Chicago Events. Women’s Board of the American Cancer Society Fashion Show 2011

Chicago Events. Women’s Board of the American Cancer Society Fashion Show 2011

The elegant Red Lacquer Room in the Palmer House Hilton

Before last week’s hype of Lollapalooza and this week’s relief from the heat, there were other reasons to celebrate. On July 27, the Women’s Board of the American Cancer Society hosted their 26th annual Fashion Show celebrating life, love and the continuous efforts toward finding a cure.

The glamorous affair was held in the regal Palmer House Hilton where Chicago’s finest stepped out to show their support for the cause and for their love of fashion! The pre-event reception in the Palmer House Hilton’s Red Lacquer Room featured chefs’ stations and passed appetizers, as well as bidding at a silent auction and a raffle of unique items including spa treatments, jewelry and a host of Chicago shopping destinations.

Guests sign up for the Fashion Show Raffle

The bounty of Fashion Show Raffle prizes!

Items for auction in the silent raffle included a Michale Kors handbag and Chanel makeup!

When it was time for the highly anticipated runway show, hosted in conjunction by Saks Fifth Avenue, we knew we would be in for a treat once we it was announced the theme would be fall 2011 shoes and handbags. Talk about kids in a candy store! The evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies, Kathy Brock from ABC 7 was as excited as we were to feast our eyes on the shoes and bags, but first announced the Women’s Board Chair, Stacy Barrins. Barrins introduced the evening’s Guest Speaker, Jacqueline Jeruss, MD PhD. As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery/Breast Surgical Oncology at Northwestern University, Jeruss was able to remind all the generous donors how significant their contributions were in the fight to find a cure for breast cancer, and all forms of cancer, one day.
Then it was time for the show to begin! Divided into themed vignettes such as ‘ Color Me Bad’, ‘Mad About Metallics’ and ‘Animal Instincts’, the most glorious stilettos, boots, booties, satchels, hobos, clutches, hats, vests and sunglasses came strutting down the runway. It was like a fantasy closet in motion: Louboutin blue suede booties, Judith Leiber gold snakeskin clutches, Chloe plum leather totes, Jimmy Choo leopard pumps.

Christian Louboutin blue suede booties

Miu Miu back glitter peep-toe pumps

Valentino black suede studded boots and Valentino nude studded bag

Jimmy Choo leopard pumps and animal print bag

Clad only in black one pieces or simple black sheaths, the models allowed the shoes, bags and accessories to shine. And boy did they shine! The last vignette, titled ‘Step Into The Night’ was almost too much to handle as heels by Jimmy Choo, Louboutin, Valentino, glittered in every direction while sparkling evening bags by Judith Leiber, Lanvin, Alexander McQueen and Carlos Falchi served as the perfect complement.

Chirstian Louboutin red suede pumps and Bottega Veneta blue woven clutch

Akris cross-body bag

The Women’s Board of the American Cancer Society’s 26th annual Fashion Show was a gorgeous, dazzling display, outshone only by the cause that the evening was benefiting.

-Alia Rajput
Photo Source: Second City Style