Candid Candace

Francine Turk, Aztec Ball, Zoran, La Bella Gina and MORE!

On Friday, October 24th, artist Francine Turk held her first annual Autumn Event for Charity at her Prairie District gallery. Her friends turned out to celebrate her artistry and to also lend support for her friend Dawn Dubsky, a nurse at Children’s Memorial Hospital who lost her limbs to malaria upon returning from Africa where she was delivering much-needed supplies to a hospital in Ghana. A percentage of the sales for this gallery event went to Dawn’s recovery. View her website here. Photos: top right, Francine Turk with Diana McCartney; bottom left, Chris Long, Misty Vitale, Jim Smith, Chuck (in back), Brooke Smith and Greg Hyder.
   
Francine, nationally and internationally known for her charcoal drawings, works in a variety of mediums including oil, pastel and mixed media. She was discovered by the producer from “The Break-Up” which was filmed in Chicago in 2005. She was exhibiting at the Randolph Street antique market when he came along and bought them all for the movie and requested she do more! The rest, as they say, is history! Besides being a wonderful and talented artist, Francine is also a beautiful woman inside and out. Currently, Francine partners with well-known designer showrooms including Holly Hunt and Judy Niedermaier to distribute her unique creations which she often places in customized antique frames to complete her artwork. Photos: top right: Francine's rendering of Clint Eastwood for her husband; middle left, designer Michael Del Piero and Stuart Grannen; bottom right, Francine with her mother Kathleen Miller.

The Aztec Ball was held at the Field Museum on Saturday, October 25th. The guests mingled downstairs for cocktails and then everyone in their formal finery meandered upstairs to tour the exhibit where they learned about this remarkable culture through the many artifacts on view from this era. The incredible and haunting décor by Bill Heffernan set the tone for the evening: With the dramatic lighting and two-foot-tall birds of paradise on every table, it was a sight to inspire your imagination and take you back in time. Catch this exhibit while you can; it will be at the Field Museum through April 19, 2009. For more photos from this event, click HERE. Photos: top left, room decor by Bill Heffernan; top right, Trish Rooney Alden, Linda Johnson Rice and Neal Zucker; bottom left, Dr. Ali Shariatzadeh and Michael Sneed; bottom right, Alejandro and Amelia Silva.

The Joffrey Ballet’s Clara’s Tea Party was an afternoon of fun and wonder and all of the children – big and small – had a ball! Pierre Locket led them all in dance while prima ballerina Suzanne Lopez read the delightful story of the Nutcracker to the spellbound audience. There was cupcake icing, nutcracker painting and goody bags that held a treasure trove of surprises for every boy and girl. Don’t forget the Nutcracker begins at the Auditorium Theatre on December 18th and runs through the 28th. Please call (312) 386-8944 and start this wonderful family tradition with the Joffrey Ballet. For more photos from this event, click HERE. Photos: top left, prima ballerina Suzanne Lopez with a friend; top right, Mary Ellen Dwyer with her granddaughter Molly Mason; bottom left, Tracye Tackbary with her daughter Olivia Tackbary and friend Mia Hayford; bottom right, Mary Lasky with her children Grace Sophia Lasky and Leo Allan Lasky.

There was a wonderful luncheon held at Saks Fifth Avenue on Tuesday, October 28th to honor one of my favorite designers – Zoran. He rarely makes personal appearances and his line is only being carried by Saks and Bergdorf Goodman so this was a treat for me. He showed his spring line during an intimate lunch to guests including Jane Sahlins, Cynthia Olson, Zari Azoonoush, Marie Tyler, Gail Mertz and others. I was lucky enough to sit next to him and this is what I learned: He’s originally from Yugoslavia now Serbia) and was an engineer. You can see this aspect in his carefully designed pieces with the way he cuts his garments. Until this day, I had never seen him incorporate florals into his collections and, quite frankly, I’m not sure if this really works with his true design philosophy. At any rate, he said his British customers implored him to make these florals and so he did. Just not my taste but I loved everything else he showed. His designs are timeless. Photos: top left, Gail Mertz; middle right, Joy Sandler and Zari Azoonoush; bottom left, Zoran.

