Sebastien Grey Clothiers: Exclusive Launch in HALO [FOR MEN] Salons

Thursday, January 20, 2011:
A while back, I received an email from Michael Corrigan, a friend and publicist for Zapwater Communications, asking for my address.  I was a bit intrigued, as Michael and I had not known each other very well at the time, but I was aware of his position (and hey - you never know what a well-connected publicist may send you.)  I shot him back the info he requested of me, went on with my day and forgot all about it - until a month or so later...  

I had just gotten home from the office and my roommate pointed to a package on my desk and said - 'That came for you.'  I picked up the package, which had been wrapped in thick brown paper and slowly peeled it open.  Inside, a long, skinny, flat black box was waiting with my name, address and 'Bowtie Memoirs' written on it in white.  (I had to take a moment and collect my excitement, as I had never received a package like this before.)  On the center of the box was a small piece of fabric ruler that held it tightly closed - almost hugging it shut.  I slipped off the ruler, opened the box, unfolded the wrapping tissue - and gasped.  Inside, was the super-coolest, most awesomest, triple-radical invite I had ever received.  (Apologies for the high school verbiage - but seriously, though.)  There were three small booklets with the words 'Sebastien Grey Clothiers' printed on them, full of information about the company that I had already started to fall in love with.  The booklet in the middle held a cuff-link and a metal collar-stay inscribed with the same words and printed simply above the cuff-link, was the time of the event and the address.  I immediately remembered Michael and insisted that this must be his doing - though, I wasn't completely convinced until I found out for sure.  

The infamous invite:

Now - I know you don't want to hear the story of an invite - you came here to read about the launch of a new brand, right?  But, I can't speak about Sebastien Grey without touching upon the time and attention that went into the invite, such a seemingly simple process.  This, my friends, is a perfect metaphor for what Sebastien Grey Clothiers stands for:  attention to detail and exquisite personal touches...

A small selection of the custom suits and casual looks from Sebastien Grey:

I arrived at the Loop location - 70 W. Madison - around 4:15p.m. on Thursday for the media preview (I was lucky enough to get in early to check out the bespoke brand before the public got their eyes on it.)  If that address seems familiar, it is no mistake, as Sebastien Grey Clothiers are located exclusively inside of Chicago's popular HALO [FOR MEN] salons.  I was greeted by Michael himself and got right to it - checking out the selection of suiting and the many choices that could be made.  HALO [FOR MEN] and Sebastien Grey work wonderfully together to give the full service that a stylish man wants and deserves.  It's simple, really.  Allow me to lay out the steps:

1.  Get a dashing haircut.  (Damn, you look good.)

2.  Get a consultation.  (You don't have to do this alone.)

3.  Pick out every detail that you want.  (You, are a man of power.)

4.  Come back in about four weeks for another haircut and a fitting, just to be sure.  (That custom suit hugs you in all the right places.)

5.  One to two weeks later - it's done.  (Who knew looking this good was so friggin' easy.)

There you have it, guys.  Can you say convenience?  

You can't go wrong with so many choices to choose from - be it the cut, the fit, the fabric, the color of the thread that wraps the button holes - you get the point.  Sounds pretty good right?  'Ok, Mr. Bowtie' - you may be asking yourself - 'so how much?'  Well, hold on to your hat - 'cause even that is customizable!  The prices are tiered, depending on the quality of the fabric and the first level starts at only $799 - for a custom suit!  (Insanity.)  From there - you can elevate the fabric quality, step by step until you are at $1099, then $1499, then $2000.  It really depends on what you want and how you want your suit to feel (and drape on the body.)  Now, I can talk all day about how great Sebastien Grey is, but you have to go and check it out for yourself.  I promise you wont be disappointed with the service and quality of these gorgeous threads.  In fact, the consultant I spoke with described the Sebastien Grey experience quite perfectly - she said, 'Our standard is the other suit-maker's upgrade.'  So, there you have it - exceptional service, exquisite fabrics and the perfect fit.  The only thing left to figure out is how you want your hair cut.

(Though, I have a feeling they could help you with that, too.) 

Truly,

R.M.B.

Email: info@sebastiengrey.com

Loop:

70 West Madison | Chicago, IL 60602 | (773) 486-4646

South Loop:

1351 South Michigan Ave | Chicago, IL 60605 | (773) 486-4646 

Lincoln Park:

654 West Diversey | Chicago, IL 60657 | (773) 486-4646 

The Bowtie Memoirs: Profile on StyleAdmirer.com

Photo captured and edited by Meghan Turner of StyleAdmirer.com:

Thursday, June 17, 2010:

Recently, I had the honor of being profiled for a feature story put together by Meghan Turner, editor-in-chief of Chicago style and event blog, Style Admirer: Chicago.  Click on the link below to have a look at the full story!

"Chicago Blogger Profile:  Ryan Beshel of The Bowtie Memoirs"

Many thanks to Meghan and her continuous (and fabulous) coverage of Chicago style.  Her blog is entertaining, informative - and incredibly stylish.  The Bowtie Memoirs loves Style Admirer: Chicago!

