AskConnie
How do I take advantage of peak Real Estate season?
While Inventory is still historically low, now is the time when more properties go live to choose from and when children are out of school causing buyers to be ready to move so be prepared! Choosing the right Real Estate Agent who has processes and partners in place and ready to take advantage of the season is critical.
Seller Strategies
Maintenance: As the weather heats up get any needed maintenance and repairs out of the way. This is a good time to inspect your home for items a buyer’s inspector will notice and can save time and deals falling apart over preventative issues. Consider having an adjustor/ roofing company who works with insurance companies inspect an older or midlife roof and see if insurance can cover a replacement as this is one of the biggest items a buyer will consider costs on.
Your Next Move: Be prepared for your home to close successfully so you’re ready to move when your home gets an accepted offer. If you’ll be buying a new home get a jump on property searching early! Deals contingent on finding a home can lower your pool of prospective buyers so consider getting plans
in place for a rental, air bnb, or staying with family so you make your home look more attractive to a buyer without a contingency of their own. Know which moving company you’ll be using and have plans for storage or renting PODs, if needed.
Buyer Strategies
Make your offer look attractive to Sellers: In this current seller’s market you may place multiple offers before one gets accepted so make yourself look as attractive as possible to sellers to avoid losing out on homes. If you have a home to sell, consider listing early and being willing to close before finding your next home by finding a short term rental or staying at another property you own or with family so there aren’t contingencies. A home sale contingency will be a large factor in a seller’s decision on whether to accept an offer when multiple offers are present.
Know Your Search Locations: Choosing an agent who knows your priorities and desires and is well versed in the markets they work can be instrumental in saving time by helping find areas to search. Ask your agent if you can receive listings “On the PLN” (Private Listing Network), so you have a leg up on the competition as this is today’s version of “Pocket Listings”.
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Our unmatched selection of kitchen brands will make this your favorite gourmet destination.
THE FABRIC OF SUCCESS
Chicago-born designer Azeeza Khan’s new line expands her esteemed brand and lays the foundation for the creation of a legacy fashion house.
MENDEL’S NEW HOUSE OF FASHION
Gilles and Chloé Mendel’s House of Gilles celebrates a rich couture legacy.
CURATED COUTURE
Inspired looks for the season ahead.
PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS
Country sat down for an exclusive interview with Jessie Randall and Brian Murphy, founders of lifestyle brand Loeffler Randall—makers of the showstopping Penny Pleated Bow Heel.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Combining first-rate
and
Resorts
COLLECTOR’S CORNER
ON THE COVER
ON THIS PAGE
Megan wearing Alexander McQueen jacket, Balenciaga blouse, Loewe pants, Gold Hawk tank. Photographed with Andy Warhol. Liz #3 [Early Colored Liz], 1963. Gift of Edlis Neeson Collection. © The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Photography by Runvijay Paul, Styling by Theresa DeMaria, Hair & Makeup by Leanna Ernest
Megan wearing Marchesa dress. Photography by Runvijay Paul, Styling by Theresa DeMaria, Hair & Makeup by Leanna Ernest
GET YOUR SPARK BACK
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MEGAN WEISBERG
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EDITOR’S NOTE
Welcome to our September fashion issue. This year, our team had the remarkable privilege of the Art Institute of Chicago opening its doors exclusively for us to create these incredible images. While September is the start of backto-school and new beginnings for many, it’s also the start of cooler weather and new looks for the year ahead. I hope you dive into this issue with the same enthusiasm that we had in creating it for you.
World-famous fashion designer Gilles Mendel and his daughter Chloé, fifth and sixth-generation descendants of the J. Mendel fashion empire, together have launched House of Gilles, their new atelier in New York City.
Read all about it in Mendel’s New House of Fashion. In The Fabric of Success, Chicago-born designer Azeeza Khan’s new line expands her esteemed brand and lays the foundation for the creation of a legacy fashion house. And I hope you enjoy our exclusive interview with Jessie Randall and Brian Murphy, founders of lifestyle brand Loeffler Randall.
Our newest beauty editor, Perla Long, scoured Europe and the States for the newest in fall’s beauty trends. In Beauty, she shares her recommendations and breaks down the importance of certain products.
This issue’s Country Loves is Heather Kieser, who started a small shop SweetLittleSuns, where she makes a variety of personalized gifts for family and friends. And Libby Traska shares insight into her life in Country vs. Town. Our Luxury Offerings showcases three fashion-branded residences around the globe, and in One Last Thing Jacqueline Moscicke shares with us her custom dancewear company, MSeam Apparel.
Best,
Megan Weisberg Editor-in-Chief megan.weisberg@jwcmedia.com
MY WISH LIST
Brewing tea for my family in Firebelly Tea’s Large Teapot, firebellytea.com
Enjoying Firebelly Tea’s After Dinner Mint Tea, firebellytea.com
Wearing the newest launch from Tiffany & Co., the Elsa Peretti Split Ring in Yellow Gold, tiffany.com
Country vs. Town’s Libby Traska wearing Balmain dress, neimanmarcus.com.
Country Loves’ Heather Kieser wearing Cinq à Sept, neimanmarcus.com.
SEIZE THE MOMENT
Last month’s Summer Edit auction realized $930,307, exceeding its presale estimate by 60%. Now is the time to sell your jewelry, watches, luxury handbags, and couture!
Equilibrium Personal Training Studio
VÊTIR
Fashion industry veteran Kate Davidson Hudson (former CDO of LuisaViaRoma and former fashion editor with Harper’s
Bazaar
and
ELLE
) is the founder of revolutionary new AI-driven shopping app and digital closet system, Vêtir. Here she shares insight into her newest venture with Country.
EDITED BY MEGAN WEISBERG
Why did you launch Vêtir?
I started from a place of wanting to build something that synced with the way I wanted to shop, with the three guiding principles being: personalization; experience; and ease. Vêtir leverages technology to create one smart ecosystem that marries all of a shopper’s consumption touchpoints into a smart platform that customizes your feed specifically to you.