On October 30th, a party was held for broadcasting legend Merri Dee at the Dana Hotel. The Vertigo Nightclub was packed to capacity as Merri Dee’s many friends, admirers and colleagues gathered to celebrate and toast her recent retirement and birthday – although “retirement” is never a word to use for this energetic woman! As a surprise to Merri, event planners Andrew Hayes and Mary Jo Basler presented her with tickets for two to Obama’s inauguration AND a custom-designed gown by Maria Pinto to wear to it! The crowd went WILD. The evening’s host was Art Norman and guests included Deloris Jordan, Pat Brickhouse, Brenda Sexton and Ken Cook, Janice and Ray Blaney, Mary Jo Basler and others. By the way, if you haven’t had a chance to visit the Dana Hotel and Vertigo, you’re missing a really cool space: On the top floor, there is an outdoor fire pit with leather surround seating and the most incredible views of the city – a real surprise! Photo: Art Norman and Merri Dee.

Onto another amazing woman: Gina Lollobrigida! My lucky friend Christina Gilberti, the salon director for Harry Winston, had a trip most of us only dream of. She toured Sicily on a giant yacht with some Chicago friends and wound up at the villa of La Bella Gina in Rome! It was very rare that Gina invites people into her home but Christina said she was very gracious and showed her the beautiful villa with black and white wall portraits of her with Marilyn, Paul Newman, Liz Taylor, Orson Welles and John Wayne. Oh, for the Golden Age of Hollywood! And by the way, Christina looks like a pretty gorgeous young Gina herself! Photos: top left, Gina Lollobrigida, Debra Selch and Christina Gilberti; bottom left, La Bella Gina. 

Well, I guess you’ve all heard the sad news by now: Kendra Wilkinson is engaged. Just kidding…not sad at all! Anyway, she’s engaged to Hank Baskett of the Philadelphia Eagles. But according to rumors, her former beau Hef is happy with the 19-year-old Shannon twins, Karissa and Kristina…although my spies at the Mansion said that Hef had to send his security guards to find them on Halloween. Draw your own conclusions there! At any rate, I wish him and the girls all the best. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed watching “The Girls Next Door” and even appeared on an episode. May the saga continue! Photo: Hef surrounded by new girlfriends Karissa and Kristina Shannon.

I also want to thank the fabulous Gibson Girls for always showing everyone how to have fun AND support a good cause! This time, they were the “Pink Ladies” on Halloween to brighten the day and to support finding a cure for breast cancer. Love you and thanks for helping to make Chicago such a special and caring place to live! Photo: Kathy Piccone, Carol Gipson, Mellisa Cohen, Diana Chavez, Jamie Vela and Peaches. 

And last but not least, I want to give a heartfelt thanks to my crack blog assistant from Sanderson & Associates, Alexis Mattera! She has formatted my blog perfectly and I couldn’t do this without her! Thanks also to Remy Vaudelle and Todd Chebuhar, who have so many computer skills I’ve stopped counting! You all have been so helpful and patient with me! I will thank you again at my blog party on Thursday, December 4th at DISMERO on Oak Street! It’s from 6 to 9 p.m. Be there! Photo: Remy Vaudelle and Alexis Mattera. 

Until next time, be kind to each other and remember: “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

DISMERO Blog Party, PAWS Fur Ball and Robert Crown Birthday Party!

Welcome back everyone!  I’m so excited!  I am now a part of the NBC-5 Street Team! Check out the site here!!!!! 

