Oscar Night America Brings Red Carpet Glamour to Chicago

It seems appropriate that Chicago’s only Academy-sanctioned Oscar party, Oscar Night America 2012, should take place at the distinguished Gene Siskel Film Center on Sunday night. The swanky shindig did not disappoint red carpet-ready guests who were greeted by Chicago’s girl-about-town and host, Amanda Puck, and thoughtful movie-inspired frills.

PinkMemo contributor Jamie Ng Rose, in jewelry by Alex Agudo of Monsieur Pamplemousse and vintage dress,
with host Amanda Puck on right, wearing Space519 tuxedo jumpsuit

Aside from having the cushiest seats in town, the state-of-the-art film center allowed Chicagoans to experience Hollywood’s biggest night on––not one, but two––deluxe movie screens. And let’s just say; the ultra-crisp High-Definition broadcast seemed to bring the magic of the Kodak Theatre a little closer to home.

The viewing experience was complete with cheese and caramel movie theater popcorn by Gary Poppins––only the gourmet kind allowed here, of course, and impromptu commentary during intermissions and special raffle packages cleverly boxed up in popcorn buckets.

The bright lights of the Chicago theater district provided a dazzling backdrop for guests to mingle and enjoy cool cocktails like “The Doublewood Blood and Sand” and “Red Carpet Raspberry” whipped up by Chicago’s finest mixologists of William Grant & Sons. Esteemed MJ Catering served up a themed party menu with a nod to this year’s Oscar noms for Best Picture––Hawaiian Salmon (“The Descendants”), Asparagus and Gruyere Tart (“Midnight in Paris”), Thyme Beef en Croute (“Hugo”)… ironically, the big winner of the night, “The Artist,” was missing from this party’s roundup of Oscar-inspired nibbles.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Fashion Show 2012 Takes Center Stage This Spring

Come April 19, more than 70 style-strutting models will walk the runway in over 300 original garments designed and produced by the city’s top emerging talent from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. The SAIC’s 78th annual show, Fashion 2012 promises to deliver all the stunning elements you would expect from professional runway shows like those at New York Fashion Week, right here at our very own Millennium Park.

SAIC’s Fashion 2011 (photo courtesy SAIC).

In a statement, SAIC president Walter Massey said, “SAIC’s full day of year-end fashion events is great for our students and the vibrancy of our city. As a flagship event on Chicago’s cultural calendar, this show provides our talented fashion design students a platform to share their innovative work and gives a sophisticated, creative audience a glimpse of the future of fashion and the next generation of designers.”

SAIC’s Fashion 2011 (photo courtesy SAIC).

And with such distinguished alumni like Halston, Cynthia Rowley, Maria Pinto, to name just a few (we’re so proud, we can’t help but name drop a little!), we promise this is one fashionable event with a new generation of designers you won’t want to miss. Check out behind-the-scenes photos here from students and their insights into the creative process.

WHEN: Thursday, April 19 (purchase tickets here)

Celebrate Hollywood’s Biggest Night with Chicago’s Only Official Oscar Party!

The magic and glamour of Hollywood will come alive in Chicago next Sunday with Oscar Night America, the only academy-sanctioned event in the city certain to delight film buffs and cinephiles alike.

Hosted by the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the event will feature a live High-Definition telecast of the 84th Annual Academy Awards presented in the Film Center’s two state-of-the-art movie theaters, a delicious dinner, a silent auction, impromptu prizes and raffle drawings throughout the night. And of course, no Oscar party would be complete without a red carpet upon arrival, hosted by none other than Chicago’s It Girl, Amanda Puck. So get your tickets here, then prepare to experience the spirit of Hollywood right here at home.

WHEN: February 26, 6:00pm to Midnight

WHERE: Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State Street

TICKETS: $100 General Admission, $200 VIP (purchase here)

Behold, BHLDN Arrives in Chicago Alas!

Over 300 stylish supporters turned out for Monday night’s glamorous launch party celebrating the arrival of online wedding and special occasion brand, BHLDN, and its second ever brick and mortar location in Chicago.

The romantic, vintage-inspired brand comes to life in the form of a 19th century European style townhouse with soaring 15-foot ceilings perfect for adorning with wings (of love, presumably), saturated French blue walls, a spiral staircase, and grand windows looking out to The Waldorf Astoria.

The two spacious levels hold well-edited attire and trimmings for the special day, including a curated collection of one-of-a-kind vintage treasures exclusive to the Chicago boutique.

The stunning concept store will take you through the complete experience, from the gown and accessories to the décor to intimates like lingerie and cologne. The bridal salon is staged with a runway-like display of mannequins showcasing the season’s gown collection, ethereal numbers in shades of champagne, blush and ivories. Equally impressive are the plush, boudoir-like fitting rooms, large enough for the bride, her family, and friends!

In the décor salon, customers can pull from stocked drawers and cubbies to design their desired event vision.

Ostrich feathers and beads come together in whimsical hairpieces in the accessories salon suited for Grecian goddesses.

And if you fancy something blue, try on the sweet polka dotted Bettye Muller heels with vintage beaded bows for size.

The well-branded event would not be complete without French-inspired fare and a silhouette cutout artist. BHLDN officially opened its grand doors to the public yesterday on Valentine’s Day, appropriately so.

VISIT: 8 East Walton Street, 312.573.2573

Maggie Kubley’s No Gift / No Surprise Delivers This Valentine’s Day

This Hallmark holiday break out of the usual romantic dinner and movie mold. Try a non-traditional outing to get in touch with your softer side with No Gift / No Surprise, a fully staged musical performance piece by Maggie Kubley, a local multidisciplinary performer.

Together with Chicago-based modern dance company, We Stand Sideways, Kubley presents a Vagina Monologues-esque story about a woman and her journey through the muck and madness of a broken heart. The multi-media installation promises to wow you with enthralling elements of video, photography, music, and dance choreography as it takes audiences inside the mind of a love-drug junkie struggling to sweat out a breakup.

We promise, No Gift / No Surprise has a happy ending.

Friday, February 11 and Saturday, February 12, 8:00 pm, The Den Theater, 1333 N. Milwaukee Avenue

Purchase tickets here.