Chicago Events. The Glamorama Exclusive Launch Party

 

Only for arguably the biggest fashion event in Chicago, is it necessary to have a huge party to kick off a huge party. And that is exactly what Chicago’s fashion community served up last week at the Glamorama Exclusive Launch Party. Held in the sleek, airy space of Room 1520—an unassuming loft space nestled in the Fulton Market district—the party pulsed with every notable fashion face in the city. Presented by AON Hewitt, the room glowed in soft purple, pink and blue hues as every indulgence was made available. Musical tracks from The Crossfader King provided a soundtrack for an ongoing fashion presentation of designs by Chicago talents Horacio Nieto and Elda de la Rosa. Models in both designer’s pieces sauntered around the room for guests to get an intimate and up close look at the fabric and construction. Palos Heights boutique, International House of Couture, also provided dazzling evening gowns as part of the evening’s display.

 

Guests sampled hors d’ouveres from Blue Plate Catering and sipped cocktails, compliments of sponsors Coca Cola, Miller, Coors, Tito’s Homemade Vodka, Dr. Pepper, Vitamin Water, & Skyy Vodka. Other sponsors included Five-Star Audio/Visual, Creative One Consulting, Event Creative, Phillips Flowers, Salon Duo, YELP, Action Booth, Ivan Carlson and two extra special sweets gurus—The Hershey Company, who set up a confectionary table with take home bags and Anna’s Custom Sweets and Treats, who served up sumptuous mini cakes. Hosting the evening’s festivities was CS Magazine and Chicago’s well-known media personality Candace Jordan, who had the honor of introducing Christina Thomas, the Director of Events for Ronald McDonald Charities. Proceeds from Glamorama benefit the Ronald McDonald House Chicago, which provides shelter and support to disadvantaged families in the Chicagoland area. After a few heartwarming words from Ms. Thomas, the evening’s official entertainment got underway. Local band and up and coming talent, Blah Blah Blah, took the stage to serenade the room with their new wave-infused, socially conscious beats. The multi-cultural quartet has been garnering national acclaim for their elegant vocals and unique guitar, piano and drum stylings. The energy of the room exploded as the dance floor filled up and special guests, Chicago dancers Hip Hop ConnXion, launched into one of their tightly choreographed sets. Clearly, it was a party!

 

 

Other perks to the evening’s events included the crazy antics of Action Booth, where guests donned neon sunglasses and wigs and were invited to jump around in order to capture their own “action” snapshot. And perhaps best of all, Chicago artist and illustrator Rosemary Fanti created complimentary fashion portraits. The line around Fanti’s corner was the longest all night but it was worth the wait! Second City Style editor Taneisha Jordan and I both received illustrations of ourselves and needless to say—we’ve never looked better!

The Glamorama Exclusive Launch Party was a festive, no holds barred kick off to Chicago’s biggest fashion show. The only downside to the event is having to wait until August 12, for Glamorama itself. But tickets are still available for the main event, being held at the Chicago Theater 175 N. State Street at 8 p.m. This year’s entertainment boasts some of the biggest names in music right now—Cee-Lo Green and Far East Movement—in addition to the breathtaking displays of high fashion that have made the annual event such a hit. For tickets and additional information, visit the Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Glamorama webpage.

 

-Alia Rajput Photos: Steve Starr