We attended the 50th birthday party for the Robert Crown Center of Hinsdale recently which was held in the Grand Ballroom at the Peninsula. It was co-chaired by Hazel Barr and Anne and Paul Joyaux. It was a very joyous affair for a wonderful group celebrating its 50th year of teaching healthy habits to over five million children. The Robert Crown Center prepares children with the fundamentals about how their bodies work and what they need to do to stay healthy, happy and safe. The RCC educates children in eight Illinois counties and more than 600 schools. There was dancing to the Marshall Vente Band and a live auction that included VIP tickets to the Olympics in Vancouver, Oprah tickets and more. We all wound up in the VIP section of the lounge where we were escorted by their catering director and good friend, Greg Hyder. He said we would have to leave if any celebs showed up. They didn’t and we stayed. :) For more information and to make a donation please go to www.robertcrown.org. Photos: top right, Sheryl Dyer, Hazel Barr, me and Mary Ann Childers; top left, me with Bob and Maria Zec; middle right, John Regas, Jean Antoniou, Jim Smith and Andy Antoniou; bottom left, Holly Barr, Chuck and Jean Antoniou; bottom right, Sheryl Dyer with Andy and Jean Antoniou

The Chic Chicago Preview Party was held at the Chicago History Museum and the invite read dress to impress. And dress they did! Some of the standouts were Harriet Ross, Abigail Rutherford, Toni Canada, Laura Barnett and Ann Waters. This exhibition of over 60 pieces was a testimony to the women of style who strived to make Chicago known for something other than being the hog butcher to the world. Through their efforts, they helped shape fashion history, from Gilded Age gowns by Worth and Pingat to modern masterpieces by Chanel and Versace. Some of the gowns on display were from collections of Mrs. Potter Palmer II, Mrs. Charles S. Dewey, Ruth Page and Mrs. William McCormick Blair. They were worn to events such as the Coronation of King Edward VII and to meet the Queen of England. The History Museum (curator is Timothy Long) holds one of the largest and oldest costume collections in the country comprising over 50,000 pieces. Photos: top left, me with History Museum curator Tim Long and executive board member Noren Ungaretti; top right, Neal Zucker and Robin Berger; middle left, 1913 Paul Poiret dress - the first couture dress for the uncorseted figure; middle right, Abigail Rutherford director of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers' vintage couture department; bottom left, Irwin and Harriet Ross; bottom right, 1954 Charles James Butterfly Gown - 25 yards of peau de soie and nylon netting weighing 25 pounds. For more images from this event, click HERE.

Maggie Daley’s bright yellow jacket perfectly echoed the feel of the crowd on hand to celebrate the Gala Opening of the Sterling Business Center in the Block 37 Building on October 22nd. This 30,000-square-foot, $7 million dollar building consists of 110 luxury office spaces and is owned by businessman Ed Zaibek who, at only 26 years of age, seems to be setting the city on fire! It was a beautiful space and the party was planned to perfection by Dori Wilson. Also there assisting were Donna LaPietra, who is always related to good causes, and her darling significant other, Bill Kurtis, who introduced our First Lady Maggie Daley and recognized her for her After School Matters program. The room was abuzz and filled to capacity. Everyone turns out for our dear Maggie AND Dori! There was entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and a raffle to win a trip to Dubai. Lucky guests included Mike and Ed Howlett, Laura Baron, Shauna Montgomery, Rhonda Sanderson, Chicago Public School’s superintendent Rufus Williams and his darling wife Jaye and others. Photos: top left, Donna LaPietra, Maggie Daley and me; top right, Aurelio Huertas and Dori Wilson; bottom left, Laura Baron and Rhonda Sanderson; bottom right, Mike Howlett, Maggie Daley and Ed Howlett

This same evening, I attended a party to launch fabulous LaShonda Matlock’s new blog,

www.gossipchicago.net. This hot new site will be the go-to place for daily gossip and entertainment news. The party was held at Martini Park and hosted by Amanda Puck. I met LaShonda’s handsome fiancé, Erjan Fortson, and I will tell you, as you can see from the photo, they’re one of the cutest and most loving couples around town. Her chic dress was by Agga B. from the select group of Chicago designers chosen for Macy’s incubator. It you haven’t shopped there, you are missing an opportunity to support our own talented designers. Photos: top left, LaShonda Matlock; top right, Diamond Ingram and Vanessa Williams; bottom left, LaShonda Matlock with her fiancé Erjan Fortson; bottom right, Vanessa Walker  

