Dismero elicits a sophisticated, clinical chic vibe with bright track lights, pure white walls and light-colored tiling, which forces one’s eye on the clothing and more importantly Candace’s welcoming crowd and her charitable agenda. Ten percent of the store’s proceeds from that week, Dec. 4 - 10, went to one of Candace’s favorite charities, Common Threads, a charity that aims to teach children proper nutrition regiments in their daily lives. Dismero co-owner and personal friend JaDon Mendenhall recalls her memorable first interaction with Candace and of how it only made sense to have her cocktail party at the boutique.

“I fell in love with Candace when I first met her. She comes across as a very strong and self-assured woman,” said JaDon.

Guests also sipped on a variety of Chardonnays and some delicious passed hor'dourves that ventured past the typical cheese and crackers. For some visual candy, people could move over to a plasma screen television that played a picture slide show of other high society events and the who’s who that attended. Speaking of stellar attendance, also present was award winning journalist and Chicago Sun-Times celebrity columnist Bill Zwecker to help support Candace in her journalism initiatives and agrees that Candace knows how to throw a great party.


Johnson Publishing socialite Nekesa Josey smiles for the camera with Jordan.

With electrifying blue eyes, her famous slicked back gray hair and a warm elegance, it’s apparent how Candace attracted such a genuine and friendly crowd. Her talent, passion and respect for not only fashion but also her fellow man are contagious and come across in her presence. Not to mention, not too many women can add “Chicago’s Playboy Bunny of the year” in 1976 to their list of achievements. In the end, Candace attributes her success to her past experiences as the fashion editor of TCW magazine, a member of the NBC5 street team, and of course Playboy.

Personal friend and local socialite Joey Majumdar playfully wraps up Candace and the party in one sentence.

“I think it’s a wonderful. In my eyes, she’s Miss Chicago. She will always know what’s hot,” said Majumdar.


Joey Majumdar poses with personal friend Eliana Mockler.