Green Ribbon Gala at Bevy

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.