I have to say that it has been a blessing and a joy to meet Mr. Nicholas Hansen, proprietor of Nicholas Joseph Chicago Custom Tailors, who has not only become a firm friend but also my main supplier of fine suits, shirts and gentlemanly accessories. I was lucky enough to go to Halo for Men’s Elm Street Salon and Spa for The Man and met both Bob Patrazi (owner of Halo) and Nick, who were already friends and turned out to be the perfect pair for my styling needs. With our common interests and hard work ethic, a trifecta flourished, and that trifecta was groomed by Halo, draped in Nicholas Joseph and rocked by The Underground.

Chicago’s very own fashion week, Fashion Focus Chicago took place a few weeks ago. Designers, retailers, and students from all across the city got together to put their best fashion foot forward.

CoutURe contributor Lynn McMahan with Brenda Sexton, Kristina McGrath & friend

I recently attended a launch party for Karyn Calabrese’s new holistic line of make-up. If you aren’t familiar with this Chicago icon, you should be. Karyn is the owner of Karyn’s Raw Restaurant and Spa at 1901 North Halsted. She is the founder of the raw food movement in Chicago and has taught thousands of people how to incorporate raw foods into to a daily regime.

Although Christmas is a time of the year when it is better to give than receive, let’s be honest, receiving is so much more fun! So in the holiday spirit, UR Chicago staffers put together a little Christmas wish list to send to Santa this year. A little self-indulgence never hurt anyone! Oh yea, and feel free to mail any of these gifts to us over at the office; it would be much appreciated. - Terrence

Benjamin Newby
Director of Communications of Rockit Ranch
CoutURe Contributor

With more than 10 years of experience in nightclubs, bars and event production in the United Kingdom and Europe, Benjamin Newby moved to the United States to focus on hospitality and mixology, two talents that made him the perfect fit as general manager of The Underground, Chicago’s premiere, upscale, cutting-edge nightclub. Ensuring that Chicago’s brightest and most talented denizens (including a rotating who’s who of celebrities, international DJs and other bold-faced names) received star treatment on a nightly basis, Newby helped propel the nightclub to being recognized as “Best in the U.S.” by Nightclub and Bar Magazine. His passion for customer service, operations and marketing, combined with an ability to connect personally with diverse groups through unique promotional initiatives, opened the door for him to provide his expertise to Rockit Ranch Productions’ other venues, Rockit Bar & Grill (both locations) and Sunda. He now oversees this outreach as Director of Communications, propagating the Rockit Ranch mission statement internally throughout the company and out through the venues to the company’s audiences.

STAY TUNED for Ben's CoutURe contributions in 2010...

Candace Jordan (middle) with Hef, Patti McGuire, Marilou Hamill and Debra Jensen

CoutURe: Partying with Hef at the Mansion
by Candace Jordan

If you were an attendee at Glamourcon 48 recently held in LA, you’d see that the Playboy mystique still thrives and flourishes.

Over 40 Playmates, dozens of calendar pinups, and plenty of cyber models gathered together in the Hilton Ballroom for Glamourcon 48, which is the largest pin-up art and glamour convention in the country. Going strong now for 14 years, Bob Schultz is the mastermind behind this unique concept. The first Glamourcon had only one Playboy Playmate in attendance, Susie Owens (2/88), and boy has it come a long way baby! There were row upon row of gorgeous women signing autographs and taking photos with fans. Many of the Playmates even brought their daughters—future Playmates in training perhaps?! It was so much fun to see all of the girls again. And I must admit some looked better than others, but once a Playmate, always a Playmate.

By continuing to shove her meth face in pap cameras, Lindsay has been able to expose the amount of destruction drugs and alcohol reap on the human body. And bless her heart, people are still willing to take her home after a night of heavy drinking. [The Superficial]

Gen Art Fashion Show 2009 Review
Review by Terrence Chappell
Photos by Billy Rood

If there were any doubt about Chicago’s developing fashion scene, then Gen Art annual runway show killed such late thinking.

Gen Art, one of the nation’s leading arts organizations, hosted its 7th Annual Fresh Faces in Fashion Show at Millenium Park as the grand finale to Chicago Fashion Focus Week. Six emerging designers were showcased in this year’s show: C/Fan, Imaginary People, Kristen Hassan, JLee Silver, Red Doll by Tatyana, and Dorsia.

Instead, Lindsay is concentrating all her efforts to look as BUSTED as possible in order to show children everywhere the dangers of cocaine and alcohol abuse. Lohan even stooped low enough to hook up with Sienna Miller's ex and still married sleazebag, Balthazar Getty [The Blemish], recently in order to highlight the slutty side effects of drug abuse, complete with bad decisions and morning after pills. Lindsay Lohan: making mistakes and doing drugs so you don't have to. - Nata Sari


Substance & Tanorexia Abuse Resistance Education mascot Lindsay Lohan

Chef Mario Santiago, Chilli Pepper, UR's Candace Jordan, and friend

Chilli Pepper’s birthday party is always a much coveted invite and this year was no exception. Todd Hatoff of Allen Brothers, Chefs Mario Santiago and Guadalupe Aguilar co-hosted her party at May St. Café and over 60 friends came to celebrate with her. - Candace Jordan