Chicagoans welcomed spring and summer with a colorful clutch of social events. Performing Arts Chicago’s “Vive la France” spring gala was an unabashed homage to Parisian fashion and culture and a celebration of belle epoque couture confections.
Honoree Victor Skrebneski’s photos were projected onto the walls of the Arts Club. Boutique owner June Blaker dressed the tallest models in town; the mannequins stood in statuesque tableaux around the club. A pre-dinner concert transported the audience to circa-1920s Paris, ending with George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris.” Party attire ranged from elegant to eccentric, dashing to demode. What could be more French?
Blackbird inaugurated one of the city’s prettiest private dining rooms with an intimate winemaker dinner for Napa Valley vintner George Hendry. Chef Paul Kahan’s four courses demonstrated why Food & Wine named him as one of America’s 10 best new chefs. While attracting diners such as rock musicians Bill Corgan and Lenny Kravitz, model Cindy Crawford and designer Karl Lagerfeld, Blackbird, says co-owner Donnie Madia, “is not about celebrity-watching. It’s about great food.” The 50 guests agreed. Their style reflected the occasion’s ambience — understated elegance.
Marche celebrated its fifth anniversary with the kind of elaborate dinner, live music and cast-of-hundreds afterparty that it presents so well. And at the Art Institute’s monthly cocktail soiree, Chicago’s social singles kicked off the summer mating season by prowling in their best hunting clothes.
