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:

PHOTO BY JACK EDINGER

 Handsome crowd:

PHOTO BY JACK EDINGER 

Double-Decker!

PHOTO BY JACK EDINGER

TED BAKER - CHICAGO
1009 North Rush St.
CHICAGO, IL 60611
(312) 255-0290

CS Magazine Presents: The Exclusive Calvin Klein & Carson Pirie Scott Pop-Up Shop

Thursday, September 30, 2010:

I arrived early with Julie Darling and Justin Meister at 116 West Hubbard Street for the VIP opening of the first-ever Chicago Calvin Klein pop-up shop.  We were greeted by the stunning Samantha Saifer - Director of Marketing for CS Magazine (the official media partner for the event) - who whisked us in to grab a drink and catch up.  The 1600 square foot space had been transformed into a hip shopping heaven, filled with the best of CK's threads.  The brand had partnered with Carson Pirie Scott to launch the week-long endeavor, open to the public the next day for perusing and purchasing.  

 Photo courtesy of Stuart Rogers Photography

Adorning the racks were fall looks for both men and women, hand-picked by Calvin Klein's Global Creative Director, Kevin Carrigan.  I had the opportunity to speak with Kevin for a moment to discuss the pop-up shop.  He was very proud of the venture, stating that the line featured in the shop was an advertising pull - meaning every piece you see in CK ads were made available in the shop for the public.  (Nothing is worse than trying to buy a garment from an ad, only to discover that the retailer doesn't carry it in that location!)  He went on to tell us about the planning for the shop and his involvement in designing the interior and merchandising the beautiful space.  Finally, Kevin shared with us some top secret information about future shop endeavors - which I must keep to myself.  Wouldn't want to anger the forces that be at Calvin Klein!  The event was an absolute blast and I was so happy to run into some of my favorite people, including James Goeke, Justin Jacobson (Platinum Events), Melissa Maynard De Kerch (Factio Magazine), Jenny Berg (BizBash), Agga B. (designer and stylist) and William Braggadocio (Men's Street Fashion - ChicagoNow) - among others!  I'm sad to say that the shop has now come and gone, but Chicago is full of fantastic places to find your Calvin's.  Unfortunately, you may not get to sip champagne while you try them on. 

Cheers, Chicago!

Truly,

R.M.B.

Kevin Carrigan:

Photo by Sebastian Biedron, Your Trendy Magazine
What's better than great shoes and CS Magazine?:

Photo courtesy of Stuart Rogers Photography

Justin Meister, Alia Rajput, Julie Darling, Ryan M. Beshel:

 Photo by Sebastian Biedron, Your Trendy Magazine
Buys for the Guys:

 Photo courtesy of Stuart Rogers Photography

Justin Meister, Julie Darling, Ryan M. Beshel:

 Photo courtesy of Stuart Rogers Photography

Macello Re-Opening Event

Thursday, January 28, 2010:
On a frigid evening in January, Macello--the Chicago gem and Warehouse District favorite, re-opened its doors to a fabulous crowd of attendees. In my new position as Chief Wordsmith and Assistant to Julie Darling of Julie Darling (Darling Creative, Inc.), I had the opportunity to focus my efforts on my first PR event as part of the team. The work began weeks before as I had the honor of drafting a press release and invitation for the re-opening of Macello (which was closed earlier this year due to fire). Following the final edits and approval of said documents, I went to work pitching the information to local Chicago newspapers, magazines, and online publications.

| Macello Ristorante | 1235 West Lake Street | Chicago, Illinois |
(312) 850-9870
(3 photos below by Ryan M. Beshel)

The result? An evening of fine food and wine from the Italian region of Puglia, all brought tastefully to life by head chef Giovanni DeNigris. The event began at 7p.m. as notable guests from many Chicago publications, as well as friends and family of Macello, joined us from all over the city to celebrate the re-birth of this stellar Chicago spot. I greeted guests as they arrived and directed them to the appropriate areas while helping to make sure that everything was running smoothly.

Ryan M. Beshel, Julie Darling & Ashley Fidler: Team JD! (below)
(Photo by Chuan D. Vo (Owner and Photographer, Vofotos Photography
Blogger, ChicagoNow Blogs: Shots in the Dark...see the full spread from Macello HERE.)

It truly was a fantastic night with so many great attendees including many new friends, and even some of my "usual suspects". Notable guests included Kevin Aeh (Editor, Time Out Chicago), Danny Miller (Store Director, DNA 2050: Chicago), Quenten Schumacher (Senior Meeting Planner, Sg2), Bella Ventresca (Freelance Model), Ryan Erklin (Senior Network Administrator, TURNkey IT), Chuan D. Vo (Owner and Photographer, Vofotos Photography/Blogger, ChicagoNow Blogs: Shots in the Dark), and Ashley Fidler (Account Executive, Ro-Bro Marketing & Public Relations), among many other talented industry professionals. The event was a success, as more than 250 people showed up (I think we lost count after that) to support Macello and get an authentic taste of Puglia. The dining room was packed and Julie, Ashley and I couldn't have been happier to have so many outstanding individuals join us for such a wonderful evening...

What a crowd!
(Photo by Chuan D. Vo (Owner and Photographer, Vofotos Photography
Blogger, ChicagoNow Blogs: Shots in the Dark...see the full spread from Macello HERE.)

Please follow along as I continue to highlight some of Julie Darling's fabulous Chicago clients that I have the honor of representing with her as part of Team JD! Look out for a post on Chicago's hottest new boutique to buy a killer pair of denim, DNA 2050, as well as a story on an emerging Chicago designer who has just hit the fashion scene. Thank you all for the support as I continue my journey in my favorite city--the best city in the world...Chicago.

Truly,

R.M.B.

p.s. Special thanks goes out to the team at Macello who busted their butts to make this evening come to fruition, especially the lovely Angie Padula. Your hard work paid off! Ottimo lavoro, Ang!

Ryan M. Beshel (below)
(Photo by Chuan D. Vo (Owner and Photographer, Vofotos Photography
Blogger, ChicagoNow Blogs: Shots in the Dark...see the full spread from Macello HERE.)

Macello Grand Re-Opening Invitation

(By Ryan M. Beshel)

Head chef Giovanni DeNigris & Angie Padula
(Photo by Chuan D. Vo (Owner and Photographer, Vofotos Photography
Blogger, ChicagoNow Blogs: Shots in the Dark...see the full spread from Macello HERE.)
Danny Miller (DNA 2050) & Ashley Fidler
(Photo by Chuan D. Vo (Owner and Photographer, Vofotos Photography
Blogger, ChicagoNow Blogs: Shots in the Dark...see the full spread from Macello HERE.)

Pre-Party: Macello
(Photo by Ryan M. Beshel)

Macello

(Photo by Ryan M. Beshel)

Pre-Party: Macello

(Photo by Ryan M. Beshel)

Pre-Party: Macello

(Photo by Ryan M. Beshel)

Heather Newman, Katie Gallagher, & Ali Helfand

(Photo by Chuan D. Vo (Owner and Photographer, Vofotos Photography
Blogger, ChicagoNow Blogs: Shots in the Dark...see the full spread from Macello HERE.)

Buon Appetito!

(Photo by Ryan M. Beshel)