The Bowtie Memoirs: Fig media. EDrop-Off

Friday, September 16, 2011

A Very Merry "Fashion's Night Out"

Thursday, September 8, 2011:
It can be said that anything Anna Wintour creates/endorses/promotes turns into fashion gold. Well - I said it ... not sure if you agree - but seriously? That women is a powerful fashion genius. Moving on..

In New York - 2009 - Ms. Wintour (be polite - or she'll eat you) - started "Fashion's Night Out", "as a means to encourage consumers to shop and support the fashion industry during the tough economic climate." (wikifashion) Now, just two years later, FNO is celebrated in over 250 cities (and in NYC alone, over 1000 retailers continue the new tradition.)

This year - Chicago was no exception - with events popping up all over town to celebrate our love of fashion. Michigan Avenue was buzzing with stylish fetes this year - as was Oak Street and so many other retailers across the city. (In fact, the new TOPSHOP|TOPMAN opened to the public on September 8th - which Chicago clearly has a huge crush on already.)

I was honored to be able to attend The 900 Shops FNO event called "Fame, Fashion & Flavor: 900's Night Out" - which was hosted by ... waaaaaait for it: THE Brad Goreski. *swoons - passes out - hits head - dreams of Brad - wakes up again to continue writing this post* ... Where was I? Oh yes ... the event was also sponsored by my buds at CS Magazine, the wonderful women at Julie Watson Style, Gilt City, Fig Media (shout out to my favorite fashion DJ - Megan Taylor!), Event Creative, eDrop-Off (who had an amazing photo booth), Agency Galatea (so proud of my girls and guys!) and many other fantastic local businesses that gave their time, energy and services to make this outstanding event come to life. The result? An absolute fashion success - and in my opinion - one of the best parties on the Avenue. (Biased? Maybe - but I don't lie - so that makes me right.)

(L) Brad & Paige Ann Peterson ... (M) Kelli Zink & Brad ... (R) Candace Jordan & Brad

Agency Galatea Guys and Girls with Brad Goreski:

(L) Briana, Brad & Katie ... (M) Saba & Nick ... (R) Brad and Josh:

(L to R - Back Row) Josh, Nick, Mike & Thomas

(Front Row) Julie Watson & Annie Barlow

Once my models had walked the runway and the event was settling down - I joined a group of friends to head over to support one of my favorite Chicago shops - Sofia Vintage on Oak Street. We walked over (everyone looking dashing - like it was Fashion Christmas) to check out who was "Living Lovely" at 72 East Oak. We arrived and were greeted by many familiar faces. I ran into one of my favorite Chicago fashion photographers, Bryan Whitely - and then was thrilled to see the lovely Ciara Newby. We went outside to get some air (Sofia was hoppin!) and ran into Mr. Ian Doran - who had just come from work at Jack Spade (lucky.) The crowd outside was fantastic - such a mix of styles and conversations and handshakes.

As I departed for home, I decided to leave my headphones in my pocket and take it all in. I strolled up Oak Street and then continued South on Rush. Everywhere I looked, there were glimpses of fashion - like an entire city had taken an extra few minutes to put on something
special this evening. The city was buzzing with an energy that was quite different than any other day when I have walked these streets. I smiled as I strolled, a bit slower than normal - hands in my pockets, grinning like a child on Christmas morning.

Only - this was different - this was Fashion Christmas...

...and this perfectly stylish night was my gift.

Happy "Fashion's Night Out", Chicago.

Truly,

R.M.B.

P.s. To check out my FNO interview with Chicago 3 Media, click HERE. (:

Merry Fashion Christmas to ME.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

The Ted Baker-London Grand Opening

Thursday, February 17, 2011:
On a particularly dreary (London-esque) day, I tightened my bowtie in the Agency Galatea office, shut down the computer and made my way to the elevator. Once at street level, I saw Katie McLenaghan smile at me through the glass - one eye covered with that gorgeous blond hair of hers. I gave her a smooch, we hailed a cab and we were off to see Ted. (Well, kinda.) Arriving a bit early, we walked a few windy blocks and discussed the future of Chicago fashion and Katie schooled me on her favorite legendary socialites of times past and present. (Candace Jordan: Yes, my love - you were a lovely topic of conversation!) Finally rounding the corner of Oak and Rush, we arrived for the event: The Ted Baker London Grand Opening.

