VOGUE HOSTS COCKTAIL PARTY AT HUGO BOSS

Chic outerwear at Hugo Boss

Nothing like a cold and bleary night in Chicago to bring out true fashion grit. At a recent cocktail party at Hugo Boss, Vogue Magazine’s contributing editor, Kathryn Neale Shaffer (who personified simple elegance in a black knit jersey Hugo Boss dress), mingled with chic fashionistas and performed fashion makeovers throughout the evening.

Julie Liu, a local jewelry designer and owner of Tzen Boutique, needed a formal dress that would pair easily with her exquisite necklaces. Kathryn Neale Shaffer opted for subtle sophistication with a black silk “Dilia” dress ($650).

“Julie is an artist and this beautiful sheath is the perfect backdrop for her dazzling jewelry,” said the New Zealand-born Shaffer.

Tzen Boutique's Julie Liu

Head-to-toe Hugo

Fun fur

Glamazons

Josephine Albanese, Alexs Botelho & Kimberly Anderson

Mini fruit pies by The Entertaining Company

More tasty treats from The Entertaining Company

DJ Michael Smith

Gorgeous guests

Hugo Boss' Daniel Spratt & Tyler Curtis

While leisurely shopping the night away, guests enjoyed download-worthy music by LA's DJ Michael Smith, sipped free-flowing champagne and nibbled cracker-sized bites of smoked salmon with caviar, smoked chicken on Asian pears, and homemade mini strawberry and apple pies (catered by The Entertaining Company).

Luxe File Chicago sat down with Kathryn Neale Shaffer and found out her favorite things, from Lady Gaga to the sexy black dress.

Five Minutes with Vogue’s Kathryn Neale Shaffer

Kathryn Neale Shaffer in Hugo Boss

Luxe File Chicago: First of all, who are you wearing?
Kathryn Neal Shaffer: Hugo Boss, of course.

LFC: Where are some of your favorite places to shop?
KNS: I love shopping at flea markets or any places that sell vintage clothing.

LFC: Who is your favorite designer?
KNS: (Smiling) I work for so many designers and style so many shows that I wouldn’t want to pin myself down to just one!

LFC: What celebrity would you love to dress?
KNS: Lady Gaga! She is quite the creative force and so much fun.

LFC: What are some favorite clothes in your closet?
KNS: I love my Calvin Klein dresses and shoes. Furs I never wear. A pair of fabulous Helmut Lang vintage pants.

LFC: What should every woman have in her wardrobe?
KNS: A great coat and a sexy black dress.

LFC: Favorite quote?
KNS: Success is 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration.

LFC: Where were you born?
KNS: New Zealand.

LFC: Where do you currently live?
KNS: New York.

LFC: As far as fashion goes, how does Chicago rate up?
KNS: Everyone here is so elegant and well-dressed.

LFC: If there is one thing you could change about fashion what would it be?
KNS: How models are perceived, especially when it comes to weight. Vogue is trying to change that.

Story by Sally Shorr

Photography by Kerry Shorr