On April 18th, 2013, Prestige du Monde (PdM) and Kahlo Salon hosted "Bienvenue Printemps: a Springtime Benefit" took place at Kahlo Salon in the Norwood Park neighborhood of Chicago. The evening soiree brought high-profile guests together for a business rendezvous to raise funds for the American Diabetes Association. Miss Heart of Illinois 2013 Marisa Buchheit, Miss Northern Illinois Lauren Kudsi, Miss Illinois Latina Vanessa Cruz, and Nuestra Belleza Latina 2013 Finalist Ruth Diaz were some of the notable ladies of the evening who brought a bit of glitz and glam to the benefit.

From 7pm-10pm, guests began to pour in numbers to raise funds for a generous cause while trying decadent treats by Estrella Negra, Sandy Cakes Couture Confections, The Bungalow Cafe, Chipotle, and Noodles and Company.

Le Prestige du Monde (PdM) and Kahlo Salon diligently organized their efforts to showcase local businesses, high-caliber individuals, and promote sustainability in an ever-globalizing world.

Amorn Buchheit and Marisa Buchheit took a moment to pose for the camera. In addition to being a philanthropic individual, Marisa is a talented soprano who is a fervid advocated of implementing the arts in public education.

Ruth Diaz, Lauren Kudsi, and Vanessa Cruz strike a pose. The 3 ladies, in addition to being the image of glam in Chicago and beyond, are dedicated to improving the lives of others through their active participation in the arts, entertainment, and local community initiatives across Chicago.

Guests enjoyed meeting old friends and making new ones while enjoying rum-infused tres leches cupcakes from Sandy Cakes Couture Confections while sipping on a glass of champagne.

Jus d'Amour Soy Candles by Los Angeles-based Parfumes Mercedes had a very notable presence throughout the evening. The candle's Tahitian vanilla delight graced the ambiance as attendees made their way through the venue.

A diverse-array of succulent wine, beer, and spirits were available for attendees to savor while mingling with business leaders, fashionistas, and community organizers.

Jus d'Amour perfumes, including the signature men's fragrance - Legend, were a part of the highly-sought luxury raffle, which included both decadent fragrances.

La Chambre d'Anit's Tina la Diamantina collection had a strong presence throughout the evening. The hand-knit couture scarf, valued at $95, was one of the luxury items raffled at 9:30pm.

Vanessa and Ruth have a moment with Creative Director Jorge G. Zavala as they discuss the importance of active engagement with both local and national initiatives. Both ladies wore couture designs by La Chambre d'Anit.

The ladies of Kahlo Salon took a moment to capture the magic unfolding throughout the evening. Kahlo Salon does an exceptional job at providing beauty services to Chicagoland while also giving back by engaging with students, educators, and business leaders.

Chanteuse Maria Jose, Global Fashionista Ogilvie, and Couture Designer Martina Gonzalez enjoyed a glass of almond champagne while participating in the luxury raffle.

Annelly Quiroz and Tiffany Boller Guyton mingled with guests and were all-smiles throughout the evening. The ladies of Premier3, in addition to being beautiful, believe in the importance of giving back through educational initiatives creating well-rounded curriculum for children.

The Chicago floods, thunder, and whirlwinds did not keep these cuties from enjoying an evening of delicious food, succulent champagne, and extravagant goodies from the lux raffle. Additionally, these fine ladies also awaited the moment they would receive their swag-bags filled with goodies from Kahlo Salon, Jus d'Amour, M&J Products, and DaTo Marketing.

Marisa discusses her platform on incorporating the arts in education while mentioning her next event in May. Our Miss Heart of Illinois 2013 is an active-believer in fostering music, art, and fashion in everyday life.

Guests enjoyed the opportunity to mingle with the notable figures throughout the evening while also enjoying a succulent meal while savoring premium champagne. Attendees participating in the luxury raffle were also anticipating the diverse prizes offered, including health and wellness products from M&J Products, a charity classique mani-pedi from Savon Spa Lakeview, a $100 gift voucher to Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants, a 100% Swarovski crystal bracelet (valued at $350) from Tina la Diamantina, an oh-la-la makeover by Kahlo Salon's very own Veronica Avila, teeth-whitening service by Lee Dental, Jus d'Amour and Legend Parfumes by Parfumes Mercedes, and the VIP experience for 2 adults to Cancun, Mexico by DaTo Marketing and Travalati.

