christopher Wheeldon, the company was at its peak. The clever and unique staging made the country fair come to life for everyone in the audience. It was danced by the gorgeous Victoria Jaiani and handsome Matthew Adamczyk with “friends” Mauro Villanueva, Allison Walsh, Elizabeth Hansen and Temur Suluashvili. It brought the audience to their feet as the dancers took bow after bow amid a waterfall of glittering confetti. It made me so proud to be a part of this incredible organization that I could almost bust. My husband and I were moved to tears… Photos from top right: Gala co-chairs Sandy Deromedi, Jay Franke and Mary Jo Basler; Exelon Strobel Step-Up students; Joffrey dancers taking their bows; Gala hostesses Jessica Steffenson, Astra Gamsjaeger, Heidi Keeling and Marjorie Habermann; Liz Ryan, Shawna Owen, Sophie Bross and Heather Webster; Pam Strobel with Jeff and Lisa Leiden; Julie Garwood and Julie Johnson; me and Jesus Salguiero; Nancy Bauer and Debbie Beitler; Kelly Dettman and Judy Pierpont; Sheryl Dyer and Alan Sax; Margaret O'Connor, Harold Ramis, Erica Ramis, Katherine Veach and Mayari Pritzker.

On this night, we were fortunate enough to be picked up and driven to the theatre and gala in a 1960 Rolls Royce limousine with chauffeur courtesy of our friends Deb and John Gross. Now I know how Queen Elizabeth feels!!! Thanks so much Deb and John!! You made a special evening even MORE special! Photo: me and Christine Ott with the vintage Rolls Royce limo.

The Gala was held at the Hilton Chicago at 720 S. Michigan Ave. and guests were transported there via trolleys that were running constantly. Gala co-chairs Sandy Deromedi, Mary Jo Basler and Jay Franke thought of EVERYTHING and in this very tough economy brought in 950 guests and raised almost $1.2 million dollars this year for the Joffrey! This is simply amazing and I know how hard they all worked to make this happen! Huge kudos and thank you to Sandy, Mary Jo and Jay!! Presenting sponsor was Harris Private Bank and the dinner and performance was underwritten by Alphawood Foundation. Premier grand benefactors included Abbott Fund, Mr. and Mrs. Doug Basler, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Deromedi, Mr. Fred Eychaner, Mr. Jay Franke and Mr. David Herro, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Levy and J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation. Thank you all! Photos from top left: Richard and Kate Benson; Harriet and Irwin Ross.

There was a cocktail reception in the Normandie Lounge and then dinner and dancing by Rich Daniels and the City Lights Orchestra in the Grand Ballroom. The Grand Ballroom has never looked more elegant thanks to the floral and décor efforts by Jonathan Ryan of “A Perfect Event.” It was simply breathtaking: There were two-foot-tall white floral arrangements composed of soaring calla lilies, amaryllis, peonies and hydrangeas placed on various tables in beautiful crystal vases. On other tables were chic, modern silver based lamps with white shades and then on the rest of the tables, were gorgeous small white and pale green flowers all set on custom made Fortuny linens. A dramatic touch were the apple green uplights on the second balcony highlighting all of the gilding and moldings. It was the crowning touch and even the giant crystal chandeliers seemed to sparkle a little brighter. Dinner began with smoked salmon, followed by filet mignon topped with an herb crust, truffle sauce, sautéed spinach, fingerling potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The dessert, an apple tatin surrounded by caramel sauce under a golden chocolate cage with fresh raspberries, was a delightful tribute to the Joffrey Ballet. Photos from top left: Angela Flenoy of Sara Lee and Sharon Ford; arriving at the Hilton; Linda Johnson Rice; decor by Jonathan Ryan of A Perfect Event; Marci Holzer and her darling family; delicious Joffrey dessert.

We all danced until the wee hours and hated to say goodbye. Everyone was at their most elegant and I can’t wait to see what next year brings! Chuck and I were whisked back home in our vintage Rolls and then we turned back into pumpkins but were very happy pumpkins indeed! Hope to see you all there next year!!! Photos from top left: John Amato and Rhonda Sanderson; Greg Hyder, Michelle Desjardins and Bob Golant. For more photos from this magical evening, click here!

