The invitation asked us to “Expect The Unexpected.” And the guests didn’t disappoint.
Indeed, “The Paintbrush Ball,” a recent benefit for Marwen Foundation at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, was a visual fashion feast, as scruffy chic mingled with the sequin set, as hip-hop painted murals next to the couture crowd, as vintage frocks swirled amid barely-there black sheaths.
But the not-to-be-missed outfits were worn by Diane Fitzgerald, executive director of Marwen, which offers free art classes to Chicago youth, and Jeffery Roberts, a Marwen teacher.
Fitzgerald turned heads in an dramatic, asymetrical gown of black crepe and gold knit mesh, which was designed by Zenobia Uribe, a senior at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
As for the 300 paintbrushes that dangled from his beige overalls, Roberts simply said he created “a funky little hip-hop look” to fit the surrealistic theme of the party.
Attorney Milton Durchslag didn’t let his age get the best of his fashion savvy.
“I’m trying to keep up with these young people,” laughed Durchslag, 85, proudly pointing to his electric blue tie with an Egyptian motif. “I got it at Neiman’s just for this special event.”
