The Joffrey Ballet's Couture and Cocktails benefit offers precisely what it advertises. This year, the reception and fashion show took place at the W Chicago City Center on Friday and included specialty Ciroc vodka cocktails and a Carmen Marc Valvo runway show.
Last year's event had a loose New York-inspired theme; this year, co-chairs Marci Holzer and Kristina McGrath went for two separate vibes. Inspired by the "red lips, coiffed hair, and elegant silhouettes" of the fashion show, the co-chairs said in a collaborative email that the runway component had a "film noir theme" with moody blue lighting. For the cocktail reception and after-party, producers used miniature palm trees and cabana-like lounges to channel "the funky, edgy vibe of South Beach nightlife."
New sponsorship options included the so-called "Carmen's Angel V.I.P. Package." Priced at $10,000, the package included hair-and-makeup styling for the event, an overnight suite at the downtown hotel, and cabana seating with a private server during the after-party. All guests who contributed $1,000 or more were invited to a brunch with the designer on Saturday.
Corporate sponsors included McGrath Imports, Neiman Marcus, United Airlines, MAC cosmetics, Michigan Avenue magazine, and Lester Lampert jewelers.