Ryan M. Beshel & Katie McLenaghan:

Once inside, I was blown away by the gorgeous interior of the store. It has tons of personality and once I found my way to Mr. Michael Corrigan (Friend and Publicist - Zapwater Communications), he explained that the concept was planned as if a heavy wind had blown the decor from the walls the farther back you moved into the space. (You'll have to check it out for yourself to know what I mean.) Once I quit fawning over the decor, I had the chance to get down to business and speak to the women behind the brand: Joni Kilmurry (Ted Baker London’s Marketing & Press Guardian for the West Coast, Gail Dobinson (Ted Baker London Head of Marketing & PR) and Jodie Kilmurry (Ted Baker London Marketing Manager.) First of all - these women were not only sweet as can be - but they each had their own eccentric style and I could have talked to them all night. They explained to me that the quality of the fabrics/stitching/buttons, as well as a dedicated attention to detail (and a quirky sense of humor) is what sets Ted Baker apart from it's competition. (I later learned that the very first stores would provide a laundry service for every shirt purchased and that Ted shops would give away a can of Paxo stuffing at Christmas. See? Quality and a sense of humor.) When I asked Joni to tell me one sentence that best describes the Ted Baker brand - she didn't miss a beat: "‘No Ordinary Designer Label." Quite frankly, I'd have to agree.

Joni Kilmurry, Gail Dobinson & Jodie Kilmurry:

PHOTO BY JACK EDINGER

After a fantastic chat, it was time for the ladies to speak to other press - and for me to move on to the bar area. I snagged a drink, finagled my way through the crowd and planted a kiss on Megan Taylor's cheek (my favorite lady DJ from one of my favorite Chicago creative companies - Fig Media.) She was playing a to-die-for mix of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" and she quickly told me where to get it. (Just click the link above!) After a few words with her, I ran into the lovely Sonya Jackson - who was busy shopping up a storm. (Loved that black dress on you, gorgeous!) As I flipped around from Sonya's dressing room - I was thrilled, as always, to see the handsome James Goeke and Kevin Aeh chatting it up. I looked up and coming through the crowd was the ever-popular Mr. Justin Jacobson (with a beautiful lady, of course.) To his right was the stunning Corri McFadden (an appointed Chicago Brand Ambassador for Ted Baker, if I may add) and the "EDrop-Off Girls" (yes - they have quickly become a sexy little group of celebs, if you ask me.) After a few words with Jena Gambaccini, I ran into Lynne Bredfeldt from the Park Hyatt (also a Chicago Brand Ambassador) who is always so sweet. Basically, friends - you get my point: this party was packed with the best of the best!

Corri McFadden, Christopher Clinton Conway (Executive Director of the Joffrey Ballet),

Lynne Bredfeldt & Ashley Wheater (Artistic Director of the Joffrey Ballet):

PHOTO BY JACK EDINGER

After catching up with everyone, it was time for me to head out and meet my Julie Darling at Frontier for drinks and to learn a bit about Rodan + Fields (if you're not in the know about this company - get in the know. They are pretty much taking over.) If I had stayed for a bit longer, I would have been a part of the double-decker bus action that shuttled all of Ted's friends off to Public House. Grrrr! (Maybe next time?) Either way - I had an absolute blast at the Ted Opening. If you haven't already left your house to go check this place out - I suggest you do. I guarantee you'll find something you love - and if you don't - I'll take you for a spin in a double-decker bus to make up for it.

Promise.

Truly,

R.M.B.

Jodie Kilmurry & Ryan M. Beshel: