Viva CelebrARTE

By Pilara, Chicago’s best dressed professional

If you have good taste in food, fashion and fine art, then Latino Fashion week is your one-stop shop to get it.  Art and fashion are a match made in heaven and this years’ theme at the 5^th Annual Latino fashion week at the Zhou B. Art Center.  This six-day event boasts some a-list talent from both the runway and the finest art galleries. “Our intent is to further grow and share a greater understanding of art,” says co-producer Arabel Alva Rosales. Chicago is home to the only Latino Fashion Week in the United States created to support the talent of local national Latino designers and models.

The opening night red carpet reception began with fashion photographer Christian Rios signing his book of breathtaking photos “Dreamers.”

Attendees included the usual suspects like fashion hounds Marcus Riley, Andre Pellebon and Marco Foster. The food was as eclectic as you can get from sushi to gourmet dulche de leche cookies. I got down on some exceptional gumbo from Fluer de lis and washed it down with a red wine infused with dark chocolate cherry by Aged to Perfection.

After a star-studded show patrons were treated to custom swag bags featuring designs inspired by master painter Andre Guichard. Seriously, I took home a limited edition signed shopper bag entitled, “Good Morning God.” Wow!

Day 2

The Unity Canvas show was a daring display of eclectic elegance.  Although everyone in pop culture has become enamored by the impressive rags to riches story of young designer Zoe Damacela, I’m still fascinated by designer Borris J. Powell so don’t sleep, people… I arrived back stage early Tuesday to get a sneak peek of what to expect for the Unity Canvas show, featuring the ethnic diversity of local Chicago designers.  Two standouts were the Charisma collection by Rita Boorgu and the spring collection of Borris Powell. (Next summer for my birthday I will be rocking those canary yellow gowns in his collection for my GOLDEN champagne and cupcake tour.)

As all the waiflike nymphs got dolled up I slipped downstairs for the reception and got to taste some surprising creations by Chef Guy Meikle from Nana organic. I had an amazing gourmet organic torta with duck and cilantro. It’s no wonder he will be featured by the Food Network next week. Then I strolled through the Fashion Lounge and Expo to get an eyeful of art.

The British Fashion Invasion

Remember the infamous cry of the minutemen in the 13 colonies “The Red Coats are coming?” Well there’s a British fashion invasion coming to the Gold Coast. The trendy British retailer, Topshop is coming to the Mag Mile where the bookseller Borders used to be on North Michigan Avenue in June. They will join other UK based clothiers like Ted Baker of London on Oak Street.

Just before one of Chicago’s Spring psychotic weather episodes (when we had a 70˚ day and the next day it snowed 2 inches), I went to Ted Baker of London on Rush and Oak. Stylist Rich February invited me to their in-store cocktail party right before the Red Dress Party that weekend. So of course, I tried on red dresses. Met a cool guy named Chris Hartley who asked for my fashion tips on a scarf he was eyeing.  (There were truffles, Bombay Sapphire cocktails and a hot blonde chick DJ. It was 75˚outside and this was on April 13th. It’s now May and don’t trip if we see snow flakes this weekend.) see video.

Tequila, Tacos and Cinco De Mayo Cupcakes

Contrary to widespread popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day, the most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico, which occurs on September 16th. So, why Cinco de Mayo?  And why should Americans savor this day as well?  Because 4,000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of Mexico City on the morning of May 5, 1862. Besides, you know you just need a reason to drink tequila and now you have one. If you’re downtown, you should celebrate at Mercadito for the best fish tacos and margaritas ever. For something more authentic, check out the Little Village neighborhood near 26th Street and Kostner. The Little Village Chamber of Commerce will present a 3-day Festival beginning May 6th-May 8th with carnival rides, food and live bands.

For those of you who like their cake with a hint of fire, here’s one classy way to get your carbs ON.  Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique has marvelous spicy Red Hot Cinco de Mayo cupcakes. Not only do they make gourmet cupcakes, but they constantly update their flavor offerings with timely specials. Visit sugarblisscakeboutique.com to sign up for their mailing list, or keep up with them on @SugarBlissCakes on Twitter. Of course, if you eat like you are celebrating Cinco de mayo everyday, you might qualify to try out for this show below.

CASTING CALL
A&E’S Real Life series HEAVY™-OPEN CASTING CALL THIS FRIDAY!  9:30AM-12:00PM Hard Rock Hotel, 230 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago IL. Please bring a non-returnable, recent photo of yourself to the open call. If you are at least 150lbs overweight and it is significantly affecting your health, relationships, career and/or all aspects of your life, then the producers want to meet you.