PdM and Kahlo Salon would like to thank all of the wonderful guests, sponsors, and participants who made Bienvenue Printemps a success. The evening brought together a wide-range of high-caliber individuals seeking to make a difference in their surroundings while having an amazing time.

Nous attendons avec impatience la prochaine soirée.

By Carlos Ferreira | Society Reporter

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week began on February 7th and ended on the 14th. Designers, including Sergio Davila, Edun, and Kenneth Cole, among many notable figures, showcased some of their best work for Fall 2013. As always, the glam of the New York City brought both attention to the essence of style as well as an opportunity to mingle with the who's who of the international fashion scene.

On my first night back in NYC, I found a cute shop in SoHo that carried a wide-range of both vintage and trendy eye-wear. These would be great for a certain PdM Creative Director...

This is Clara, a university student from Austria. She currently studies fashion merchandising and hopes to one day showcase some of her clients' designers - or her own - on the runways of NYFW.

An insider moment. PdM had the pleasure of getting behind the scenes of a notable designer (who wanted to remain anonymous) and getting a glimpse of the designs before they debuted on the catwalk. Thanks to Margot for setting this opportunity up!

Oh la la, what do we have here? This collection is ready for Fall 2013: je l'adore!

While the behind the scenes aspect was very much-appreciated, nothing compares to the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd as models strutted their looks.

There were many tones, shades, and concepts inspired by the far east. This wedding dress, according to Tiffany, the young woman in the background, insists that the inspiration for this designer's line comes from the film, Corpse Bride.

Whether one loves or hates it, fur is usually an integral part to NYFW. Many designers have opted for faux fur so as to limit the harm done to animals.

The simple, chic, and cute look is definitely coming back.

New York City is filled with enthusiastic and self-motivated individuals who are very much goal-oriented. The exuberance of each show and designer inspires the very best from all of us and we can only hope that in a few months, the excitement will only continue to grow.

By Jorge G. Zavala | Creative Director
Omar Vazquez | Photography

On December 13th, 2012, some of Chicago's trendiest industry folk, socialites, business elites, and insiders came together to join Le Prestige du Monde to raise funds for the American Heart Association at Y Bar Chicago. "La Joie de Vivre" - PdM's holiday benefit - included very special appearances by notable socialites, including Miss Illinois US 2012 Nancy To, Global Fashionista Ogilvie, Miss Chicago 2012 Marisa Buchheit, the Polish American Association's Special Events Associate Director Barbara Sobecka, and many other notable society insiders.

With Sum Lau, Jerry Rodriguez, Omar Vazquez, and Xavier LeBlanc as the official film and photography team, the event's developments commenced on point - ready to be captured to its fullest. MUA Angelo Romero used his abilities to turn already gorgeous young women into captivating femmes.

The evening began with the highly-anticipated cocktail reception from 7pm-8pm with sponsored alcoholic delights by EC Charro Tequila, Indio Beer, and Aged 2 Perfection decadent wines. Guests had the opportunity to sample a wide-range of fusion tequila cocktails and succulent wine while indulging in savory delights from Chipotle Mexican Grill.

Throughout the evening, guests representing many of Chicago's top designer brands, labels, and modeling agencies mingled while tickets for PdM's luxury raffle were sold by the official evening couple - Paula and Pete. Prizes for the luxury raffle included exclusive treatments by Savon Spa, premium wine from Aged 2 Perfection, a pair of certified authentic boxing gloves signed by Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez (valued at $600), a 4-hour photoshoot - including loft usage and wardrobe changes - with MoHall Loft, one on one photography sessions with the talented Anthony Phong Tran of Third Party Photography, a hand-crafted, Swarovski crystal bracelet (valued at $350) by Tina la Diamantina, pizza and beer soiree from D'Agostino's Pizza, a couture women's evening gown by J.LF designs, special organic tea goodies from Bello Tea, and a $100 gift certificate to Y Bar, among other exquisite goods.

The magic of the evening unfolded - with guests enjoying the presence of old friends while excitingly making new ones - as house goddess CZBoogie created an ambiance of nouveau chic with her dynamic sounds.

Guests had the opportunity to enjoy a cocktail - or 3 - while viewing some of the latest designs by La Chambre d'Anit and J.LF modeled by gorgeous national and international models. The dresses, which one admirer considered "daring with a touch of grace", are made by local designers to fit the modern and style-conscious Chicago woman.

Y Bar Chicago, which is located in Chicago's trendy River North district, combines elegance with style. Attendees ensured that they wore their very best to raise funds for a good cause while admiring the decor (and the beautiful ladies gracing the event).