On another blog party note, the fabulous Italian women’s designer store DISMERO at 50 E. Oak St. will be hosting a blog party to celebrate MY OWN BLOG, CandidCandace on Thursday December 4th from 6 to 9 p.m. Ten percent of this week’s proceeds will benefit Common Threads.  DISMERO designer Andy D’Auria is known for his talent for creating chic sportswear that fits any woman. In 1987, D’Auria made his debut with his first collection in Germany and today has locations in Verona, Italy and Munich. Chicago is his flagship store in the U.S. This event is being organized by PR whiz Lynne Bredfeldt and if you would like to join me, and I hope you do, please RSVP to lynne@jlynnepr.com or call (312) 380-6590. Photos: top left, DISMERO logo; bottom right, DISMERO designer and founder Andy D'Auria

Also coming up is the PAWS Fur Ball on Friday, November 14th at the Drake Hotel starting at 6 p.m. This is always a fun party and the only black tie affair in town where you can bring your four-legged friends! PAWS is the largest no-kill animal shelter in the region so please try to come out and support this terrific organization! (BTW, did you see the beautiful layout in Traditional Home Magazine this month of founder Paula Fasseas’ gorgeous Arizona home? Just lovely!) For tickets, please call 773-890-5118. Photo: left, my dogs Mickey and Rooney Jordan getting ready for the Fur Ball

And finally, I am on the host committee for a reception celebrating a retrospective of one of Chicago’s most colorful and talented photographers, Mitchell Canoff. Please join us on Monday, November 17th from 5 to 8 p.m. at 51 W. Hubbard for fun, fotos, food and friends… Photo: right, Mitchell Canoff 

That's all for now. We'll "talk" again soon!

The World Famous Carmen, Chilli’s Birthday, Clara’s Tea Party and More!

On October 7th, the top model in the world came to town—CARMEN! At 77 years of age, she is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful women you will ever meet. She’s 5’9” with the most glorious mane of silver hair and was the main attraction for Bunky Cushing’s annual Handbags and Halos luncheon which benefits the Howard Brown Health Center. The Patron’s Tea and Reception was held the day before at Stanley Paul’s fabulous art deco penthouse on Wells Street – all glittering glass and silver with a giant fur throw tumbling onto the floor from the white sofa adjacent to the piano…overlooking a grand terrace…well, you get the picture. The reception was attended by Shauna Montgomery, Lynn McMahan, Michelle Parillo, Robin Berger, Rebecca Besser, Mary Ann Rose, Zarada Gowenlock, Laura Sawchyn, Karen Goodyear, Mamie Walton and others. Everyone feels very lucky to be a part of Bunky’s events; he always hosts the most wonderful and interesting luncheons featuring speakers you can’t wait to hear (in the past, he has had Dina Merrill, Lynn Wyatt and Tippi Hedren). His philanthropic endeavors are far-reaching, with more plans to help on his horizon. Thanks for being you, Bunky! Photos: top right, Carmen with Bunky Cushing; left, Lynn McMahan, me and Shauna Montgomery; bottom right, Laura Barnett, Karen Goodyear and Hazel Barr.

Carmen had gone to 13 public schools by the time she was 12 years old. Her mother told her she had ears like sedan doors and feet like coffins; how someone can become the most enduring model of all time with “support” like that is pretty amazing. When I asked her what beauty products she uses to keep her skin so glowing, she had a surprise answer: She was a heavy tanner in her early years until her doctor in New York, Dr. Orentreich, suggested a facial planing. I believe this is now called a facial peel but, at this time, it was a very new technique. She said she looked like a Halloween mummy for quite a while and after her skin healed, she was advised to use sunscreen morning, noon and night. She gave a marvelous and honest talk about herself and her life and accepted any and all questions, no matter how personal. When I asked her to sign my invitation, she asked if she could draw a mustache on her photo by Victor Skrebneski. She is a lovely lady with a beautiful spirit to match. Photos: top left, Barbara Kipper, Carmen, me and Helen Melchior; bottom right, Stanley Paul and Victor Skrebneski.

