Chicago Costume Ball Honors Designer Charles James

After a 10-year hiatus, Chicago’s Costume Council hosted its annual Costume Ball as part of Fashion Focus Chicago. This year’s Ball honored Charles James’ achievements as a designer, as well as Ralph Rucci. Both of these iconic American designers have been welcomed into the fashion elite for their innovative styles. ...

Wallpaper Frontman Ricky Reed Talks Pop Music, Jersey Shore & Realism

Remember in high school, there was always that one kid who was so much cooler than everyone else? Ricky Reed was probably not that kid. ...

Sugar Fly Fashion Show: Diverse Urban Style

While Fashion Focus events were happening all over the city, a small boutique salon and retail venture was celebrating fashion in its own way. Sugar Fly Studio and Boutique held an intimate, exclusive fashion show to highlight new fashions available in the store. The salon was also up and running, offering mini-manicures, feather and glitter hair extensions. By bringing urban clothing and sustainable beauty together, Sugar Fly is unique in its approach to the fashion world. ...

Fashion Focus Chicago -- "Mario, Make Me A Model"

Fashion Focus Chicago celebrates the seventh annual style extravaganza, which features some of the Chicago's top designers and while showcasing runway shows in Millennium Park as well as events throughout the city. On Wednesday, October 19, Mario Tricoci teamed up with Vitaminwater and presented InspireDesign, which is the grand finale to the Mario, Make Me a Model contest. ...

Chicago's Hidden Gem: Discovering Ellie Thompson

Mayor Richard M. Daley launched the Fashion Council Chicago initiative in April of 2006 as a way to establish Chicago as a fashion destination, and it has been a driving force in the city's fashion scene ever since. Local designer Ellie Thompson has been involved in the Council's Fashion Focus Week the past few years, participating in shopping events, designer launches, and promotions. ...

"Fashion Designer Pamella Roland Proves Polished Elegance is Always in Style"

Pamella Roland is a powerful force in the worldwide fashion scene, but she was born and raised in the Midwest. Roland discovered her love for fashion while working for a women's retailer during her time as a student at Michigan State University. However, she credits her personal stylist from Chicago as being instrumental in helping Roland establish her own sense of style, which now translates into her designs each season. ...

Tommy Lee

Ever since he founded Mötley Crüe in 1981, Tommy Lee has been rocking out in front of crowds and arenas throughout the world. Most recently, he has stepped away from his glam metal band and joined the Meowingtons Hax Tour of deadmau5. "We're having a blast," says Tommy, who is also joined by DJ Aero onstage. ...

Collaboraction's 10th Annual Beggars' Banquet: Combining Artistry with Charity

It was intended to be an evening of "decadence and debauchery," according to events chairman, Sandra Delgado. And that it was. With live music and interactive artistry, Collaboraction's 10th Annual Beggars' Banquet did not disappoint. A harmonica-playing clown greeted guests at the door, and escorted them up the steps of the Flat Iron Arts Building to the banquet being held upstairs. ...

Hennessy / Akria

Chicago was full of life on Wednesday, September 21. Hennessy, the number one selling cognac in the world, announced their collaboration with the world-renowned graphic artist, KAWS at an exclusive dinner hosted by Blackbird restaurant. Directly following dinner guests were invited to TZAR nightclub, to celebrate the launched of Belvedere Vodka's special edition Red, ...

Chicago Fashion Focus Week: Vert Couture

Black is the new green. And in the case of the latest Chicago couture, eco-friendly clothing has become a front-runner and one of the most fashionable and popular trends on runways and sidewalks alike. Eco-fashion relies on animal cruelty-free textiles, organic cotton and low-impact dyes that when combined, create clothing that is designed and made in a way that leaves the least impression on the environment and creates clothing that will last significantly longer than regular designs. ...

Living Designs: Lara Miller's Spring 2012 Collection Loves to Play

Lara Miller designs clothes that want to be you. "Your clothes become a part of you, and you a part of them - I want to let you make the clothes even more you," says Miller. Adaptability is the moniker for the effervescent designer's spring 2010 collection which was showcased at the Art of Fashion runway show on October 21. Miller's new hand-loomed collection experiments more with color, keeping its signature appeal and adding more pop ...

