What a year! From January until December, our social calendars were filled with some amazing events. We are truly beyond grateful to the organizations that allowed us to chronicle and give you an insiders look. Though ALL the events we attended, took pictures at and reported on were truly the best, I mean seriously we wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t, but there are some that rised above the rest. Whether it was because a certain DJ had guests dancing into the wee hours of the night or a parting gift that left lasting impression or just the warm feeling that the event gave. In no particular order, here are the 10 BEST events of 2013. We look forward to covering more amazing events in 2014 and hope you can join us in the journey. We are always Tweeting, Instagramming and on Facebook during the events and of course you can get our after event recaps by making the scene on our e-list HERE.
1.CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM COSTUME BALL-50 YEARS OF EBONY FASHION FAIR
Neither rain or a little cold kept guests such as Cameron Silver, Hamish Bowles, Cyhthia Bailey, Theaster Gates, Ikram and Josh Goldman, Neal Zucker, Naomi Beckwith, Juanita Jordan and of course Linda Johnson Rice whose mother, the late Eunice Johnson was really the star of the show. The spectacular array of couture pieces on display and the intricate mannequins that donned them. Then the duo of DJ Kiss and DJ MOS had guests on the dance floor all.night.long.
2. NFTE CHICAGO BENEFIT & 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
It’s not everyday you get the opportunity to hear-candidly- 3 titans of their industry talk about their path to success, challenges and what motivates them. At the NFTE benefit, Mellody Hobson, President at Ariel moderated a conversation between Ken Griffin-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Citadel who founded Citadel out of his dorm room(albeit Harvard) and Larry Levy Chairman of Levy Group, who is one of the food industry leaders and stadium dining. The best was seeing the next generation of entrepreneurs NFTE students listen, and also asking intelligent questions.
3. SISKEL FILM CENTER A SUMMER SOIREE WITH GWYNETH PALTROW & AMANDA DE CADENET
Most benefits are the same humdrum but not this one. Could be the fact that it was co-chaired by Melissa Sage-Fadim and Eda Davidman(these 2 ladies are absolutely, remarkably awesome). Or that it honored the under the radar power player Ellen Sandor and Roger Ebert? OR it was the fact that lady GOOP herself Gwyneth Paltrow was being honored. The media carpet went nuts for the perfect shot and response with the evening culminating at her conversation with Amanda de Cadenet and tribute video from the ever funny Robert Downey jr!
4.PUMP ROOM 75th ANNIVERSARY DINNER
An evening that honored some major Chicagoans such as Jeanne Gang, Frankie Knuckles, Neal Zucker, Theaster Gates and featured a sumptous dinner that was presented with servers dressed in attire from the original pump room. Ian Shrager has truly committed himself and his business to Chicago.
5.Auxiliary Board of the Art Institute of Chicago MASQUERADE BALL
Nothing was as it appeared to be, or was it? Guests donned their best feathered, furry, painted and sexy mask for the 40th celebration of the Auxiliary Board. Host committee draped in Buccelatti jewelry and an after party with DJ Madrid +photobooth fun.
6. JANELLE MONAE AT CHICAGO SYMPHONY & ALBUM LISTENING PARTY
This was a tie. This Symphony event was truly a blessing for the talented singer as Aretha Franklin was originally scheduled to perform. A late last minute illness that forced the queen to cancel allowed an up-coming queen to shine and she did. The event which drew an eclectic crowd that loved the show from start until finish. At the listening party for her new album, she got super live dancing with those around and just being plain cool.
7.THE NEW FASHION FAIR LAUNCH
This was one of those empowering evening where you meet many kindred souls that you want to build lasting beneficial relationships with. I was lucky enough to have been asked to be on the host committee and the turnout was fantastic. To top it off DJ Kiss, in from NYC blessed the night with some great mixes
8.SHEDD BLU
This was one of summers hot parties with about 900 young professionals gathered to FUNdraise for a great insitution. The event was co-chaired this year by G.P Searle and it was great to see some of the next generation philanthropic leaders out supporting, and having fun. The stingrays and view didn’t hurt either.
9. SOCIALIFECHICAGO + CHICITYFASHION TRIVIA AT THE DEC
Jena of ChiCityFashion and I teamed up for this fun event where some fun people gathered to play trivia at the Ritz Carlton Chicago and raised money for charity, ’twas fun!
10. MOET ROSE LOUNGE CHICAGO
The event which had been held at different location across the country landed in Chicago and oh what a night. endless Rose champagne flowing, DJ, drumbar rooftop and Fabolous.
How did we do? Did we miss one? Be sure to follow us on TWITTER, FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM for on the scene coverage as always we will bring you the who, why, what and where event recap.
Thanks again for a great year! We’ve grown, we’ve learned and can’t wait to keep brining you more.
MAJOR thank you to the organizations that have invited us to be a fly on the wall at their events, we wouldn’t be able to do our job well without their support.
Cheers to 2014!