 

Well, Chilli Pepper’s birthday party on October 6th was a wonderful celebration for a much loved Chicago icon (she’s even been honored by the Mayor!) but she makes it very clear that this party was not ALL about her: It was also intended to thank her many friends for their continuing love and support. This year, it was held at Real Tenochtitlan Restaurante at 2451 N. Milwaukee and the whole restaurant was taken over for the party.There were lots of heartfelt speeches and a marvelous meal prepared by Chef Geno Bahena that included choices of pork chops in green mole sauce, carne asada with greens and black beans or pollo en mole rojo (in Chef’s hometown, red mole sauce). Among her admirers were Todd Hatoff and his partner Marshall Erb, Donald Snead, Maya Douglas, Leticia Herrera, Sherry Payne, Elizabeth Bertucci, Roberto Gonzalez and many more. The after party was held at Leticia Herrera’s chic home on W. Grand and lasted into the wee hours. Photos: top left, Marshall Erb, Chilli Pepper and Todd Hatoff; top right, Maya Douglas, Donald Snead, Jesus Fabian, Kathryn Cole and Rob Cole; bottom left, me and Roberto Gonzalez; bottom right, Chilli Pepper and me.

 

There was a terrific cocktail reception held at Tod’s on Oak Street on Tuesday, October, 21st in conjunction with W Magazine for the President’s Leadership Council of the Field Museum. This well-attended event was planned by PR woman extraordinaire, Monique Jones. I particularly had my eye on the same coat and bag purchased by Vogue’s Anna Wintour; she named the shearling coat with fox collar one of the “hot picks” of the season. There were eight of these coats made and this is the only one in Chicago. It’s priced at $6,795. Another find at Tod’s, the “Dokt” pink alligator handbag, was priced at $25,000. Photos: top left, Francine Turk, Sophie Bross and Susan Billey; right, Monique Jones; bottom left, Ken Cook and Brenda Sexton; bottom right, Tod's manager Nadia Jeha modeling shearling coat and "Dokt" handbag.
 

On Saturday, November 8th, The Joffrey Ballet will present Clara’s Nutcracker Tea Party at the Palmer House from 1 to 3 p.m. If you love this classic ballet and have children you would like to introduce it to, then this is the way to do it in grand style. There will be an afternoon of fun, fantasy and whimsy that no child or adult will ever forget. As a guest of Clara, you will also receive tickets to opening night on Thursday, December 18th. This marvelous event is presented by the Joffrey Women’s Board and co-chaired by Whitney Lasky and Shawna Owen. Tickets are $200 for an adult and $150 for children. The Nutcracker performance runs December 18th through 28th at the Auditorium Theatre. For tickets, please call (312) 386-8944. 

In fashion news, I was so depressed looking for new wardrobe for fall and winter: The prices, especially in this economy, are out of sight! It seemed that everything I touched was so expensive so I have come up with some other ideas on how to update my clothes for the season. For instance, Louis Vuitton is selling the most gorgeous purse charms to attach to your handbags. Just clip them on to give new life to old handbags and to create a very chic look—all of the women in Paris are doing it so it must be so! Also, instead of a new jacket, I am just buying a couple of new scarves and throwing it over my existing ones. I love the Hermes oversized silk and cashmere ones and since they’re classics, they will always be in style.  A good investment all around… Photo: top left, Louis Vuitton Monogramouflage cag charm.  

 

And finally, don’t forget to vote today! This is a photo of Barack Obama signing his book for my friends Patti and Jimmy Connors. They attended Oprah’s fundraiser in California and used this pic for their Christmas card last year. If I had a personal photo of John McCain and me, it would be included, too!  :) Photos: top right, me with Barack Obama; bottom left, Michelle and Barack Obama with Jimmy and Patti Connors and Oprah Winfrey.

 

Thanks for visiting again! I hope you’ve enjoyed it!!!