Enjoy!

Truly,

R.M.B.

Obsessions of the Bowtie: Gap 1969 Jeans Shop

Wednesday, June 16, 2010:

If you've taken a stroll down Chicago's lively Rush Street lately, you may have noticed a new resident to hit the retailing scene.  Enter:  the 1969 Jean Shop, brought to our fine city by power retailer, Gap Inc.  This 1969 shop is only the second Gap concept store to hit the nation.  (Lucky us!)  The first concept opened last August in San Fransisco, right along with the launch of the newly improved 1969 denim line.  According to my 'denim insider' at the shop, there is an actual "second store" in Soho - however, it's not considered a true concept store due to the outfitted Gap store located on the 2nd floor of the building.  (But, who's counting?)

The original Gap opened it's doors in 1969, born with a vision to offer affordable, fashionable denim outfitter with a consumer-centric custom service style.  To celebrate the birth of the retailer, Gap introduced a stellar line of denim fittingly called the 1969 collection.  Just after one year of selling the new line, Gap decided to introduce boutiques and spread the word about these amazing jeans.  With the new location on Rush, 1969 is able to compete against high end denim outfitters in the area with prices that are literally half of designer denim (most under $100!), and of the same quality. 

In order to stand apart from a typical Gap,  1969 does not provide the customer with an discount, promotion, or sale on any of their merchandise.  A majority of the merchandise is the same as a typical Gap store, however, the 1969 shops receive merchandise weeks before the others - and in denim washes exclusive to their shops.  1969 also carries third party merchandise with exclusive ties with What Goes Around Comes Around, a vintage belt wholesaler based out of New York and L.A.

I had a chance to snoop around this new shop and was excited with the selection of denim and other garments to complete any look.  The service was exceptional and the denim pros I spoke with really were experts.  I love the fact that the 1969 Jean Shop also reaches out to other vendors to offer eccentric finds to complement their selection of denim.  This concept seems to be a fresh idea that I'm loving - big name retailers breaking off from their mega stores to offer an edited selection, alongside some really special boutique-like items.   The fits are great, the washes are perfect, and the service is exceptional.  What more could you ask for?  Get in there today and make 1969 your new obsession.

Truly,

R.M.B.

Selections for the ladies:

Denim 'stools':

Kate & Paige, my 'denim insiders':

Denim for days:

Don't we wish!:

Rush Street Loves... The Bowtie Memoirs!

1969 on Rush Street:

Gap 1969 Jeans Shop

939 Rush Street 

Chicago, IL 60611

312-951-1745

Kraken Rum Launch Party Premiere at The Shedd Aquarium

Above Photo: Ryan M. Beshel
...CLICK ON ALL PHOTOS BELOW FOR FULL SIZE...

Thursday, January 21, 2010:
Platinum Events produced an outstanding event to launch Kraken Rum, the newest black spiced rum to hit the Chicago market. Search lights shot beams of white into the sky, as we followed their lead to the sprawling steps of the Shedd Aquarium. Once inside, I said hello to friend and CEO of Platinum Events, Justin Jacobson. (Justin is the kind of guy that makes you feel like the only person at the party--and to give you an idea: there were about 600 people in the room and over 1500 showed up throughout the course of the evening.) We walked the red carpet, grabbed a shot of Kraken from the waiting server, and passed by a gentleman dressed in a diver costume. (I later talked with "Scuba Steve" and he told me it was really hot inside that costume, but he was happy to have the ladies all over him.)


Photos: 1. Kraken Rum Bottle (courtesy of Tyler Curtis: DarkroomDemons.com) 2. Shedd Aquarium (courtesy of Tyler Curtis: DarkroomDemons.com) 3. "Scuba Steve" w/Justin Jacobson and the ladies (Photo from: ChicagoNow: Shots in the Dark)

The Kraken Rum logo was projected in white on the massive wall above us. The branding of the bottle, the label, and the event was dead-on. I took a walk by myself to get a real sense of the party and what the crowd was like. Of course, I grabbed a drink (to cool off my stomach, which was instantly warmed by the earlier shot as we entered the event) and began my people-watching. The early crowd was an older, dressed in suits, ladies on arm kind of scene. I certainly stuck out like a sore thumb with my bowtie and short sleeves (though, I hardly minded). The Shedd Aquarium's tanks on the main floor were open for all of us to peruse and I joined my friends to do just that. While drinking our Kraken Rum, we watched an array of sharks, sting rays, and fish (bigger than your car) swim around the massive tank--such a great experience. I remember thinking, "What could be better than this?"


Photos: Ryan M. Beshel

In emails prior to the event, Justin had had told me about the 7-foot wall that was going to be set-up in the space with the Kraken logo gleaming through a steady stream of white fog. A fog wall?! I couldn't believe how fantastic that was (nor could I have guessed what it actually would have looked like before I saw it.) DJ Slym kept us moving all night and when the Platinum Dancers showed up to do a few back-flips and get the crowd going, we all knew we had experienced something special.


