Ok, so we don't have a Fashion Week like New York or Paris. But Chicago is coming up in the style world (check out this slightly condescending New Yorker piece for proof). To celebrate, and to continue the progress, Chifa Elite Fashion Explosion hosts a number of the city's top designers -- including Alonzo Jackson, Alice Berry and Kevin Hill -- at Loft on Lake, 1366 W. Lake, from 7 p.m.-1 a.m.
The event, organized by The Bumblebee Network, will include a runway fashion show, artist performances (from DL Johnson, UNMOVABO, poet Yolonda Curtis and DJ Corey Sanford) and, of course, tons of networking opportunities. Tickets ($45, available here) include food and drink and a portion of proceeds will go to BUILD, Inc., a Chicago youth organization.
Wine, women and shoes: everyone likes at least one of these things. Come October 1, you can get them all at UNICEF's fourth annual fundraiser.
Held at the River East Art Center (435 E. Illinois), the $85/head event includes sales of designer shoes, handbags, jewelery and accessories from nationally known boutiques (including locals Akira, Lori's Shoes and Shirise), samples of fine wines (including Alexander Valley Vineyards and Two Angels), a raffle and a silent auction.
Proceeds will benefit UNICEF’s Accelerated Child Survival Initiative, a program that helps to reduce the number of children who die each day of preventable causes. Want tickets? Go here.
This will seem more acceptable after a few Rin Tin Tinis.
Normally we don't support those who would dress up their dogs in fancy clothes. But we'll make an exception for tomorrow night's doggy fashion show at Top Dog Productions (1551 N. Kingsbury), if only because our own Bill Zwecker is emceeing the event. That, and the fact that the free party includes complimentary drinks (including "Rin Tin Tini" cocktails) and hors d'oeuvres (including human-friendly dog biscuits and "Dog Pound Cake," whatever that is). Yup, we're pretty easy to please.
The event promotes the launch of new dog fashion line, BARQUE, which will be available online and at Pawsh Puppies (2120 N. Halsted). To RSVP, call (312) 266-6683.
1. Liberate your wardrobe by jettisoning your cargo (shorts)!
Part with what the guys in Boystown are calling a fashion faux pas, the cargo short. The clothing boutique His Stuff (3162 N. Broadway and 5314 N. Clark) will give you 10 percent off a new pair of shorts when you exchange a pair of cargo shorts. All trade-ins will be donated to the Brown Elephant resale shop. (773) 989-9111.
2. Exercise your right to vote.
You decide which of the eight improvisers is the “pHunniest” with “pHrenzy,” a spoof of reality shows that features audience-approved eliminations throughout the course of the fast-paced late-night show. $10; 12:30 a.m. at Stage Left Theatre, 3408 N. Sheffield. BYOB. (773) 732-5450 for tickets.
3. See how Chicago’s political machine used to work (and, just possibly, how it still does).
Neil Giuntoli doesn’t just portray Richard J. Daley in “Hizzoner: Daley The First,” he seems to inhabit the role of the man who kept the wheels of Chicago’s political machine greased for years. $35. It’s at 7:30 p.m. at the Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont. Tickets: (773) 327-5252.
Neil Guintoli portrays Daley Sr. in the play "HIzzoner."(Sun-Times file)
First, the bad news. Lakeview's popular toy, clothing and sneaker boutique and art gallery A.Okay Official is closing, with Saturday being its last day in business, according to Gapers Block.
The good news? They're closing things out with a huge sale on Saturday, complete with a DJ and refreshments. It's not quite enough to soften the blow, but hey, it's something.
WHAT A DRAG!
The reunion seems to be sticking for Superdrag, an alt-rock band with roots in Knoxville, Tenn. After a five-year hiatus, Superdrag has a new album, "Industry Giants," and a tour that will bring them to the Metro, 3730 N. Clark, for an 18+over show at Saturday at 9 p.m. Van Ghost and the Nicholis Tremulis Orchestra are also on the bill. Tickets are $20. Call (773) 549-0203 or visit www.metrochicago.com.
Ladies, it's time to put away those snow boots and spring into some new looks for the warm(er) season. In town to help you plan your wardrobe is fashion guru Tim Gunn (of "Project Runway" fame, among other things). He'll be at Kate Spade (56 E. Oak) in the Gold Coast from 4-6 p.m. today. In addition to dispensing his wisdom, Gunn will also pose for pictures--for $100 a pop, according to TOC.
Go ahead, say it: This sounds fierce! "Project Runway" winner Christian Siriano brings his spring and summer collections and his goofy-ass hair to the newly renovated Lumen on Saturday night for the Wicker Park boutique Bonnie & Clyde’s Love Games Fashion Show. Call Alison at (312) 733-2222 for table reservations. Free before 10:30 p.m. if RSVPing here. Cover is $20 thereafter.
"Miles Raymer has tapped Stranger Waves as Best Rock or Pop Act for the Reader's Best of Chicago 2009 poll. Really? The best? Or was this an obscure/controversial choice by design to grab The Reader a little attention? Then again, maybe this was a much needed attempt to save the publication a little street cred after the audience poll resulted in a winner of Poi Dog Pondering (ouch!)."
Here's the video they offer as evidence — for or against?
