On Monday afternoon, Saks Fifth Avenue celebrated the opening of its Stella McCartney boutique with a luncheon for 10 local fashion writers. The meal took place in the boutique, at a long table set with BBJ's pin-tucked linens, Epoch's springy flower arrangements, and the designer's summer 2011 look book at each place setting. Julie Selakovich, director of marketing for the Chicago department store, oversaw the planning process.
Danielle Franken, U.S. retail manager for Stella McCartney, and U.S. president Jeff Lasota, flew in from New York to join the local writers. Armed with an iPad in a Stella McCartney case, the reps sat at side-by-side chairs at the head of the table, and used the device to show images of the brand's other boutiques. To display the designer's work, a Factor model circulated the table throughout the hour, donning everything from printed dresses to tailored pantsuits.
The brand reps emphasized McCartney's commitment to combating animal cruelty, both personally and in her business practices. Fittingly, Jewell Events Catering prepared a meat-free menu. Served in a bento box, the meal included roasted veggies, Israeli couscous, assorted melon balls with honey-lime dressing, and a lemon meringue tart for dessert.