Through virtual styling, video shopping, digital closets, and exclusive product feeds it takes personal shopping and wardrobe management to the next level.
How is Vêtir different than other fashion apps that exist?
Vêtir’s tech stack and AI learning provides our users an exclusive and hyper-personalized experience. The tech stack and AI feature work directly with the consumer; the more you use Vêtir, the more personalized the experience will be. Our AI has been in training for over a year and has become quite acute in learning to style out looks and make product or outfit selections based on current trends cross-referenced with a user’s individualized style preferences, size, the items they already have in their closet as well as new items that are a targeted fit for their style needs.
What should customers expect from Vêtir? We’ve built (what a lot of people like to term) “Cher’s Closet” (from Clueless), which allows full visibility into a client’s wardrobe. Once you are on the app, you are able to upload your digital closet or choose to start shopping. When you upload your personal closet it helps the technology to start personalizing your algorithm, which will allow you to see products that match your personal style as well as provide outfit suggestions. This also allows you (or your stylist) to work in your virtual closet and create outfits, packing lists for trips, or add outfits to your calendar so you are planned out and pre-styled every day. The app allows for the consumer to onboard their personal stylist to help curate outfits virtually; however, if you don’t have a personal stylist our concierge team will match them with a Vêtir approved stylist to work free of charge as part of our community.
Who should subscribe to Vêtir?
Anyone who loves fashion but is maybe a bit time limited and doesn’t have the bandwidth to jump around to multiple different ecommerce sites and stores. Vêtir is also hugely valuable to those who want to shop their own closet and up style what they already have, guided by a personalized and inspirational point of view.
Find Vêtir in your app store.
Vêtir founder, Kate Davidson Hudson
UP FRONT |THE BUZZ
HOW TO WEAR EVERYTHING
Net-a-Porter’s Fashion Director Kay Barron shares the expertise she has gleaned from over two decades in the fashion industry in How to Wear Everything In this recently released book, Barron reveals the best-kept secret: getting dressed is not that hard. How to Wear Everything is a celebration of clothes, of wearing what works for you (despite what the trends say), and of finding that ever elusive perfect pair of jeans. barnesandnoble.com
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN OUTLET ARRIVES
Fashion Outlets of Chicago, the award-winning outlet shopping center located in Rosemont, has welcomed the Midwest’s first Alexander McQueen outlet location to its roster of more than 130 top designer outlets including lululemon, 7 for All Mankind, Gucci and more. One of the most celebrated fashion houses across the globe, Alexander McQueen was founded in 1992 by iconic designer Lee Alexander McQueen. The brand is distinctive for an expression of individuality, subversive strength, and raw power. With a design studio and atelier based in London, the house is known for uncompromising quality and creative vision. For more information, visit fashionoutletsofchicago.com.
Cosmoss, Golden Nectar, olivela.com
Alexander McQueen, Fashion Outlets of Chicago
NAOMI IN FASHION: NAOMI CAMPBELL
In this remarkable book, trailblazing supermodel Naomi Campbell selects her favorite photographs of herself—by iconic photographers such as Steven Meisel, Peter Lindbergh, Paolo Roversi, Ellen von Unwerth, Arthur Elgort, Karim Sadli, and Mikael Jansson—to showcase her life in fashion from the earliest appearances until today. Featuring a wide-ranging interview with Naomi, this glamorous, engaging, yet accessible book celebrates Naomi as one of the world’s leading role models and inspiration to the creatives of today and the future. © Naomi in Fashon: Naomi Campbell, Victoria and Albert Museum, Rizzoli Electa. rizzoli.com
ICONIC FASHION MODEL KATE MOSS LAUNCHES COSMOSS
Inspired and created by model Kate Moss, COSMOSS is a luxury wellness brand focused on holistic selfcare and mindful beauty. Modeled after Moss’s own restorative rituals, the vegan fragrance and skincare products promote balance, peace, and rejuvenation. olivela.com
Cosmoss, Sacred Mist, olivela.com
Naomi at the Victoria & Albert Museum, June 22, 2024 - April 6, 2025
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
MARCO BAHLER
BY
TIMO & VIOLET
BACK TO SCHOOL WITH MINI BODEN
Have a picture perfect start to the school year with Mini Boden! Comfy, colorful, and made to hold up to whatever the school day serves up, Mini Boden offers wardrobe staples like graphic t-shirts, jeans, dresses, sweaters, skirts, and jackets that are this season’s must-haves. Their latest collection is bursting with sweet patterns and hand-drawn prints that let your little ones express their personalities in fun (fashionable!) ways. Mini Boden is available online at boden.com and select Nordstrom locations.
