By Jorge G. Zavala | Creative Director
The 1920s were full of decadent surprises, ornate soirees, and lush moments that both allured our interest in scandal and encouraged a bit of deception thanks to Prohibition and the insider-only crowd that understood the importance of a good elixir and a haute meal. On June 19th, 2014, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, one of the premier publications on quality wine and the vibrant lifestyle that comes with the territory, hosted the Red and White Bash in Chicago at the eclectic Architectural Artifacts venue located in Ravenswood. With a successful reception in New York City, Chicago's soiree was nothing less than impressive and full of "underground glam" as one attendee put it.
The 1920s were full of decadent surprises, ornate soirees, and lush moments that both allured our interest in scandal and encouraged a bit of deception thanks to Prohibition and the insider-only crowd that understood the importance of a good elixir and a haute meal. On June 19th, 2014, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, one of the premier publications on quality wine and the vibrant lifestyle that comes with the territory, hosted the Red and White Bash in Chicago at the eclectic Architectural Artifacts venue located in Ravenswood. With a successful reception in New York City, Chicago's soiree was nothing less than impressive and full of "underground glam" as one attendee put it.
The evening began with enthusiastic guests coming in, greeting new and old faces, and bracing themselves for an evening of delish hors d'oeuvres and wine, craft beers, and some of the best whiskey in Chicago.
After the event sold out weeks in advance in New York this past May, Chicago became the next destination for the insider affair. Over 100 wines, beers, and spirits were available for attendees to savor while sampling signatures dishes from local restaurants.
Guests took a moment to both savor the evening's delicieux.
The diverse-array of wines impressed and soothed the crowd, but a real hit during the evening - especially among the twenty-something crowd - was the fabulous Kentucky-distilled bourbon and whiskey.
Attendees were an exuberant bunch who were definitely not camera shy. You go, ladies!
Complementary make-up and touch-up stations were present for those who wanted to get glam a la 1920s. This was very popular and "really added a feel of class" as a young woman told PdM. Amber, one of the attendees and a make-up artists in Chicago, mentioned feeling "great" on the other side of the experience. "I'm usually the one applying make-up and making girls, and sometimes guys, feel beautiful...this time around I was the one feeling pretty, and I love it."
Live performances by Brooke and the Nice Things truly added a dose of swing and plenty of joie de vivre as guests wined, mingled, and put on their dancing shoes for a cause. 100% of net ticketing proceeds went to charity partner Wine to Water - building clean water sources in impoverished countries across the globe.
Fashionistas, law students, finance gurus, and public relations mavens came together for a notable cause and to drink their favorite elixir. Both attendees and those managing the spirits had a prominent smile on their faces: allons-y a la fete, cherie.
Cheers: salud, notre amies.
As the evening developed, guests became even more enamored by the ambiance created. "It truly feels like an intimate gathering with 200 of your closest friends," stated Carlie Swanson, a Chicago-local. "I don't know anyone here but my best friend, but I've talked to so many people and we really like what we're seeing."
The bash truly delivered an evening of high-energy interactions, rhythmic sounds, and plenty of memories that will go beyond summer and 2014. The Red and White Bash was a true success and delivered one of the most exciting experiences this summer to engage with wine and spirit enthusiasts, apperitif connoisseurs, and the who's who of industry insiders.
We look forward to the next decadent soiree, but in the meantime we'll take this craft beer to go.
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