The Randy Wells Foundation: A New Way to Support the Troops

Randy Wells' day job as a Chicago Cubs pitcher requires him to win against the batters he encounters. Off the field, however, his fight is much different. When Wells met Carter Kettner, a five-year-old brain cancer patient, he was inspired to help children with juvenile diseases. Yet when Kettner passed away in 2010, Wells was even more encouraged to continue his charity work. ...

Scary Soirees

This year, the windy city's Halloween soirees promise to bring creative costumes, several tricks and treats, and of course, plenty of wild and memorable parties to help kick off Fall with a bang. ...

In New York: Skip the pubs and clubs and head to the Trailer Park

Looking for drinks in New York City? Skip the pubs and clubs and head straight to the Trailer Park! Yes, I said the Trailer Park. Advertised on its website as “The Place to Meet your Next Ex”, the Trailer Park Lounge & Grill located in historic Chelsea at 271 West 23rd Street brings all things tacky to the big city. It’s not hard to find, just look for the toilet out front - the one doubling as a planter and ashtray of course. Head inside through the screened door (slamming it as you enter) and you ...

The Best of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week pt. 2

The second half of the week started off Monday with the Jenny Packham show. Jenny's show was a multitude of soft, ethereal, and feminine pieces. Her confident use of sheer fabrics produced a suspended aesthetic, primarily in toned down shades, but with a touch of the season's hottest color: orange. Jenny's use of hi-lo hems, embroidery and lace to detail her evening wear make each piece unique. ...

Sport of Kings Gallops into the Heart of Chicago

The “Sport of Kings,” has stormed the beaches of Chicago. For the first time in Chicago, polo will take place right on North Avenue Beach. Saturday, October 1 and Sunday, October 2, Grey Goose Vodka, along with Titan Commercial sponsored the Chicago Beach Polo World Cup. Players from around the globe traveled to the Windy City to compete in a prestigious, beach polo tournament ...

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar? Not to Playmate Alison Waite

Selecting May 2006 Playboy Playmate, Alison Waite, as the official spokesbunny of the Macanudo Millionaire contest was a no-brainer. The down to earth California native has been a lucky rabbit's foot since her days as a suitcase model on Deal or No Deal. Waite, along with two of her fellow Playmates, will be on-hand to channel lady luck to this year's Macanudo Moment Essay winner as they attempt to score a royal flush to win a million dollars. The lucky cigar aficionado can also bring along a trio of buddies ...

Melanie Fiona Sizzles at Heineken's Red Star Access Roc Nation Tour 2011

Heineken's Red Star Access Roc Nation tour was held at Alhambra Palace on Monday, August 29. Chicago was one of nine cites hosting the tour, offering audiences a unique music experience. Headlining the event are featured performances by Wale and fellow Roc Nation artist Melanie Fiona, as well as the music from DJ D-Nice. ...

The Best of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week pt. 1

Maybe it was the upcoming anniversary of 9/11 or the odd syncope of models and cops at Lincoln Square - each group proudly honoring this city in its own way - but this year, in particular, Fashion Week Spring / Summer 2012 made New York feel like the center of the world. The day started early with everyone in anticipation of what was to come. The photographers and journalists had arrived in droves and were surrounding Lincoln Center snapping pictures of the fashionistas on the street and interviewing aspiring young mavens. The inside was a hive of activity; the buzz was palpable, everyone eager to get a glimpse of the trends that would define Spring/Summer 2012. We had big plans to see the new color blocking silhouettes, the reinvention of bohemian for this decade, and the mix of inspirations, from far-flung ethnic to supremely American Great Gatsby-retro. We got more than we wanted or expected over the course of the week. This is how it all played out ...

Steve "Mongo" McMichael Tackles Child Illness at The Chicago Legends Golf Classic

Former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael is no stranger to pain. After years of playing pro football, and wrestling in the WWF and WCW, it was only a matter of time before the hits and injuries he sustained caught up with him. The need for therapy eventually led him to the Illinois Back Institute, where Dr. Jeff Winternheimer and his wife Stella, showed him an affection he hadn’t experienced ...

The Cults at Gilt City

It's been a mind- blowing summer for live music here in Chicago. Despite the fickle weather, thousands of people ventured outside to experience Lollapalooza and music festivals in the surrounding neighborhoods. The Cults, for starters put on a lively and energetic set at the Gilt City rooftop party, on Saturday, August 6

Kerli's Trip Through Wonderland

"Love is the only thing that matters," says Kerli, an Estonian artist who recently performed at Chicago's three-day festival, Lollapalooza. And she applies that motto to both her life and her music. When she began writing her upcoming album, to be released this fall, she looked for inspiration in everything.