Timo & Violet is a joyful collection of artfully crafted bed linens, toweling, swaddles, blankets, and bibs for babies, children, and families. The brand’s timeless products honor nature, spark wonder, and are inspired by the world around us. The hand-drawn chinoiserie, butterfly, and sea creature illustrations are by London-based artist Aurélie Baudry Palmer, who has been commissioned by HRH The Princess of Wales. Designed by parents, each product is sustainably sourced and ethically made in small batches to ensure its quality and craftsmanship. In addition to using certified organic cotton, they recently received their B Corp certification, the gold standard in sustainability. timoandviolet.com
Mini Boden, Ella Breton in Multi Apples, boden.com
Mini Boden, Embroidered Slub Polo Shirt in College Navy, boden.com
Timo & Violet Dress
Timo & Violet Sweater
Mini Boden, Elsie Big Appliqué Dress in Blue Back to School Pockets, boden.com
Mini Boden, Patchwork Check Jumper, boden.com
Mini Boden, Embroidered Pull-on Trousers in College Navy Apples, boden.com
HEATHER LOVES
Gadget: Solawave Skincare Wand. This has been a simple upgrade to my skincare routine this past year and makes my skin feel great. Scent: Rosie by/rosie jane. This brand has clean, safe ingredients and all of their fragrances smell so good! Barrington spot: Cook Street Coffee, Hampton Social, and True Bleu Boutique Hostess gift to receive: Anything thoughtful. I love to hear why someone
HEATHER KIESER and her husband, Ryan, were high school sweethearts from Belvidere, Illinois. After living in downtown Chicago and Austin, Texas, five years ago they moved to Barrington. Here they were thrilled to find a small town with a caring community to raise their children. Heather was a Marketing Director who worked with AARP (the largest nonprofit in the U.S.) for more than seven years. She took a break from her career to focus on her three young children, Everett (6) and twins Finn and Liam (almost 4). She enjoys creative hobbies and has a small shop called SweetLittleSuns, where she makes a variety of personalized gifts for family and friends. While being a stay-athome mom, she is actively involved in the community. This past summer, she was the Barrington Junior Women’s Club (BJWC) co-chair of their Summer Fundraiser for local scholarships and grants that benefit women, children, and seniors. This fall, she is BJWC’s co-chair for family engagement and also social and fundraising co-chairs of St. Michael’s Little Angels Parent Advisory Board.
EDITED BY MORGAN HOGERTY PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUNVIJAY PAUL HAIR AND MAKEUP BY MARGARETA KOMLENAC STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
thought of me with a gift they picked out or a hand-written note. Gift to give: My love language is gift giving, so I usually try to give something thoughtful or personalized, like a personalized bracelet or their favorite treat. When in doubt, a bottle of Cooper’s Hawk Super Tuscan (my personal favorite).
Kieser in Veronica Beard dress and blazer, veronicabeard.com.
COUNTRY LOVES| UP
What actress would play you in a movie? Natalie Portman. She is someone who people have often said I resemble, and I admire her classic, timeless style, her business sense, and her passionate work towards women’s rights. She also seems like a genuine and sweet person I would love to meet in real life. Where do you look for inspiration? Instagram, Pinterest, my tribe of mom friends, and my own amazing mother (she is such a patient listener, offers good advice, and is one of the most creative people I know). Favorite book? Cloud Atlas. I love a good thought provoking book. This book in particular focuses on how all of our decisions (past, present, and future), not only affect our lives but also those of everyone around us, for generations to come. While it’s a science fiction novel, the concept is something I’ve often thought about for years after reading this book—our decisions matter. Most beloved cookbook? I am an avid cookbook col-
lector and love healthy and easy recipes for weeknights. One I’m using a lot right now is AllRecipes 30 Minute Meals. I also love cooking with my kids and In the French Kitchen with Kids is one of our favorites. My newest obsession though is using an app called Intent. It aggregates weekly recipes for you based on your preferences and then auto-generates the grocery list to Whole Foods for easy delivery and pickup. It’s truly amazing and has saved me so much time on meal prep and shopping for the week. Best dinner party hack? Start planning as early as possible and cater the larger dishes of the meal to focus more on only one or two fun signature dishes or cocktails. It eases the stress of the evening to enjoy with your guests. What’s in your bag right now? Phone, keys, JLab Mini JBuds, Touchland Glow Mist Rosewater Hand Sanitizer, Doctor Rogers Restore Lip Balm, and a random rock (i.e., treasure) one of my kids found at the park.
Kieser in model’s own.
Fall’s beauty trend celebrates...
TRANSFORM YOUR SKIN WITH A REVITALIZING TREATMENT. Using a high-quality mask weekly provides hydration, reduces visible pores, and prevents breakouts.
CHANEL’s The N°1 mask contains up to 76% camellia-derived ingredients, renowned for their antioxidant properties, offering a delightful sensation on the skin.
CHANEL, N°1 De Chanel Revitalizing Mask, ulta.com
the skin’s natural radiance with a subtly enhanced appearance. Discover the irresistible appeal of these beauty products.
IRRESISTIBLE LUMINOSITY
The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette enhances your eyes, skin, and blush, leaving you with an irresistible radiant glow. It complements any skin tone and delivers stunning luminosity for a beautifully brightened complexion.
Hourglass, Ambient Lighting Palette Volume II, ulta.com
EDITED BY PERLA LONG
MAXIMIZE YOUR SKIN’S RADIANCE
Increase your skin’s radiance with “The Radiant” skin tint by La Mer. This multitasking product does it all—moisturizes, provides a sheer tint for even tone, adds glow, and protects against the sun. It is infused with lime tea concentrate to help guard skin against environmental aggressors.
La Mer, The Radiant SkinTint Broad Spectrum SPF 30, nordstrom.com
SKIN CLEANSING IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT FOR MAINTAINING HEALTHY AND RADIANT SKIN.
Elemis’ Dynamic Gentle Resurfacing Enzyme Cleanser integrates patented tri-enzyme technology, antioxidant moringa, and hydrating white truffle to restore the skin’s natural radiance for a brighter, firmer complexion.
Elemis, Dynamic Resurfacing Face Wash, nordstrom.com
MAGIC WAND
BEAUTY| UP
NEW NAILS
This fall, say bye bye to harsh nail polish removers that are detrimental to your nails. The new Rose Soak by Tenoverten, is an acetone-free nail polish remover enhanced with essential oils, vitamins, and extracts to nourish, fortify, and hydrate your nails.
Tenoverten, The Rose Soak, tenoverten.com
CAPTIVATING LOOK
Let’s face it, time is a precious commodity, and keeping up with facial appointments can be a challenge—until now. Introducing the Solawave Advanced Skin Care Wand, with its four powerful tools—microcurrent, red light therapy, facial massage, and therapeutic warmth—it can reduce wrinkles, dark circles, blemishes, and dark spots in just 5 minutes a day.