Petite mignon swag bags - which included decadent vegan desserts by Chef Lucia and goodies from Bello Tea and Kahlo Salon - were given to guests as raffle winners were announced. Models handed out the goodies while thanking guests for their support and generosity.

"La Joie de Vivre", which was showcased by Scene Chicago and Extra Newspaper among several other media outlets, has been called one of the "most fun and vibrant benefits suited well for the (holiday) season".

As the evening came to an end, guests kept the room filled with laughter, smiles, and plenty of joie de vivre that came from the heart - or from a few glasses of premium tequila.

Le Prestige du Monde would like to thank Y Bar Chicago and all liquor, food, luxury raffle, and individual sponsors for making "La Joie de Vivre" a possibility. A very special merci beaucoup goes to the amazing crowd who came out to support a night of culinary and fashion plaisanterie while raising funds for the American Heart Association of Chicago.

Stay tuned for our series of très attendu events coming in 2013.

Until then, à bientôt, chérie.

By Rebecca Faber | Society Reporter

Taking 90/94 Southbound on the way to Bevy on December 6 was a little more beautiful, cleaner, and enjoyable thanks to Chicago Gateway Green. This non-profit organization’s mission is “dedicated to greening and beautifying Chicago’s expressways, gateways, and neighborhoods”. If any of you Chicagoans have noticed these little signs with the leaf along the expressway surrounded by great landscaping, Chicago Gateway Green has been there. Their signature leaf symbol also made an appearance at the Green Ribbon Gala on December 6th, as the proceeds of the event were said to go to this deserving non-profit.

The gala began with a cocktail hour, featuring drinks made with Pama. This pomegranate liqueur was flavorful, not too strong, and a great match for the fashion that surrounded us. Elevated on risers, human manikins were sporting outfits from local green designers. These stoic models added great ambiance to the event while hungry patrons waited for the advertised hors d’oeuvres by Karyn’s on Green that didn’t seem to make an appearance.

Soon enough, there were more cameras than people in the room, generating much anticipation for the epic and serious fashion show.

Ms. Illinois, Amber Podell, fulfilled her hosting duties by introducing the four eco-friendly designers through the show. As the first few outfits of the first designer’s collection made their way down the runway, many whispers were heard. The man next to me was one of the quiet ones, but his head was shaking from left to right. The use of organic fabrics was just not visually pleasing and models were equally as amateur. If anyone in the room was on the fence about supporting the green movement, these designs may have made them run for the hills, or the bar, in this case. Within the course of a few designs, the bartenders seemed to be become very busy.

Once the third designer hit the runway, it was like a little piece of heaven entered the room. Silk Utopia’s collection consisted of silk gowns with clean lines and vibrant colors. Each gown’s fabric was colorful and unique, but not too over the top. The cuts were made with enough design to be interesting, but simple enough to be classic. The models were strutting these designs on the runway with confidence and grace, making it easy to imagine any female happy to wear one of these gowns.

The end of the fashion show marked the end of Amber’s hosting duties, and rehearsed lines. It was difficult to watch her wrap up the show by staring down at note cards filled with lines that made her stumble consistently for a good few minutes. It caused palpable discomfort throughout the room until she put down the mic, but all was well once the music started again.

Overall, the Green Ribbon Gala appeared to be a success. The packed room ensured that money was raised for Chicago Gateway Green, helping create the sustainability of aesthetically pleasing rides down 90/94, as well as many more miles of Chicago road.

By Jorge G. Zavala | Creative Director, Richard Chiang | Resident Media Director

The DeWitt Place at 900 North DeWitt at Delaware in Chicago, Illinois held their Annual Holiday Party on December 4, 2012 to honor Chicago photographers.

This year’s theme was "Christmas Around the World" with The Snow Queen, Aya Jackson guarding the entrance in her gown and was produced by Red Carpet Concierge of Chicago. Adel Shaw, Vice President of Red Carpet Concierge directed this holiday festival with an informal fashion show, featuring local Chicago designers.

Photographers and media were invited to the VIP reception for a Red Carpet Welcome that began at 5:30pm with guests arriving from 6pm until 9pm. “Our Chicago Photographers capture the soul of the city”, said Adel Shaw, “we are honored to welcome them to DeWitt Place”.

An exclusive informal fashion show gave a unique look into a variety of styles along with special guests and designing vendors.