Pete Rock Friday, March 13 at Zentra, 9 p.m.; $10
Hip-hop producer and DJ Pete Rock, best known for his '90s collaboration with MC CL Smooth, has been staying busy since the two found success with the infectious "Reminisce." He has a collection of well-regarded collaborations and instrumental albums under his belt in recent years, so don't look at this as solely a throwback show. Rock is joined tonight by Dirty Social DJs Intel and Merk for 3 floors of hip-hop fun.
Few "As Seen on TV" items have caught on as quickly as the now-ubiquitous Snuggie, aka "the blanket with sleeves." Stories were written about its popularity. Photo galleries showed enthusiasts in all their warm, fuzzy glory. But now things are getting serious. The date for the first official Snuggie Pub Crawl has been set.
On April 18, Snuggie-wearers from around the city, and possibly the world, will gather somewhere (the location is TBA) to toast their toastiness. As of this writing, 1856 people had at least signed up for information, so you know this thing is gonna be huge. If you don't have the appropriate garb already, you can buy one on the crawl's website. Just make sure to order by February 28, or you could get left in the cold.
HYNDE & COMPANY The Pretenders will rock the Riviera Theatre, 4746 N. Racine, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Expect songs from their most recent album, “Break Up the Concrete,” as well as hits from its 30-year repertoire. American Bang will open. Tickets are $43. Call (312) 559-1212; www.ticketmaster.com.
These days, just being a talented musician isn't enough; you've gotta know how to strut your stuff, too (M.I.A. knows what we're talking about). So it's not surprising that some of Chicago's hottest performers have agreed to take the stage as models for tonight's Rock Steady Fashion Show at Moonshine, 1824 W. Division.
The free event, which features designs from local boutiques Bonnie & Clyde's, Una Mae’s, Process & Content and Guise Chic, puts a fashionable twist on the rock parties this Wicker Park spot has been hosting since last fall. DJ Dani Deahl, Matt ROAN (of Crossfader Kings) and Jessica Gonyea and Chess Hubbard (of Rocktapussy) are just some of the models who will work it on the catwalk.
Guest DJs Dragon Wars kick off the party at 9:30 p.m. (RSVP for a hosted Stoli bar 'til 10:30pm. The show starts at 10:30 p.m., with drink specials including $3 PBR drafts, and $4 Maker’s Mark and Jameson cocktails.
It may not be quite as cool as the bacon bra, but if you're looking for a way to combine meat and underwear, Isabella Fine Lingerie's "Beers, Brats and Bras" event could fit the bill. From 11 a.m.-5 p.m. today at 840 W. Armitage, guys can eat brats and drink beer while browsing for a Valentine's Day gift.
Not sure about your mate's bra size, and don't want to get caught snooping in her top drawer? Just ask Isabella's Boobologist, who can give you an accurate prediction just by looking at a picture. Where do you go to school for that?
In this economy, it's every fashionista for herself; if you see a good deal, you've gotta pounce. And so, it's with only the slightest amount of guilt that we point you to the 40-percent-off sale at independent boutique SoKo Fashion (1925 W. Chicago). The reason for the unholy discount? The place is going out of business at the end of February, says Gapers Block.
It's not too early to begin planning your summer style, and we think these new All-Stars emblazoned with Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco's lyrical opinions are pretty cool. Entitled the 100 Supplementaire, these kicks are part of the Product (Red) charity campaign, and they're due on shelves within the month at all Converse retailers.
So, according to our nemesis, Punxsutawney Phil, there will be six more weeks of winter. Before you fly into a SAD-induced rage, consider that this season ain't all bad. Actually, we've found six (fitting, huh?) upcoming winter-friendly happenings that'll make you forget spring even exists. Well, maybe we won't go that far.
See "Beer"
Yes, a healthy dose of suds will help get you through many a cold Chicago night (and we've especially been loving Goose Island's new Mild Winter Ale), but we're actually talking about a play here. The show, conceived by Neo-Futurists Steven Mosqueda and Sean Benjamin, is performed at the brand-new Metropolitan Brewing in Ravenswood. If you hate watery, mass-produced swill, and love barley puppets, you'll love this show. Through March 7 at Metropolitan Brewing, 5121 N. Ravenswood; 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday.
If you're one of those people for whom Valentine's Day can't come fast enough (we don't get you) and/or you love drag shows and leather, have we got an event for you! Flirting for Disaster, presented by the Northalsted Area Merchants Association and the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, hits Hydrate next Thursday night.
The event runs from 6-9 p.m., featuring an open bar until 7:30 p.m. (drink specials thereafter), a range of appetizers from local restaurants and live entertainment, including a performance from Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club and a leather fashion show.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Call (312) 729-6130 or visit the Web site.
C'mon, the straight guys on "Project Runway" don't really have a chance. Need proof? Catch a special program profiling the history of gay fashion influence this Thursday at the Chicago History Museum. "Closets Are for Clothes" will look at the lives of gay and lesbian fashion designers, from Marc Jacobs to Christian Dior. The event also will showcase how fashion has “marked sexual identity in American culture.”
The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with cocktails and exhibit viewing, followed by the program at 6:30, at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark. An after-party will be held at the Kit Kat Lounge, 3700 N. Halsted, beginning at 8. Tickets are $12, which includes general museum admission, a 20 percent discount on food at Kit Kat and $5 cocktails.
This will seem more acceptable after a few Rin Tin Tinis.