PORTABLE COVERAGE
Choosing a good foundation can help achieve a polished complexion by covering uneven skin tones, blemishes, and discoloration. The Lancome Teint Idole foundation stick is our favorite for its oil-free, transfer-resistant, and full coverage formula, making it ideal for quick touch-ups on the go.
Lancome, Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Stick, ulta.com
Eyes are said to be the windows to the soul, and a little eye makeup can make a huge impact. Here are our top picks for achieving a radiant and glowing eye makeup look perfect for fall beauty: NARS, Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick, ulta.com; Dior, Diorshow Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner, nordstrom.com; CHANEL, Stylo Sourcils Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil, ULTA.com
ELEVATE YOUR STYLE WITH RADIANT HUES
Get ready to make a statement this fall with the hottest trend: a bold and vibrant red lip color! Check out these radiant lip colors: NARS, Powermatte Lip Pigment, Nordstrom.com; CHANEL, Rouge Allure Ink Matte Liquid Lip Colour, nordstrom.com; Christian Louboutin, Rouge Louboutin Velvet Matte Lipstick, Red Dramadouce 005, nordstrom.com; Gucci, Rouge á Lévres Matte Lipstick, nordstrom.com
WELLNESS
DIGITAL DENTISTRY
WORDS BY JAMES T. GAVRILOS
Dental work has never been an experience that many find pleasing. Part of the experience used to include impressions. ese are the trays that are filled with that messy silicone type of material that hardens as it sits in your mouth for five minutes. e great news is, those impressions are gone forever.
Digital scanners are changing the world of dentistry. e dentist can prepare teeth for porcelain restorations and immediately scan them to save the information that they would usually get from the impressions. Patients no longer have to feel that unpleasant sense of gagging as the impression material hardens in their mouth.
Our office has been using the 3Shape Trios scanner for a year now and the results have been tremendous. e crowns, veneers, bridges, mouth guards, and implants have seen a significant in-
crease in their quality of fit and finish. e scanner takes approximately 1,500 scans in a three-dimensional mode. e scans are then all stitched together by the software. A 3-D model can then be printed and used for any required restoration. I have been able to use it to measure clearances, preview smiles, and communicate shape and color to the laboratory technician. Our patients have been very vocal about the scanner and they approve. is technology is not limited to just restorations. Multiple scans of the same patient can be grouped together. is grouping is of different scans over time. e software allows us to see how the patient is wearing down their teeth and how teeth have moved over time. is type of diagnosis helps the patient visualize what is happening with their mouth.
If you are in need of dental work but dread the thought of all those impressions, come see us for a demonstration of our new Trios scanner. Once you have seen how it works, you will never go back.
Dr. James T. Gavrilos is located at 129 Park Avenue in Barrington. For more information, call 847-381-4040 or visit barringtondentist.com.
If you have any of these symptoms, you may have vein disease:
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WINGS
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
GOSIA MATUSZEWSKA
The WINGS North Shore Leadership Council hosted its 3rd annual Ladies Luncheon at Westmoreland Country Club in Wilmette raising more than $110,000 to support survivors of domestic violence. wingsprogram.com
Stephanie Andre-Ouellette, Shanna Nikolic, Katie Feagans, Katrina Dee, Melissa Canning, Erin Brown-Carter, Jennifer Dahl, Laura Lowderman, Helen Kalantzis, Roxanne Crowley
Brooke Kedzie, Mary Kedzie, Mary Ellen Matthews
Helen Kalantzis, Melissa Canning
Maria Shideler, Katherine Banich, Megan Weisberg, Dustin O'Regan
Rebecca Darr
Traska wearing Zimmerman, neimanmarcus.com.
During her freshman year at UW–Madison,
Libby
from Mequon, Wisconsin knocked on Eric from Algonquin’s dorm room door and asked if he wanted to play basketball with her. Twenty-two years later, Libby and Eric Trzaska’s relationship still centers around their love for sports and each other. Watching her three daughters play soccer, basketball, and dance brings Libby joy as do her various roles in the community. Libby recently finished two years as PTO President at Hough Street School, she is on the Barrington Youth & Family Services Auxiliary board, sits on the board of directors for BASA/FCX soccer club, and is social media director for Barrington Lady Bombers Basketball Club. She is also thrilled to mark her return to the classroom as a resource teacher at St. Anne School.
EDITED BY MORGAN HOGERTY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUNVIJAY PAUL
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY MARGARETA KOMLENAC STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
Traska in alice + olivia dress, neimanmarcus.com.
Mantra? Find the positive in every situation Best grooming tip? Love my hair curling wand, dry shampoo, C. Fanucchi Salon Guilty pleasure? Cookie dough and Cool Whip Favorite foods? Spicy tuna rolls, eggs Benedict, and anything off the grill Music you love? My love for country music started with the Dixie Chicks and Rascal Flatts and it’s still my favorite Best advice ever given to you? It’s never too late to try something new. I recently started playing tennis and I have enjoyed learning and meeting new supportive friends along the way Best advice you’ve given? I tell my kids every day to be kind to everyone. Treat adults with respect and say please and thank you Earliest memory? Watching my girls grow up always brings back special memories of playing with my own two younger sisters Before bed, you? Make sure the
sport carpools are all set for the next day, the girls’ iPads are charging, and uniforms are clean What’s on your bookshelf? A Colleen Hoover or Abby Jimenez book. I have been loving those authors lately You can’t live without? My meal swap with my friends Taylor and Lauren. For the last two years, we have made two meals to exchange with each other. It’s amazing Love to escape to? Naples, Florida or Door County, Wisconsin to see my parents Advice you would give to your younger self? To have more confidence in myself and not try to please everyone—it’s impossible
WHEN IN TOWN WHEN IN THE COUNTRY
Your style is? Sporty casual Can’t leave the house without? A snack, cell phone, and my calendar/planner—yes, it’s paper Transportation? Palisade Driving music? Country radio station or whatever the girls want—usually Taylor Swift Place to eat? Francesca’s Famiglia has been our family favorite. My rehearsal dinner was there and many, many family parties. I also love breakfast from Egg Harbor and Starbucks, of course Shop? Last minute birthday gifts at Marvin’s Toy Store and Angelina Best thing about country? Living in the village, and our Summit Street neighbors and friends are the best Worst thing about country? Getting stuck by a freight train The perfect day is? Morning workout, coffee on the way to a soccer game at Beese Park, then hustling to an afternoon basketball tournament. Ending the night at home debriefing with Eric and a bourbon
Your style is? Cubs or Bears shirt and jeans because Wrigley or Solider Field is usually my destination Can’t leave the house without? Again, snacks—always snacks! Transportation? I prefer the train so we don’t have to sit in traffic but we usually end up driving so we can be on our own schedule Driving music? Luke Combs Radio on Amazon Music Place to eat? A hotdog, peanuts, and beer at the game, and Picante Taqueria for a late-night burrito Best thing about town? The sports, food, and energy of being in a big city Worst thing about town? The traffic and crowds The perfect day is? Bottomless prosecco brunch with my friends, meet up with Eric and the girls at Wrigley for an afternoon game, and drive home with no traffic. Need to make this day a reality!