Photos: 1. The DJ's: (Photo courtesy of Tyler Curtis: DarkroomDemons.com) 2. The Platinum Dancers (Photo courtesy of Tyler Curtis: DarkroomDemons.com) 3. The Kraken Fog Wall (Photo by Ryan M. Beshel)

As the night rolled on, the crowd became younger and younger. Chicago's hippest, most-connected industry individuals joined the scene and the party was in full swing. Notables included Cameron Croft, Amanda Puck, Ginger Zee, and a few up and coming fashion industry icons, aka: The Electric Eels, Freaks, CKC, etc. I'd like to send a special "thank you" to my gorgeous friend, Kelli Zink, who was so sweet and took a few minutes to chat it up with me (and compliment my outfit, which I clearly did not mind;) Being in the entertainment business with so many egos can often rub-off on you, but I'm convinced Kelli will always be personable, humble, and sweet as can be--even though she is as fabulous as she is. (So, thanks KZ, you looked stunning as well...)


Photos: 1. Joan Kittredge, Justin Jacobson, and Ryan M. Beshel (Photo from: ChicagoNow: Shots in the Dark) 2. Kraken Logo and event crowd (Photo By: Ryan M. Beshel) 3. Omar Diaz, Chad Green, and Noelle Moreno (courtesy of Tyler Curtis: DarkroomDemons.com)

Around 11:30p.m., my guests and I were ready to venture off to explore the rest of our Chicago evening. As we reached the Shedd Aquarium parkway, Callie (the fabulous) jokingly hailed us a cab--which was actually a limo. We all caught up with her only to find out that she had secured us a ride home in said limo for $5 a person! We immediately agreed to take the deal and within seconds, we were cruising down Michigan Avenue towards our next destination. (What a perfect way to leave such a fabulous event!)

We stopped at Paige's house before heading off to the Cobra Lounge to finish the night with a PBR in hand and the sounds of James Brown tribute band, Get Up With The Get Downs. (Nothing is better than a cheap beer and some ass-shaking after a swanky party.) Once the band had played their last funky cover, I hopped in a cab back to my beloved Pilsen...


Photos: Ryan M. Beshel

Thank you to Justin Jacobson for out-doing yourself once again!....Kelli Zink, we are dating now, like it or not!.....Thank you, Neo--our limo driver!.....Callie, Paige, Tony, Omar, Noelle, Chad, Heather, Joan, and Maureen: you were clearly the hottest and most fabulous bunch prancing around the Shedd last Thursday!

...and to all of you: Thanks for reading and be sure to check back soon for more!

Still swooning from such a great event,

R.M.B.

Ryan M. Beshel (below) Photo: Courtesy of Tyler Curtis: DarkroomDemons.com

Search lights outside of the Shedd Aquarium. Photo: Ryan M. Beshel

The Kraken bus! Photo: Ryan M. Beshel

The corridor aquarium. Photo: Ryan M. Beshel

Best city in the world, Chicago! Photo: Ryan M. Beshel

Heather & Callie in the limo on Michgian Ave. Photo: Ryan M. Beshel

Obsessions of the Bowtie: Volume 1

Here at The Bowtie Memoirs, I have been completely obsessed with a few things (other than chocolate milk and frozen pizza). What I'm talking about here can't be heated in the oven or poured from a carton. The obsession I speak of is none other than the Alexander McQueen Fall 2009 Menswear Collection. It makes me want to sing from mountain tops (or Willis Tower, I suppose). Now, for any of you who may not be brushed up on your McQueen info, grab a note pad and pen. It's time to take some notes provided by our friends at GQ.com:

Designer: Alexander McQueen
Owned By: Gucci Group
Founded: 1992, London
History: Famous for his decadent runway shows and prodigious mastery of construction (he trained on Savile Row as a teenager and was tapped to design couture for Givenchy at 27), McQueen is variously inspired by the military, morbidity, and any number of far-flung tribes—often in the same collection. McQueen also oversees a successful women's line, as well as the diffusion brand McQ and a sportswear collection for Puma.
The Look: Lately? Savile Row meets Queensbury Rules
(Thank you, GQ)

Have a look at the photos and you'll know why I have made them my screen saver for every computer I sit in front of. Nothing calms me down from a busy morning at the office like falling into the world of McQueen. This collection is calling my name, and when I get my hands on it, I certainly wont be eating frozen pizza.

After all, I wouldn't want tomato sauce on my overcoat.

-R.M.B.

So, these would cover me for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
(I would wear the third outfit twice--it's just that amazing):

A photograph from the runway show:






















To see these walking works of art, grab a cold glass of chocolate milk and simply CLICK HERE.
Your eyes will thank you.


As always, thanks for reading and be sure to check back for many more 'Obsessions of the Bowtie'...

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!