La Joie de Vivre - PdM Holiday Benefit at Y Bar

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.