Paradeisos

Reggie Brown, NBC5 Street Team

When I say ‘ Fashion’ and ‘Party’ ‘in the same sentence, you know I’m talking about AKIRA. The stars have aligned in perfect sequence and tomorrow, Sunday September 28th, (My golden birthday), AKIRA’s 5th Annual Garden of Eden fashion show is going down at the Galleria Marchetti.

Tickets are only $15 if purchased in advance, $20 at the door. Word to the wise, get your tickets in advance, I’ve seen the lines from the previous years and they are impressive to say the least. Paradeisos will feature Ford models showcasing the hottest fall fashions from AKIRA inspired by Greek gods and goddesses. The event starts at 4:30 with the fashion show expected to jump off around 6:30.

This is the second consecutive year AKIRA is teaming up with Chicago based Immerman Angels and donating all proceeds from ticket sales and a portion of boutique sales to the not-for-profit organization.  Immerman Angels is a 100% free service that teams up caregivers and cancer survivors with cancer fighters to offer one on one support through their battle with the disease. It’s a great organization that has helped countless people who have had cancer or their lives affected by the disease.

In addition to the fashion show, there’s so much to get into, the evening is packed full of  different activities. There will be a silent auction, an AKIRA boutique, live musical performances and even massages and manicures provided compliments of Zazu Salon. Come on out and celebrate my 28th with me and my friends at AKIRA and Immerman Angels!

Galleria Marchetti 825 W Erie

Tickets can be purchased at AKIRA stores and on the AKIRA and Immerman Angels websites.

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You are SO going to Hell…

Laura Lodewyck, NBC5 Street Team

Shed your saintly skin and indulge in some decadence as you celebrate A Night of 7 Deadly Sins this Saturday at 10:00 pm.

 For one night, the fabulous John Fluevog shoe store (1539 N. Milwaukee) will be transformed into Dante’s Inferno, with 7 stations of sin. Everyone is encouraged to come dressed as their “favorite sin”.  In addition to a surprise guest DJ, highlights of the night will include a lusty 7-Minutes in Heaven Auction, featuring local actress/hottie Nilsa Reyna, as well as performances by Johnny Rivers & The Ripettes Burlesque Review. Prizes will be awarded for the winners of the costume (pride?) and pizza eating (gluttony?) contests.

The first 100 reservations receive a gift certificate to AKIRA, so email dramaqueen_2281@hotmail.com

  ASAP! Dress in costume for a discounted ticket rate of $20, or come-as-you-are with a $30 ticket that includes decadent food, sinful beverages, contests, auctions, and plenty of entertainment. Visit the event website at going.com/7deadlysins.

All proceeds will benefit Chicago Fusion Theatre as they celebrate the closing night of their production of bobrauschenbergamerica, which has been hailed by critics as “…satisfyingly bizarre and frenetically entertaining… a ninety-minute whirlwind of love, loss, sex and art…” The cast of the show will make an appearance, and the evening also includes a local artists’ silent auction featuring interpretations of the late Robert Rauschenberg’s work.

If you’ve got any suggestions for weird and wonderful events that you shouldn’t miss this weekend, write me at llodewyck@nudehippo.com. Be sure to type “Lodewyck” into the Search bar in the upper right hand corner to see my previous blogs, and to watch my segments with Nude Hippo.

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An Inside Look At ARITZIA

LaShonda Matlock, NBC5 Street Team

The new Aritzia (“ah-ritz-ee-ah”) store doesn’t disappoint! The 4,300 square mecca on the third level of Water Tower Place, is a breath of fresh air out of the crowded wannabe NYC styled boutiques.

Aritizia’s PR maven took me on a grand tour of the place and to not say that I was impressed was an understatement! As their press release stated it really was unlike anything ever seen in Chicago before!

The first thing you notice when entering Aritzia is the name brands like Marc Jacobs which is always a great sign due to his cutting -edge designs. Then as you get further inside the store you notice the quality of the garments like wool lined winter coats, satin lined jackets, and then you stop dead in your tracks at the jaw-dropping reasonable prices and your SOLD!

Chicago has a lot of “it” boutiques namely Akira and Intermix which already have a strong-arm on the market but personally I want something more (like high-quality without applying for a loan) and from start to finish Aritzia delivers!

Aritzia‘s has a wide selection of brands which means great choices for us! But, just to name a few Aritzia carries: BCBG Generation, Cheap Monday, Citizens of Humanity, Community, Development, Ella Moss, Habitual, Nudie, Orion, Rock & Republic, Talula, Talula Babaton, TNA, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, Vince, Wilfred and select items from Marc by Marc Jacobs and See by Chloe.