edited by Megan Weisberg
AT AUCTION
Monica Brown, Vice President, Head of Department, Prints and Multiples of Freeman’s | Hindman previews exciting artworks offered at auction on September 26.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FREEMAN’S | HINDMAN
Jasper Johns (American, b. 1930) Target, 1974
Instantly recognizable for its motif and bright fresh colors, Jasper Johns’ Target stands as an iconic symbol of Johns’ bridge between Abstract Expressionism and Modernism. The handmade paper gives an almost sculptural quality to the edition and is a testament to the eye of one of the most important artists of post-war America.
Alex Katz (American, b.1927) Samantha, 1987
Alex Katz is well known for his stunning portraits and Samantha stands among his finest work. His masterful eye, equally skilled in framing his subject and selecting the perfect color to capture the mood, is on full display. Making it all the more impressive, the piece stands at just over five-and-a-half feet tall, giving it a wow factor that multiplies Katz’s genius by a factor of five.
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973)
Le Repas Frugal, 1904; printed 1913 etching
Nothing more clearly shows us Picasso’s genius than his etching
Le Repas Frugal
Created at the age of 23, the second print he made, with no training in printmaking, it is indisputably one of the greatest graphic works in the history of the medium. The only print linked to his Blue Period, Le Repas Frugal was created in 1904, just after the artist moved from Spain to Paris.
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881–1973)
Visage au nez noir, (A.R. 609) including original wooden crate from Madoura, 1969
This remarkable ceramic is the full package for Picasso lovers. Not only is it a quintessential pottery form with the artist’s unique style and whimsical motifs on full display, but it comes with its original crate from the Madoura Studio in Vallauris, France where the famed artist made many of his iconic ceramics. This particular piece has remained in the current owner’s collection since originally purchasing it from the studio in the 1960s.
For more information, visit freemansauction.com.
THE FABRIC OF SUCCESS
Chicago-born designer Azeeza Khan’s new line expands her esteemed brand and lays the foundation for the creation of a legacy fashion house.
WORDS BY JOE ROSENTHAL
PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE
PORTRAIT STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
PORTRAIT HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST
PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AZEEZA
Azeeza Khan wearing Azeeza Winston top and Zora pant in Medium Wash Chambray from The Day Collection
Paris, Milan, London, and New York—all are cities commonly associated with the rarified air of high fashion. Yet, serious devotees of the sartorial arts know that Chicago is a veritable hothouse of fashion talent. Recall that the late, great Illinois-born Virgil Abloh began his visionary brand Off-White in Chicago and then blazed a path to the top of the fashion pyramid—Louis Vuitton. Maria Pinto, a former Art Institute of Chicago student turned award-winning designer, dressed Oprah and Michelle Obama in the first decade of the 2000s. Cynthia Rowley, an Art Institute alum, built a global lifestyle brand touted by Vogue as the perfect blend of sporty and pretty. Emerging Chicago designers like Chloé Mendel are attracting attention and garnering applause. Now, designer Azeeza Khan is preparing to make her eponymous line a household name.
Khan has been charting a rocket course in the industry since establishing her brand just a decade ago. In 2019, she found herself collaborating with the legendary Barbra Streisand on 25 looks for her tour and personal wardrobe. Streisand had become a fan after seeing Khan’s clothes at Barneys, a longtime Azeeza stockist. Other fashion-forward fans include Beyoncé, Sarah Jessica Parker, Hailey Bieber, and J.Lo, who adore the line’s meticulously hand-dyed luxury fabrics that are rendered in ultra-feminine but modern silhouettes.
Khan describes her style as “understated, while still making a statement. When someone walks in the room wearing it, you’re going to turn and look.” Her pieces have a fluidity and discernible flow. “It’s very feminine. You’ll feel confident wearing my pieces, and when you feel confident, you’re going to own that room. In this day and age, everything moves so quickly, so when I design a collection, I really pay attention when something makes me think twice or catches my eye.” She jokes she could almost offer a guarantee of two compliments per wearing. And, of course, there is her highly regarded emphasis on color. Khan says her process often starts with color and finds inspiration in her surroundings from food to nature.
During a recent trunk show at The Lake Forest Shop, Khan points out dresses one by one, her passion for her work evident as she notes the feel of the rich, vividly colored fabrics (organza, crepe de chine, raw silk, chiffon, charmeuse). Then she stops at a crisp poplin dress from her new Day Collection, which reimagines the brand’s core designs and best-sellers in wearable fabrications like pure cotton and denim chambray. The collection invites her loyalists to find new occasions to wear her designs, while its versatility and lower price point allow others to experience Azeeza for the first time.
“It reinvents the dress, right?” she exclaims, brimming with pride.
