Cocktails With Barneys New York In The Name Of The Children’s Research Fund
Barneys New York hosted its fifth annual cocktail party for the Children’s Research Fund on Thursday, October 20th in Chicago. Enzo and Colleen Incandela, Sage and Kyle Kamin and Nancy and Phillip Resnick along with Barneys’ Creative Ambassador at Large Simon Doonan co-hosted the event. Barneys New York CEO Mark Lee, shoe designer Tabitha Simmons, jeweler Brooke Garber Neidich of Sidney Garber and Nannette de Gaspe were all there to help support the cause.
I had the opportunity to chat with the designers and Simon Doonan and find out what is “wowing” each of them this season!
BROOKE GARBER NEIDICH
I have met Brooke Garber Neidich before, she is the daughter of Sidney Garber, and I consider her a Chicago style icon! I asked her what she is excited about this season and she said, “fall boots!” (I loved the ones she was wearing.) But as for jewelry? She showed me a beautiful gold cuff bracelet her husband gave her (simply inscripted with the word ‘Love’) along with her multiple ‘serpentine’ and ‘rolling’ bracelets she always wears. I was amazed there was such a large Sidney Garber “wing” at Barneys since the store is just around the corner but the brand has a huge following at Barneys. Read more about Sidney Garber Fine Jewelry here and shop here!
NANNETTE DE GASPÉ
Just this year in 2016 Nannette De Gaspé launched her collection of revolutionary beauty technology masques that offers a truly delicate experience as well as immediate results without the need for surgery or the other intrusive approaches. I was moved by her story. Her background is in finance (always with an eye on fashion) but she heard about the chemistry behind these masks and moved quickly to start her own line. “They feel like dry fabric but they deliver amazing results.” There is nothing like them on the market. I adore the beautiful floral packaging and they make beautiful gifts for the beauty lover you may know! What is ‘wowing” Nanette right now? Well she already has masques for face, eyes, necks and hands, but coming up soon in February the brand will offer a “Pump + Lift” mask that in tests has added a cup sizes to breasts and fullness to buttocks. And in the next year stay tuned because the brand is developing a masque version (no injections) of mesotherapy for the face! Visit Barneys and shop Nanette De Gaspe.
TABITHA SIMMONS
As a self proclaimed shoe addict I was thrilled to meet Tabitha Simmons! I have admired her footwear for years and learned she started her career as a model and fashion stylist, and launched her shoe collection in 2009. She is known for her use of beautiful fine leathers, suedes, exotic skins and couture craftsmanship by master cobblers in Italy. She is inspired by her British roots and worldwide travels and now as a busy mother she knows what women want – style and a bit of practicality. In other words, you can walk for hours in her heels and the styles are classic and still unique enough to wear from year to year. I particularly gravitate towards her floral booties and Ginger Mary Jane’s (she said they look great with tights)! When I asked her what is important to her her when designing, she told me, “Good quality, craftsmanship and offering something unique.” Shop Tabitha Simmons here.
SIMON DOONAN
I always enjoy seeing Simon Doonan when he is in Chicago. He posed with Tabitha Simmons’s shoes for me! When I asked him what ‘wows’ him for fall he thought for a moment and said he is liking campaign jackets and apparel. “You can find pieces at all prices, the choices are personal and everyone can enjoy the trend.” Read more about Simon Doonan on Second City Style here.
ABOUT THE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH FUND
The Children’s Research Fund was established in 1951 for the sole purpose of raising funds to advance medical research. In 1991, the Children’s Research Fund began its affiliation with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, formerly known as Children’s Memorial Hospital, and since that time has been a principal benefactor of the Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute. The Children’s Research Fund is guided by the principle that there is no higher calling in science or philanthropy than eradicating the suffering caused by debilitating disease and birth defects. CRF promotes awareness of its mission through vigorous fundraising, education, outreach activities and an annual showcase gala event. Over the years, the group’s renowned charitable efforts have generated support from individuals, corporations and foundations throughout the nation, raising more than $100 million to advance medical research.
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– Carol Calacci
Photo at top and feature image, Barneys New York; all other photos, Second City Style