FGI Chicago Night of Stars #FGINightOfStars
Kathleen Haines-Finley, FGI Chicago Executive Director
FGI Chicago Night of Stars. New age glamour is what comes to mind as I reflect of my experiences at FGI Chicago’s Night Of Stars. Chicago’s finest all came dressed to the occasion. Talk about fashion … FGI’s Chicago’s Executive Director, Kathleen Haines-Finley looked stunning. I didn’t catch the designer but her black bodice and white satin skirt fit her and the event, like a glove. (See image left)
“That evening, luminaries from the fashion and design world will take the stage as they accept their FGI Stargazer Awards at the elegant Ritz-Carlton Chicago.” says chicago.fgi.org. And that’s just what we did … these fashion folks were the evenings honored guests:
- Stargazer Interior Design Award – Nate Berkus
- Stargazer Retail Award — Neiman Marcus
- Stargazer Fashion Oracle Award — Ken Downing, Creative Director, Neiman Marcus
- Stargazer Platinum Award — Badgley Mischka
- Stargazer Beauty Award — Cle de Peau
- Stargazer Jewelry Award — Ippolita
- Stargazer Humanitarian Award – Nina Mariano
(L-R) Ken Downing, Nina Mariano, Neiman Marcus Chicago, Cle de Peau Beate Exec, Ippolita, James Mischka
Okay, so I have to admit to you all: it was fantastic to see Ken Downing, Badgley Mischka and more in person that evening … but I was the most excited to see: Nina Mariano! I’ve been in Chicago for a year now, and Mariano’s is THE biggest luxury grocery store chain in town. I’m not totally versed on the brand, but I’m pretty sure it’s exclusive to Chicago. Born and bread type of deal, so to me, seeing her and her family in person was my biggest celebrity sighting!
Mariano was awarded with FGI’s Stargazer Humanitarian Award … and I’ve never felt so much love from one person. Her acceptance speech was so heartfelt, we heard a recorded congratulatory message from her son studying overseas and some of her best friends flew in from LA to surprise her and support her. Amazing, right?! Love Chicago folk and their friends =)
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Badgley Mischka Designer Gowns that walked the evenings runway.
I have to say, too, seeing James Mischka of Badgley Mischka in person was SO cool. Since attending my first NYFW show of theirs last September, it all came full circle. It was like my fashion circuit was complete! Ken Downing is my new favorite person to follow on Instagram and Ippolita has the most gorgeous jewelry designs. And we all know how much I love Cle de Peau … I still need to get my hands on their coveted concealer. (Mom, are you reading this?? THAT’D be a good stocking stuffer … wink, wink.)
xo, Duffy