Saturday night we attended the American Cancer Society’s Discovery Ball at the Civic Opera House as guests of Kristina and Mike McGrath. It was a packed audience and the rooms were beautifully decorated by Kehoe Designs with massive hanging baskets of flowers and six-foot-tall florals on the auction tables. They had a silent and live auction which raised almost $250,000 with the entire event raising over $2.9 million for cancer research. This is the first time I’ve seen these wireless remote bidding devices that were used but they were very effective. Bidders could watch their bids on the giant live screen and bid from the comfort of their tables throughout the course of the evening. For the live auction, a behind-the-scenes tour with Katie Couric and breakfast at Tiffany’s went for $22,000. Mike and Kristina McGrath donated a 2010 Lexus IS 250 convertible with your choice of colors which is the first of its kind in Chicago. It sold for $50,000. Lucky Mike also won one of the raffle prizes which was a gorgeous diamond and platinum ring from Tiffany’s. A silver lab puppy was auctioned off for $25,000 to United Airlines president Glen Tilton and wife Jackie. An Indianapolis 500 racing package with a full racing suit from Danica Patrick sold for $32,000. Haity and Jim McNerney, CEO of Boeing, were event chairs. CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo was the emcee for the evening and Natalie Cole gave an amazing performance. Natalie has been diagnosed with Hepatitis C and needs a kidney. My tablemates informed me they saw her last year and this year she looks much frailer. We wish her the best. Next year’s chairs will be Victoria and Gary Holdren. Photos from top left: Discovery Ball at the Civic Opera House; dining on stage at the Civic Opera House; Kristina and Mike McGrath with a Tiffany's model; bidder's board; United Airlines president Glen Tilton and wife Jackie with their new puppy; performer Natalie Cole; 2010 Discovery Ball co-chairs Victoria and Gary Holdren; Shauna and Barry Montgomery; David and Julie Lampert. For more photos from this event, click here!

There are lots more fun events coming up and I want to share a few with you. The first party is hosted by Graham Kostic from “Glossed and Found.” It will be held on Thursday, April 30th, at Galleria Unico from 6 to 8 p.m. to honor their spotlighted profiles. Honorees are Jessa Brinkmeyer, Toni Canada, Lisa Trunda, Harold Zimmerman and moi. Space is limited so please RSVP to Rachel@glossedandfound.com if you can join us. The second event, Art Rocks, will take place on May 1st and is hosted by Cynthia Rowley, Melissa and Henrique Kerch, Claudia Kleiner, Christine Sanderson, Kasia Koniar, Tracey Mayer and moi aussi. This is the official after party for Art Chicago and space fills up fast. Enjoy local paintings, digital art, specialty drinks and mingle with Chicago’s hottest fashion and art scene. RSVP to www.Factio-Magazine.com/artrocks. The final fun and exciting party will be the premier of the cult classic movie Star Trek on May 8th with a private screening at 600 N. Michigan Ave. theatres. Tickets are $100 and will benefit Columbia College. They can be purchased online by clicking on this link. Doors open at 5 p.m., movie starts at 5:30 p.m. and the after-party at Fleming’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar will start at 8 p.m. There will be a special introduction by Trekkie Richard Roeper. This is a Chicago Link Productions event so you just know it will be loads of fun! Photos from top right: Glossed & Found logo; Art Rocks invite; Star Trek poster.

I hope to see you around our wonderful town and I also hope that someday spring will arrive……in case you’ve forgotten, this is what it looks like! This photo was taken last year in Harbor Country in Michigan during the Celebration of Home and Gardens Tour which benefits Heartland Alliance. This year it will take place on Saturday, June 6th. For ticket info, please call (312) 660-1319. It is a wonderful way to spend the day and you’ll bump into a lot of friends too… :) And now, if you feel like you’re swimming with sharks in this terrible economy, take a tip from our little friend and see how it will all work out in the end.