Still need the #411? Here's what you need to know:When: Saturday, April 16, 2011; 8:30 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Where: 525 W. Monroe, Chicago, Illinois
Why: Monies raised will benefit the Aids Foundation of Chicago and Equality Project
Dress Code: While other city's have been known to require "dress-only" dress codes, Chicago's party goers can ditch the dress as long as they wear scarlet-colored designer duds or accessories.
Cost: General Admission tickets cost $80 ($130 at the door) and includes open bar, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, entertainment by Kristen W and a late-night dance party with DJs Harmonix and Jeannette. VIP packages are also available.
Note: Online ticket sales close at 5:00 p.m. on April 12.
Event Backgrounder: This event is based on the power of a promise. In early-1990, two men bonded in a loving relationship, contracted HIV/AIDS. In deference to each other, they pledged to wear a red dress to the funeral of the first one to pass away. The first Red Dress Party was hosted in Portland, Oregon, in 2001 and it turned that promise into a party. Today, these celebrations are hosted around the nation to raise awareness, monies and resources to abolish AIDS/HIV.
On April 16th, Chicago will host its first-ever Red Dress Party. The event's Executive Producer, Kyler Powell, noted the event was two years in the making, a veritable labor of love. The Chicago Red Dress Party has quickly become a media sensation and will include appearances by Candid Candace's Candace Jordan, ChicagoPride.com's Miss Foozie and NBC Chicago's Marcus Riley. Powell predicts over 800 guests will attend and our sources tell us the guest list boasts the city's Who's Who.
The dress code may sound simple, but don't dismay if you don't own a stitch of scarlet - there's still time to pick up the perfect party attire. To help us figure out what to wear, we caught up with some of the Chicago Red Dress Party Committee Members to find out who (or what) they will be dressing up in.
*Kevin Aeh, Time Out Chicago: When asked what he would be wearing, Kevin tweeted: "a red tie...That's okay, right?" The rest of his wardrobe remains a mystery. #SherlockHolmes
*Ari Bendersky, Eater Chicago: Ari will be dressed in a classic Men's Collection suit by H&M and red tie but it's his post-party dining suggestions we want to know!
*Ryan Beshel, Agency Galatea and Chicago Red Dress Party's style-star publicist: In perfect runway style, Ryan will rock the Red in a custom velvet suit by J. Cheikh.
*Peach Carr, Peach Carr Inc.: Bravo's Project Runway alum will be wearing designs from her Fall '11 collection, along with her signature combat boots. #Winning
*Kevin Conroy Smith, Story From A New Friend: A red Theory button-up shirt and New Balance sneakers was about all he would tell us. #JustTheFactsMa'am
*Miss Lucy Foozie, Entertainer: For Miss Foozie, it's simple: either you wear the dress or the dress wears you. In honor of the Chicago Red Dress Party, Miss Foozie is thrilled to let her custom designed gown take center stage. #WeLoveLucy
*Justin Jacobson, Platinum Events: Waxing Tom Ford, Justin will be dressed in a vintage Christian Dior tuxedo and a red bow tie.
*Candace Jordan, "Candid Candace": Everyone's favorite model-actress-Playboy-centerfold-cum blogger-playwright-socialite-philanthropista has selected a dress by emerging designer, Chloe Flora.
*Katie McLenaghan, Philanthropist/Beauty Maven: Katie will be wearing a Carmen Marc Valvo dress she fell in love with at the Joffrey Ballet's Couture & Cocktails event which featured the designer's Spring/Summer '11 Couture Collection.
*Bill Pritchard, GoPride Corporation (and guest, Michael Kane): Jury is still out but Bill's confirmed one thing: he'll be sporting red briefs (not boxers). We'll just take his word for it.
*Marcus Riley, NBC Chicago: Everyone's favorite newsman-about-town 'fessed up that he would be dressed in a dark suit and Red Dress Party-inspired accessories.
*Cesar Rolon, Jr, Co-Executive Producer, Latino Fashion Week: "A Hugo Boss suit" was what he told us. Decimos: ¡muy elegante! (trans., "We say: very elegant!")
*Rachel Schwanz, The Entertaining Company: Chicago's top caterer and event planner extraordinaire plans to heat the party up in a Jil Sander dress.
*Michael Snell, Best Gay Travel: Michael alerted us that he and his partner, Derrick Sorles, will be keeping it real in red dresses. This we've got to see!
*Lauren Zeien, Social Media Specialist: This pretty-in-anything young lady will be hitting her fashion stride in BCBG and a gold vintage Hermès bag. #Disco
In case you needed more options, we tasked our friend, Style Tribe blogger and eDrop-off Express' Corri Mcfadden to give us a few of her stylish suggestions.
For the ladies who’re more traditional, try this long silk chiffon Notte by Marchesa gown. It's simple, sophisticated and can easily be accessorized with a pair of fabulous drop earrings. I like the Aphrodite Swarovski crystal earrings by Erickson Beamon.
If you're looking for a younger, more modern look, a feminine silhouette like this Motel Gemma Cut Out Waist Dress is a lovely option. I would skip the accessories and opt for these sparkling pair of Louboutins instead (the red soles perfectly complement the theme!)
For a more casual look, this Rag & Bone colorblock dress is perfect. It's also a great option that you can wear to other events too, dressed up or down.
Although it's the Chicago Red Dress Party, I would not endorse solid red-on-red from an accessories standpoint. If you want to inject some humor into your outfit, try this whimsical Kate Spade Emanuelle Book Clutch. It incorporates red and pink and it's not your standard satin clutch.
Another option is choosing a red skin or hide with embellishments to break up the red. This Alexander McQueen clutch encompasses both and is absolutely stunning.
For men, this occasion calls for a red tie, whether it be a regular tie or a bowtie. For something bold, try Drakes Patterned Silk Bowtie.
If you prefer a lighter toned red, this Paul Smith London Knitted Silk Bowtie is perfect.
If bowties aren’t your thing, this Charvet Dotted Silk Tie will do the trick.
For the man who wants to go the extra mile and wear a red tie with a red shirt, try a patterned dress shirt like this Burberry Check Shirt with a solid red tie for a festive yet stylish look.
Chicago Red Dress Party logo provided by Ryan Beshel
Posted by Kerry Shorr
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