Spearheaded Collective

The Kansas City native, Cody Critcheloe, is an inspiring and talented performer that combines aspects of traditional pop music with his own creative concentration. The experimental sound and the unique collaboration of art, musical concepts and stage presence are the building blocks of SSION.

The Musical Genius of Joachim Garraud

In the middle of a tour that has taken him to Spain, Brazil, Dubai and countless other worldwide cities, French DJ Joachim Garraud landed in Chicago last weekend to headline an hour-long set at Lollapalooza.

OK Go Comes Home

Dan Konopka attended the first Lollapalooza show in 1991. Tim Nordwind saw it in '92, '93 and '94. And on the festival's twentieth anniversary, Dan and Tim, along with their group OK Go, were one of the show's main headliners. Returning to Chicago and being able to perform in their hometown was an honor for the Windy City natives.

Gym Class Heroes Rock Lincoln Hall

A crowd of fans gathered around the Lincoln Hall venue in Lincoln Park on Monday, July 25 ready to welcome and see the night"s headliners. The Chicago branch of the "Gym Class Heroes family," - a unit created by the band"s front man, Travie McCoy - was eager to greet its founders. With last months' release of "Stereo Hearts," the Gym Class Heroes are finally back on the road and have even stopped for a night show at the Windy City.

Chicago Music Festival After-Party with Patron Xo Cafe Noir

Coffee drinkers around the world can add Patron Xo Cafe to their list of favorite alcoholic beverages. This unique high-quality liqueur is a blend of Patron Silver tequila and coffee, distilled at 70 proof, producing a dark, rich brown liqueur that has a smooth, yet dry finish.

Lia Ices Abandons Technical for Experimental

First time Lollapalooza performer Lia Ices is breaking the mold when it comes to pop music. The singer-songwriter from New York has a unique vocal style, including melodies that provoke emotion and lyrics that linger long after the song is over.

Fall Fashion Trends Shine at Macy's Glamorama

The fashion event of the year in Chicago was in bright lights at the Chicago Theater Friday, August 12. The annual Macy's Glamorama fused art, music and fashion in a nonstop entertaining show. Art was an on going theme with eye-popping style showcased behind famous paintings as the backdrop.

Macy's Glamorama is ARTrageous

The four-city fashion show is ready to take over Chicago. Macy's Passport Presents the 2011 Glamorama: ARTrageous, at The Chicago Theatre on Friday, August 12 at 8 pm. The ninth annual event is one of Chicago's most highly anticipated parties and for that matter, one of the most electrifying after parties of the year. Glamorama brings high fashion and stunning musical performances from artists like Cee Lo Green and Far East Movement, together for one extravagant night.

Thunder From Down Under Storms Chicago

Thunder from Down Under has stormed into Chicago for the next three months and settled into the historic LaSalle Power Company building.
The Australian male revue show is the number one male show of its kind in the world...

The Modern Superwoman

Susan Nethero is today’s modern version of Superwoman. She’s bringing the girlfriend experience to the retail world, and women are lining up to feel more attractive, beautiful, and embark on the ultimate journey to look and feel their best. And just how is Susan doing this? ...

Factor Women and Chosen Models Launch iPhone and iPad Application

Getting "discovered" is becoming easier than ever. With a simple click on your iPhone, you can submit your modeling photo and resume to agencies.

Rock for Kids Cranks up the Volume to Raise Money for the Edward Foundation's KidsCare Campaign

Kimberly Cummins

Greg Olsen: Kicks for a Cure

Kickball is no longer just a playground game. For Greg Olsen, the Chicago Bears tight end, it is also a way to raise money for a personal charity. This Saturday, Greg will be hosting the world's largest charity kickball tournament, Kicks for a Cure, raising money to support Receptions For Research: The Greg Olsen Foundation.
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'First Mate' Marissa Miller Helps Honor Captain Morgan at His Birthday Bash at Public House

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FLASHBACK: Scene Around Town: Adrianne Curry (February 2008)

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Dealavue is "Not Your Mother's Deal Site"

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The Annual Winnetka Women's Club Lifestyles Housewalk

Kimberly Cummins