Cirrus Charmeuse Gown in Black
Kareena Raw Silk Mini in White
Elyssa Organza Mini in Magenta
“The new Day Collection is washable,” Khan notes. “You can dress it up and you can dress it down too. I think it’s definitely going to appeal to our core girl. She’ll buy it if she owns that same dress in silk but it’s going to be a lot more for the day-today.”
Khan came into the industry in a very organic, grassroots way. The daughter of first-generation immigrants from India, she grew up on the north side of Chicago. Although her family had no connection to the business of fashion, Khan’s favorite weekend destination was Old Orchard Mall and she learned how to sew during summer vacation and school breaks. After graduating from DePaul, she began a career in marketing at the energy conglomerate BP. Yet something wasn’t clicking, and she knew she had to make a change. Upon launching her label, Khan gave herself a year to match her salary at BP or she’d give up.
“I was naive and gullible at the start,” she recalls. She was unaware of the magnitude of what she was attempting and of how competitive the business could be. “I had a false sense of confidence in the beginning. I didn’t know how much I was biting off.” In the end, however, her passion and the business skills she learned in school carried her through.
The brand’s growing national profile is reflected by a presence at Saks Fifth Avenue, REVOLVE, Bergdorf Goodman, elysewalker, Kith, Olivela, Shopbop, and multiple divisions of Anthropologie. On the North Shore, Azeeza can be found at Winnetka’s athene. Her flagship store at 900 Michigan Avenue in Chicago has been featured in the Louis Vuitton Chicago City Guide and listed as a top destination by Forbes Now, with this heightened profile and a broadening base thanks to the Day Collection, Khan is setting her sights even higher.
“I want to be a legacy fashion house of America,” she asserts when asked about her goals for the future.
“That’s what I’m looking to do. Something iconic.”
Pressed on what that means, Khan doesn’t skip a beat in mentioning Ralph Lauren and Vera Wang. In Khan’s mind, they have set a template that she can evolve in her own way. “I do think that it can be a national luxury house, by all means.”
Based on her past successes, Khan knows this is an attainable goal. But she also knows it won’t be easy. “My business is self-invested, so the scaling has to be done in a very calculated and strategic way. Everything we make, we pretty much put back in. So, that’s been the formula for growing by maintaining that self-investment.”
Khan is keenly aware of the American Dream nature of her story; a story that includes successes from the fashion runway to the aisles at CB2 where she has a line of outdoor furniture and accessories to the social media world where she has an enthusiastic and youthful following on Instagram.
“If I woke up in high school and said what my wildest dream would be ... this is it, right? So these opportunities aren’t only something that were imaginable, they’re attainable. I do hope that I can inspire others to do the same in the generations to come. That, you know, if any race, gender, whatever it is ... that anything is possible, I think that’s the lesson.”
For more information, visit azeezaofficial.com.
Caption
Barbra Streisand wearing Azeeza
Khan Barbra Dress. Photography courtesy of Getty Images.
Lucas Raw Silk Gown in Emerald
Khan wearing The Rachel in navy, azeezakhan.com
Mendel’s New House of Fashion
Gilles and Chloé Mendel’s House of Gilles celebrates a rich couture legacy.
WORDS BY MONICA KASS ROGERS
Chloé and Gilles Mendel, co-founders of House of Gilles.
Photography by Masato Onoda
It was the wedding dress that clinched it. When world-famous fashion designer Gilles Mendel and his daughter Chloé got together to design the gown for Chloé’s wedding to rock star Billy Corgan, the experience was so enjoyable that they decided to keep the collaboration going. House of Gilles, their new atelier in New York City, is the brilliant result.
“It was so thrilling for us to collaborate and make my wedding gown that we were inspired to start House of Gilles,” says Chloé, known for her Maison Atia eco-friendly luxury outerwear, and Madame ZuZu’s in Highland Park.
Gilles explains, “We decided to bring people’s dream gowns to life in a specialized, collaborative way. Visiting our atelier is a must for brides-to-be and their mothers. Many come to New York and visit the major brands that quote them a very high price for something not even one percent of the red-carpet experience they would receive at House of Gilles.”
That Gilles and Chloé, fifth and sixth-generation descendants of the J. Mendel fashion empire, would launch this venture now is a welcome surprise for those who feel the personal element has been lost in the industry.
“We’ve gone back to our roots,” Chloé observes, “Leaving the big studios and huge warehouses to focus on what we truly love: the art and relational aspects of creating for clients. Where else in this country can you meet face to face with a designer of Gilles’ pedigree to create the gown of your dreams?”
“This focus is what I love most about creating couture and dresses,” Gilles notes. “Not having to make four collections a year and rushing to a different country and market every other moment for shows.”
Because their relationship is very close and built on longstanding trust, the two are good sounding boards for one another as they discuss dress designs, what’s happening in the industry, and so much more. “Our skills complement each other very well,” Gilles describes. “Chloé is so talented with business and marketing and shaping the perfect experience for clients that I am free to focus on the art and design. I think that’s very rare today—to have the kind of extraordinarily good relationship where we complete each other in so many ways.”
Beyond this, “Our work is rooted in principles of great design and craftsmanship that may sound old fashioned, but we are also very tapped into what is new and happening in the industry, knowing the new developments and applying them,” says Chloé. “We create designs that feel
Gilles Mendel working in his atelier.
Photography by Danielle Simone
A House of Gilles gown. Photography by Masato Onoda
very new but are also timeless.”
Together, the pair endeavor to provide completely specialized experiences for their clientele. “Experiences to mirror the path we followed to make my wedding dress.”
And, what a gown it was! “Chloé brought me pictures of the goddess Artemis as part of the inspiration for the feel of the dress,” recalls Gilles, “We included that with all of the other elements she wanted to distill into the dress—to tell her unique story.”
