Islands of the World Fashion Tour

Tuesday, August 10, 2010:

I woke up Tuesday morning already excited for the day ahead of me.  Not only was it my birthday (yes - I had to add that in here somewhere), but I was thrilled that I had been invited to one of my favorite types of events - a fashion show.  But this show was a bit more special than your average, with collections from featured designers from 'The Islands'.  Fittingly named, 'The Islands of the World Fashion Tour', this group of designers was set to pack the house at Loft on Lake for a runway show presented by none other than Factio Magazine.  

I arrived after work at the agency with my trusty event side-kick and best bud, Paige Peterson, and we quickly ran into Factio editor-in-chief, Melissa Maynard De Kerch and her charming husband (and Publisher/CEO/Founder of Factio), Henrique Kerch.  We chatted for a bit, grabbed a drink and had our picture taken by one of my favorite photographers, Steve Starr.  The night was hosted by a handful of my favorite people; including Corri Mcfadden (eDrop-Off), Candace Jordan (friend, socialite, blogger), Kristen Fredricksen Skordilis (Koros) and Trevian Kutti (G'bani) - among others.  After catching up with everyone, we took our seats and prepared for the show to begin.  

We were treated with gorgeous collections from four talented designers, starting with handbags by Harl Taylor BAGS from the Bahamas, followed by designs from Nadya of Bali, K-Bobby from Jamaica, and Eric Raisina from Madagascar.  We had an amazing view of the show and I was able to film each collection for you to enjoy as well.  (Consider it a 28th birthday gift from me to you.)  Now, I'm off to the Bahamas!  Well - maybe next year... 

Enjoy!

Truly,

R.M.B.

The runway is set:

The show begins...

Harl Taylor BAG - Bahamas:

A photo from 'Candid Candace':

Nadya - Bali:

Photo by James Gustin, Figphoto.net:

K-Bobby - Jamaica:

My friend, DJ Megan Taylor of Fig Deejay:

Eric Raisina - Madagascar:

Group shot!

Best Birthday, ever!

eDrop-Off Grand Opening Event

 Wednesday, July 21, 2010:

What do you do when last season's Chanel bag needs an update, but cash is a bit tight?  Before you open a lemonade stand and hope for the best, why not give eDrop-Off a try!  Last Wednesday, I was excited to attend the Grand Opening event for the new location of "Chicago’s premier independent eBay drop-off store", eDrop-Off, and mingle with some of my favorite people.  The interior of the new space, located at 2117 N. Halsted, is gorgeous.  Floor to ceiling windows and chic interior details made me feel like I was in a hip loft party.  Even the back work areas were beautiful (especially owner, Corri Mcfadden's amazing office that I want to work in every day).  I had received the invitation from friend and Factio Magazine editor-in-chief, Melissa Maynard De Kerch, and I was thrilled to see her when I arrived and catch up.  Many industry friends were in attendance, including the fabulous Jenny Berg (Bureau Chief, BizBash Media), my new friend Emily Hopp (PR/Special Events, Neiman Marcus), and the gorgeous Julie Selakovich (Director of Marketing, Saks Fifth Avenue) who I spotted across the room, but didn't get to say hello to.  (Hello, Julie!)  After exploring the space and taking full advantage of the photo booth with my date Paige Peterson, we were off with swag bags in hand.  Another great event, and a stunning new store.  But, don't take my word for it...  Clean out those closets, collect your designer duds, and head over to eDrop-Off and let the helpful (and really good looking) staff take care of you.  Just make sure you don't leave your lemonade stand unattended.

Truly,

R.M.B.

Melissa Maynard De Kerch, 

 Corri Mcfadden (the stunning owner of eDrop-Off) 

& Paige Peterson:

The back work room:

The photography room:

Corri's fabulous office (lucky girl!):

 Myself with Melissa Maynard De Kerch:

Ryan + Paige + Photo Booth = Great Success!:

eDrop-Off

New Location:

2117 N. Halsted 

Chicago, IL 60614

The Goorin Bros. Hat Shop Opens in Lakeview!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010:

The Goorin Bros. Hat Shop celebrated another Chicago location in Lakeview this month, and I was excited to attend the opening event on a hot summer night.  I arrived with friends and grabbed a cocktail, while mingling with some of my favorite people.  We perused the eccentric summer collection of hats and listened to the sounds of the live band.  Friend and Store Manager, Drew Dallas Deardorff, greeted us shortly after we arrived with a hug and a smile - just the kind of service that this hip hat shop offers to it's patrons every day.  A portion of the proceeds from the event went to Ravinia Festival's Reach*Teach*Play Program and guests could enter to win a trip for two to Hawaii!  (What better place to wear your new hat than on a sandy beach?)  The event was a success, and judging by the amount of hats on top of heads, it was clear that everyone had a good time.  Congrats to Drew for all his hard work.  Lakeview is lucky to have a great guy like you - and a stellar store like Goorin!

Truly,

R.M.B.

The band:

The Goods:

The Details:

The Crowd:

Tracey Tarantino & Drew Dallas Deardorff:

Abby Zupancic:

Alia Rajput & Nicole L. Townsend:

My favorite buds from Zzazz and beyond!

 

Miriam Cecilia Carlson, Ryan M. Beshel, Paige Peterson & Callie Greenwood:

 

The Goorin Bros. Hat Shop:

3243 North Broadway

Latino Fashion Week: Chicago Designers and Awards Presentations

The team at Zzazz Productions does it again..

Tonight, I worked backstage at the Latino Fashion Week Chicago Designers Runway Show. Tracey Tarantino and her Dream Team produced the show at V-Live--a huge, energetic venue off Milwaukee Avenue. A variety of collections were brought to life by the beautiful Ford Models, featuring designs from Sonya Galaviz, James De Colon, Elda De La Rosa, Hector Monarrez, Nora Del Busto and Camilo Pard. The MC for the evening was the lovely Sylvia Perez, Anchor at ABC Chicago.

I ran into Alia Rajput, a writer with Second City Style and we finally had a minute to catch up. Good friends and fellow ILIAC students, Paige Ann Peterson and Maureen Refvem, joined myself and the other volunteers that gave their time to work the show. It's exhilarating to work an event where everyone is motivated by a love for fashion, or people or the rush of the show. Whatever the reason, being surrounded by so much passion is inspiring and I had such a great time.

Keep an eye on that Zzazz Team--they're taking over this city..

Enjoy the photographs,
and thanks for following..

-R.M.B.

(click the image for full size view)

The Zzazz Productions Team:
Abby Zupancic, Tracey Tarantino,
Drew Dallas Deardorff and Xochitl V. Gomez:

Models being make-up'ed:

Get your hair did:

Ryan M. Beshel:

Stephanie, Ford model and the fabulous Paige Ann Peterson

The stunning model, Veronica Zepeda:

Backstage, Pre-Show, Matt Gearhart and his pretty ladies:

The beautiful Sylvia Perez:

The show begins!:

That dress? I die.:

Maureen Refvem, looking lovely in tulle:

The finale look glides down the stairs:

Big Finish:

The Final Walk:

Post-Show Performance:

Ryan M. Beshel, with Tracey Tarantino of Zzazz Productions:


A Great Success!