An open bar was available on the first floor while a wide-range of appetizers were presented throughout the lobby, lounge, and several studios and suites.

Models walked throughout the room in style as they showcased a variety of local designers' talent.

The Snow Queen, Aya Jackson, received attention from attendees.

Shari Duffy (L) of Ladies Night Chicago sharing a moment with guests.

The host with the most, Sandra Smith-Doghmi, offering the mic to a lovely young woman decked in haute couture attire.

The evening was filled with a diverse array of guests representing a wide-range of industries. Sandra Smith-Doghmi really knew how to bring an evening to a close by thanking guests for their hard-work and effort throughout the year and by encouraging them to continue bringing their best in 2013. A toast to that!

By Jorge G. Zavala
Creative Director
Richard Chiang
Resident Media Director

Lights, camera, Lily's!

Lily's Talent Agency celebrated its 30th anniversary with a beautiful fête held at The Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago. Lily's Talent Agency along with the Foundation of Artists Mentored in Entertainment (FAME) invited guests to indulge in savory champagne, the latest trends in fashion by a diverse array of local designers, and the chic who's who of Chicago's socialites. 

The exclusive invite-only event began promptly at 6:30pm, allowing guests to meet, mingle, and bask in the ambiance du nuit. Featured designers of the evening included Horacio Nieto, Boyeon Kim, and Keisha Anderson Kirkland-Smith, among others. Miss Chicago 2012 Marisa Buchheit and Taylor Mallory were the emcees for the evening, providing both style and grace.

The crowd mingles while the models, designers, and make-up artists work their magic in the back lounge.

Models gracing the catwalk sported a combination of nouvelle tenue professionnelle and modern cuts emphasizing the body's handsome physique.

Guests characterized the evening's models as confident with a dose of elegance.

Ogilvie Zavala, Associate Arts Editor for Le Prestige du Monde, and Hoang Lam.

Male models made their presence quite visible, with regards masculins and forte strides that allowed guests to focus on both the designs and the diverse looks of each gentleman.

Nancy To, Miss Illinois US 2012, and Jorge Zavala Sr., Director of Investor Relations of Le Prestige du Monde, share a moment while admiring the styles and trends of the evening.

Fall and winter collections were showcased, paying homage to the unique Chicago blend of sentir à l'aise while looking good.

Hair and make-up artists, after an evening of working oh-so-diligently, took the time to unwind after a successful presentation with friends, a glass of champagne, and plenty of photographs.

Lily Liu, President of Lily's Talent Agency, took a moment to acknowledge the effort and determination of each and everyone who's made the team a success.

The Misses. Miss Illinois US 2012 Nancy To, Miss Illinois US 2012 (yes, there are two) Amber Autumn, and Miss Chicago 2012 Marisa Buchheit prepare to call out the names of the evening's raffle winners.

Lily's Talent Agency has grown into its 30th, displaying a great attitude and a determined team that keeps a la mode so as to grow in life, fun, and fashion. We are looking forward to the next 30, Lily.

By Richard Chiang
Resident Media Director

CHICAGO - “An opulent soirée de la mode is being feted at some historical spot that I have never heard of......”, I said to myself while ascending the stairs on October 16th, 2012 to the entrance of this unknown building reminiscent of the Beaux-Arts style architecture. Call me ignorant, as I later on found out this place was really something: the prestigious John B. Murphy Memorial Auditorium, featuring the French Renaissance architectural style based on the Chapelle de Notre Dame de Consolation located in Paris.  

So here I was at this mysterious junket, before seeing the runway show, the main attraction of the night, I was already very much enthralled by the sumptuous ambience formulated with the interior décor and the lighting. The dome ceiling, the staircases, the floor, and just about every furniture was impeccably crafted. Adding on top of all these was a layer of nostalgia, well attested by the antique phone booth just to the right of the entrance inside the building.

This indulging moment was soon interrupted when the fashionistas arrived. High energy, glamour, gossips, burst of flash lights, cocktails, and did I mention the photographer star, Steve Starr (that’s really his name) was there taking photos? I said it like it was a surprise, heck no. This guy had not yet missed one fashion event as far as I knew at that point. I salute his passion!

Right before the runway show, the hosts (Corri McFadden of Edrop-Off, April Francis founder of the critically acclaimed Dose Market and Angi Taylor, Morning Radio Host for 103.5 KISS FM) introduced to the audience the organizers Luxury Management “LUX MGT” & Monika Dixon Public Relations, the designer Julius LaCour Jr. (Maison de LaCour MDLC), and a 9-year-old girl Alyssa, whose dream was to walk the runway, and so she did tonight! It turned out this event was a benefit to American Cancer Society. The runway show debuted MDLC’s 2013 spring collection, with an on-stage ballet performance and model presentation by Yana German.