“We live in a wooded area of Highland Park on Lake Michigan,” explains Chloé, “And I kept thinking of how you can see the lake and the trees and the ravines through the morning mist. I wanted the dress to encompass all of this—to be romantic, dreamy, and a little sexy, without showing too much. Telling my love story through my dress was important to me.”
To get there, Gilles worked with the finest lace maker in France to create lace with a delicate metallic thread running through it to achieve a very light, misty look. He then crafted a bustier—the most important structural component of the dress—and hand-draped and micro-pleated 60 yards of the lace over it.
“In the end, even though there was so much fabric, it felt light as air, like there’s almost nothing there,” says Gilles. “That’s the magic of the work I do. Dresses that have great underlying structure, giving whoever wears them security and comfort, but that feel and look ethereal and light.”
House of Gilles’ gowns that are designed for couture clientele
follow the same principles and progression, beginning with ideation meetings with Chloé and Gilles then moving to sketches, dress construction, and fittings. This process can take anywhere from three months to one year.
“But not everyone has a year to make a couture gown,” notes Chloé. With that in mind, House of Gilles’ first core collection of made-to-order gowns launches this month.
“The collection will serve for beautiful, glamorous events— everything from the Golden Globes, the Emmys, or the Grammys, to galas, weddings, or other important events,” says Chloé. “The gowns can be ready in just weeks, and clients can specify a color choice, beading variations, and other details that will make each gown unique.”
The House of Gilles’ celebration of craftsmanship has the pair thinking back to their early experiences of growing up in the industry. For 150 years, from St. Petersburg to Paris to New York, the Mendel family has been known as purveyors of the world’s finest furs. Gilles was the first to step into high-end dress design.
As a furrier, Gilles’ father was a gifted artisan with long elegant hands, a diamond ring on his pinky, and piercing blue eyes.
“Watching him work was so beautiful,” says Gilles. “There was so much pride and nobility in his work. I can still see him stretching the fur, using an old hammer and nails that had been passed down for generations. It was like he was creating architecture, like a plan of Versailles, the nails lined up like little soldiers all along the board. I honestly think of this all the time ... the nobility and pride of creating beautiful work, because it’s such an emotional and pleasurable thought. I think it’s a big part of the reason I’m returning to couture atelier—I really enjoy and love it.”
Looking ahead? “We’re starting with couture, and eventually, we might move to other things. But right now, the focus is to do something unique and provide an extraordinary experience that people cannot find at any other house in America,” says Gilles.
“We are a brand of uncompromised quality and craftsmanship made in New York. Our growth will always stem from that,” Chloé concludes. “Where that brings us in the future we can’t foretell. But we will always have our hand in, making the most beautiful pieces with a personal family touch.”
For more information, visit houseofgilles.com.
A House of Gilles gown. Photography by Masato Onoda
At atelier. Photography by Danielle Simone
Curated Couture
Celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Modern Wing with a fashionable frolic through its galleries and along the Nichols Bridgeway. The Modern Wing boasts one of the world’s great collections of modern and contemporary art while the Nichols Bridgeway is a Chicago landmark linking the museum to our great city. These two masterworks by legendary architect Renzo Piano have become icons of Chicago architecture and serve as the backdrop for our fall fashion shoot.
WORDS/PRODUCTION BY DUSTIN O’REGAN
PHOTOGRAPHY RUNVIJAY PAUL
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
ALL CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES SOURCED FROM IKRAM, NEIMAN MARCUS, AND AZEEZA
HAIR BY IGOR SHASHKIN
MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST
MODELING BY MEGAN MIELKE AND MABEL TERRY, SELECT MODEL MANAGEMENT
VIDEOGRAPHY BY NATE BRIEVA
STYLE ASSISTANCE BY JULIA PAULMAN AND LOLA EISERMAN
LOCATION: THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S MODERN WING AND NICHOLS BRIDGEWAY
Megan wearing Marchesa dress, Veronica Sheaffer vest.
Mabel wearing Brunello Cucinelli dress, Dolce & Gabanna shoes.
Photographed at the Bluhm Family Terrace of the Modern Wing.
Megan and Mabel wearing Caroline Hú dresses. Mabel carrying Rosantica Milano Holli Cindy bag and wearing CHANEL ankle boots. Photographed with Katharina Fritsch. Woman with Dog (Frau mit Hund), 2004. Gift of Edlis Neeson Collection. © Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn.
Megan wearing Saint Laurent dress and AGL shoes. Mabel wearing Rick Owens dress. Photographed on the Nichols Bridgeway, a gift of John D. and Alexandra C. Nichols.
Megan wearing Saint Laurent dress and AGL shoes.
Photographed on the Nichols Bridgeway, a gift of John D. and Alexandra C. Nichols.
Megan wearing Missoni set, Prada belt, and Stuart Weitzman shoes. Mabel wearing Missoni set with Dolce & Gabbana shoes.
Photographed with Shirley Jaffe. Linear c, c. 1955. Mary and Leigh Block, Wirt D. Walker, and Walter Aitken endowment funds; purchased with funds provided by Artworkers Retirement Society.
Megan wearing ERDEM dress. Photographed with Jackson Pollock.
Greyed Rainbow, 1953. Gift of Society for Contemporary American Art. © Pollock-Krasner Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
Mabel wearing Jun Takahashi dress and Saint Laurent belt.
Photographed with Jackson Pollock. Greyed Rainbow, 1953. Gift of Society for Contemporary American Art. © PollockKrasner Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
Megan wearing Chloé jeans, Chloé blouse, Albertus Swanepoel hat, Alexander McQueen coat, Madison Maison x Mara Bini shoes, Dolce & Gabbana belt. Mabel wearing TOM FORD blouse, coat, and shorts, Christian Louboutin heels. Photographed with Henri Matisse. Bathers by a River, 1909-1917. Charles H. and Mary F. S. Worcester Collection. © Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.
with funds
Megan wearing Azeeza dress and UNDERCOVER by Jun Takahashi. Photographed with Alma Thomas. Starry Night and the Astronauts, 1972. Purchased
provided by Mary P. Hines in memory of her mother, Frances W. Pick.
