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, Xavier LeBlanc | Film and Visuals

The Polish American Association hosted it's 90th Anniversary Gala and Benefit Auction at The Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago on November 10th, 2012. 

The evening commenced with a wonderful cocktail reception with note-worthy guests, including the evening's honorees Arie and Bozena Zweig, major supporters of charitable and cultural organizations in the United States, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago Paulina Kapuscinska, Global Fashionista and Designer Ogilvie, and Justice of the Appellate Court of Illinois Aurelia Pucinski, among other high-profile individuals.

While these videos are only a petite glimpse into the glamorous developments of the evening, they showcase the decadence guests were treated to by the PAA.

The Polish American Association's Executive Director, Gary Kenzer, and Special Events Associate Director, Barbara Sobecka, were wonderful hosts throughout the evening and their team's diligence is truly evident. PdM's team is looking forward to collaborating on future events and awaits 2013's gala, which is surely going to be another success.

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

The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois hosted around 400 of Chicago’s physicians, surgeons, corporate leaders and philanthropists on December 1st, 2012 at the Ritz Carlton Chicago. Our very own Jay Levine and wife Mary Ann Childers of CBS 2 Chicago served as emcees for the evening, greeting guests and discussing the importance of the Gift of Life Award.  Gift of Life Award honorees included Access Community Health Network, the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago and Vanguard Weiss Memorial Hospital.

From 6:30pm until around midnight, the black-tie event celebrated diverse accomplishments in the fields of kidney disease, organ donation and transplantation and helped raise funds for the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois.  At the event, the Gift of Life Award was given to three key partners of the KidneyMobile®: Access Community Health Network, the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago and Vanguard Weiss Memorial Hospital. 

The Gift of Life Gala raises funds to support National Kidney Foundation of Illinois’ programs for kidney patients throughout the state.  This includes the KidneyMobile®, Kidney Camp, educational programs for transplant patients, kidney disease research and professional education.

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a variety of treats, including succulent wine and champagne, a silent auction boasting a diverse set of high-quality wines and autographed memorabilia, and a delicious meal served promptly at 8pm.

Guests mingled while bidding on their item of choice. Some of the most popular items included signed autographed photos of artists like Enrique Iglesias and Justin Bieber.

This energetic and exuberant band played throughout the evening and encouraged guests to get on the dance floor. Their choices of song varied from top 40 hits to 1960s love ballads.

The Gift of Life Gala brought a very influential crowd together for a night of dinner, dancing, and doing good. The goal was to raise money so as to continue helping those in need through NKFI's diverse programs.

As guests left, many bid goodbye to old friends and vowed to keep in touch with new ones. Cheers!