By Amanda Mookjai
Thailand Correspondent

I took part in an official workshop for creative people in Bangkok. The neighborhood, Wong Wian, slightly outside of the city centre, serves as a hub for indie artists, musicians, and those interested in creating fashion.

I became aware of the workshop for creative minds through a family friend who organizes fashion shows in Bangkok. I believe that people need to come out on a regular basis with more edgy, fun wear. The spot is away from the tourist eye and very much a Thai-local studio. While the attendees of the workshop were asked to keep the location "an intimate piece of information" so as to keep the artistic energy under wraps, I can reveal that is near one of the many malls found in the "City of Angels".

Gaew, a local designer, works on a caricature of her co-worker.

Typically, there is no photography allowed in such creative sessions. However, they made an exception for yours truly.

Boy, an aspiring designer from Northeast Thailand, hopes to create a brand that spans the globe. Cute blazer, boy.

Tanaporn, a resident of Yaowarat - the name for Bangkok's Chinatown - uses her Thai-Chinese heritage as an inspiration for her work.

A team of designers and public relations girls didn't hesitate to have fun while posing for Le Prestige du Monde.

Khob khun kha for the invite! Can't wait to have another opportunity to capture Bangkok's designers hard at work!

By Sara Schwartzkopf
Society Contributor

Fashion’s Night Out has been an ongoing event for the past four years. It’s a chance for retailers and designers to host parties, show off their designs, and generally have a good time. Yet the fashion industry can have a tenuous relationship with Native Americans.

This year Paul Frank in West Hollywood decided to theme their event as a “Dream Catchin’ Pow Wow". Party-goers were encouraged to pose with fake tomahawks, head bands, neon feathers, and child-sized bow and arrows. Furthermore, the drinks were also Native-themed, including names like “Rain Dance Refresher,” “Neon Teepee,” and “Dream Catcher.” Even the Paul Frank monkey, Julius, was featured across the event wearing neon headdresses and neon face paint.

There is no doubt that the people at Paul Frank didn’t see a problem with this theme. Natives see this every year as Halloween rolls around, and even more in the past year as fake-Native designs have proliferated the clothing market. Yet the theme has been decried as upsetting and outright racist by several activists and websites. The issue centers around stereotypes, and specifically, dressing in what many have termed redface.

Similar to blackface, redface is used to relegate Natives to extremely stereotypical images. These simplified images of savages and sexy maidens were frequently used to justify policies that aimed to either kill off or assimilate Natives into mainstream white society. Many of these policies resulted in social justice issues that still plague Native communities: poverty, violence, mental health problems, health issues, and a level of erasure that arguably affects no other group in the United States to the same extent.

The problem is that this erasure also affects the fashion industry. The Native American image becomes commodified and imagined to be that of the same images that were once used to justify genocide. Other aspects of culture that are still regarded as sacred are stripped of context and history. Instead they become something trendy. A prime example is placing a headdress (a sacred object reserved for respected leaders) on a monkey (an animal that has also been used in the past to paint minorities as subhuman).

The shocking thing about Paul Frank’s party is not that it occurred. A simple Google search for “Cowboys and Indians party” or “Native-themed party” shows that it’s a common (though unacceptable) occurrence. Instead, the shocking thing is that Paul Frank not only issued an apology and took down the pictures, but took it a leap forward and discontinued all use of Native imagery in their products, contacted two of the most prominent activists (Dr. Metcalfe of Beyond Buckskin and Adrienne K. of Native Appropriations), asked them to participate in a panel at an industry conference, and announced plans to work with a Native artist on designs where the product proceeds will be donated to a Native cause.

It’s a move that’s unprecedented for a major brand, but it is one that opens up possibilities and hope for the Native community regarding how events like this should be handled.

By Carlos Ferreira
Fashion Contributor

Inspiration comes from the availability of tech in menswear today and how these fabrics and fabrications have gone past simply sporty to becoming more polished and dressed-up. They also contrast nicely with a rugged, natural landscape that emphasizes a state of solidarity while allowing a viewer to focus on the essence of simply being.

This had originally been intended for print, but we found it befitting to have it published bigger and better—on Le Prestige du Monde.