The best way I can describe Aritzia is a mix between Barneys and a NYC vintage shop, translation- you can find everything you want from that tailored, sophisticated look but also pick up something ‘Patricia Field’ might find at a vintage shop. It’s the perfect combination, literally!

So take a spin and stop by, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

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AKIRA Launch Party and Bachelor Auction

JenChicago, NBC5 Street Team
AKIRA just opened it’s newest location in Lincoln Park and had a big ol’ party to kick things off! There was a DJ, food, drinks, chocolate, shopping, manicures, makeovers, a fashion show and, of course, a bachelor auction featuring the Chicago Machine Lacrosse Team.

And in the words of the great and wise, Cyndi Lauper,

Girls just wanna have fun!

…and “have fun” we DID!

PS: This video has cute “Chicago Machine Lacrosse Team bare man chest” on the latter end, so…

Hey… I don’t make the news, I just report it.

Credit: Sudana Irby, videographer

Find more on JenChicago.com

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‘Sup This Weekend?

Marcus Riley, NBC5 Street Team (video)

After a late night of carousing at my fellow Street Teamer’s birthday party, I’m not sure if I’m up for doing much of anything this weekend besides some quality time on my couch. But that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of stuff to get into.

Rising Stars Chef Awards

OK, so Monday isn’t technically the weekend, but Antoinette Bruno, the CEO of StarChefs.com, stopped by today to talk about the Rising Stars Chef Awards at the Trump International Hotel and Tower on Monday night.

It’s a walk-around tasting gala featuring signature dishes from each chef, as well as premium wine pairings. Her enthusiasm was infectious. Check out our podcast interview.

Walk & Roll Chicago

I tend to ignore all of those flyers posted throughout the workplace, but on Wednesday a promotion for Walk & Roll Chicago caught my eye. It will be held this Sunday at Grant Park, and is a 5-mile walk, 10-mile skate or 15-mile bike ride to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society.

I’ve decided to participate in the inline skate, even though I’m not exactly in great skate shape (damn you Chicago weather). It’s not too late to get involved, whether you want to participate, or donate. Log on to www.walkroll.org for more information — and pray for me.

Splendour of the Palace

Alhambra Palace is the place to be on Sunday night for the Akira Spring Summer 2008 Fashion Show. There will be live music entertainment and Alhambra’s famous belly dancers!

The runway show will feature FORD models and footwear from Steve Madden.

Where: Alhambra Palace (1240 W. Randolph)
When: Doors open at 5:30 p.m., show begins at 7 p.m.
RSVP Required: alla@akirachicago.com or contact Lisa at (312) 238-9314

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Are You Ready For ‘The Revolution’?

Reggie Brown, NBC5 Street Team

Can you hear it coming? Do you feel the storm brewing? AKIRA’s Revolution begins tonight at Crobar showcasing the hottest new street fashions by Monarchy and Creative Recreation.  Back in 2002, the brainchild of Jon Cotay, Eric Hsueh and Erikka Wang was born smack dab in the middle of Bucktown. Since then, the AKIRA empire has been spreading like wildfire. Just take a stroll down North Ave and you’ll see the blazing red awnings lighting up the block. AKIRA has given Chicagoans access to boutique fashions that keep us in a direct flow of New York and LA trends while also tossing in some Chicago hometown flavor.

AKIRA’S fashion events have earned them a reputation for not only putting on a great show, they also know how throw a great party.  Tonight’s show, The Revolution is no exception. It will definitely have something for everyone and is moving onward and upward in the true AKIRA style. Incorporating international dance troupe 2XS into the mix will kick it up a notch and ready the audience for an unforgettable event. Known for their high intensity and diverse dancing styles, 2XS will  be heating up the stage with interactive dancing throughout the show. 

Hot styles hailing from the west coast are the focus of the evening.  Gentleman, have you rolled up to the club with designer kicks on that the bouncer deems unacceptable? Tonight, check out the freshest footwear by Creative Recreation. Known for their style of incorporating the appearance and prestige of a dress shoe with the feel and design of an athletic sneaker, this Orange County bred company can make those uncomfortable confrontations a distant memory.  And have no fear ladies,  plenty of funky foot fashions await you too. 

The regal threads on display tonight are those of the LA based Monarchy clothing line. Providing a premium blend of old world style with a new school twist, Monarchy’s new collection reigns supreme. Any detailed-oriented individuals will surely dig these garments made from the finest American, Japanese and European denim. Get on up off your couches and get out on this beautiful night. This revolution will NOT be televised. Print out an invite for you and a guest at www.akirachicago.com
and get there before midnight for complimentary admission.  See you there!
Doors Open at 9:00-Show Starts at 12:00

Crobar 1543 N Kingsbury Chicago Il, 60622 (312)266-1900

 

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