Mabel wearing KHAITE dress, Loewe corset, and Loewe shoes.
Photographed with Alma Thomas. Starry Night and the Astronauts, 1972. Purchased with funds provided by Mary P. Hines in memory of her mother, Frances W. Pick.
Mabel wearing Caroline Hú dress, carrying Rosantica Milano Holli Cindy bag, and wearing CHANEL ankle boots. Photographed with Katharina Fritsch. Woman with Dog (Frau mit Hund), 2004. Gift of Edlis Neeson Collection. © Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn.
prior purchase
Mabel wearing Gold Hawk tank, Comme des Garçons jacket, Loewe pants. Photographed with Kazuo Shiraga. Golden Wings Brushing the Clouds Incarnated from Earthly Wide Star (Chikatsusei Maunkinshi), 1960. Through
from the Mary and Leigh Block Fund, purchased with funds provided by Barbara Bluhm-Kaul and Don Kaul.
Mabel wearing Rick Owens coat, Christian Louboutin shoes. Photographed with Roy Lichtenstein. Mirror #3 (Six Panels), made 1971. Gift of the Anstiss and Ronald Krueck Collection, facilitated by the Roy Lichtenstein Foundation. © Estate of Roy Lichtenstein.
SHANA VITEK
EQUITY PARTNER
BEERMANN LLP
DIVORCE WITHOUT COURT: MEDIATION
Mediation is a process frequently utilized in divorce proceedings to resolve both child-related and financial matters. Mediated divorces are typically less expensive and are resolved quicker than litigated divorces. In mediation, spouses and their attorneys agree upon a mediator who is usually a seasoned divorce attorney or a retired domestic relations judge. In some instances, the court will select the mediator for the parties. The parties can attend mediation with or without their attorneys but, either way, should have their own attorneys to consult with before signing off on any mediated agreements. Mediation is not a binding process; the mediator will not take sides and will not make any final decisions for the family. The mediator will guide discussions, as one of the primary advantages of mediation in divorce cases is its focus on preserving relationships. Traditional litigation tends to fuel adversarial dynamics between spouses, further escalating tensions. Mediation, on the other hand, encourages open communication, empathy, and cooperation. By working together to find mutually agreeable solutions, couples are more likely to maintain amicable post-divorce relationships, which is especially crucial when children are involved. In a mediated divorce, couples have greater control over the outcome compared to a court-imposed decision. This empowerment allows individuals to shape their own agreements tailored to their unique circumstances which can lead to more satisfactory and durable agreements, reducing the likelihood of postdivorce disputes.
Shana Vitek is an Equity Partner at Beermann LLP, the largest family law firm in Illinois. For over 20 years, she has practiced family law exclusively and is trained in mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law.
For more information, visit www.beermannlaw.com/team/shana-l-vitek.
Penny for Your Thoughts
Loeffler Randall founders
Country sat down for an exclusive interview with Jessie Randall and Brian Murphy, founders of lifestyle brand Loeffler Randall—makers of the showstopping Penny Pleated Bow Heel.
WORDS BY ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER
Well-heeled women everywhere don’t consider themselves so without a pair of Loeffler Randall’s Penny Pleated Bow Heels in their closet.
Loeffler Randall—the lifestyle brand behind this iconic shoe—has taken the world by storm, outfitting fashion lovers everywhere with their beautiful shoes, accessories, and ready-to-wear collections.
Jessie Randall and Brian Murphy launched Loeffler Randall in 2004 from their garden apartment in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. Nearly 20 years and three children later, they are still doing what they love—making distinctive products in small batches with great attention to detail. They design pieces that are meant to be loved and worn for seasons to come.
From their beautiful studio in Soho, New York, the Loeffler Randall team designs a line they want to wear themselves. They understand the needs of their customers—women leading busy lives who want to invest in high quality products that can take them from school drop off to a business meeting to an evening event and everything in between.
Loeffler Randall believes that design should be distinctive and original. In each pair of their beloved signature heels, there are 400 pleats. In fact, there are 28 steps that go into the making one pair—from the fabric being sent to the pleater to the hand-tied bow. Beautiful handcrafted products take time to make, and this is one of the reasons Loeffler Randall makes small batches of products that they hope to sell out.
Loeffler Randall’s pieces are among the favorites in Barrington boutiques. And it’s no wonder that locals love this brand as much as they do with the keen insight into consumers brought to the table by Murphy, the company’s CEO, a Loyola Academy alum.
Randall and Murphy sat down with Country to share a little bit more about Loeffler Randall and what it’s like to run a fashion business with your spouse.
How did the two of you meet?
Randall: We met in the late ’90s at my first job in advertising. We found out his family is from my hometown in Massachusetts even though we met in NYC.
What background prepared you for running a fashion brand?
Randall: I got a strong education in fashion working for corporations like Gap Inc., and Brian and I learned a lot about marketing from our advertising jobs. The agen-
cy where we met, Fallon, had a wonderful, family-type atmosphere, and we learned so much there about building a company.
Where did the idea for Loeffler Randall come from? Did the two of you create it together?
Randall: We did come up with the concept together. I designed our first collection, and Brian cut up our wedding program and placed it in the footbed of a prototype for one of our shoes and with the name of the company—Loeffler Randall, my middle and last names.
How has the brand evolved since it began?
Randall: The aesthetic of our brand has been consistent since day one. What has evolved is the size of the business, our expansion into other categories, and the opening of our first store.
What is the division of labor between the two of you?
Randall: I oversee design, and Brian runs the business. We both work on marketing and that’s where we butt heads— ha! But seriously, this division of responsibilities has been critical to our success. We trust each other to own the two different parts of the business.
What’s it like working with your spouse? Any advice for those considering it?
Randall: I always say that I don’t really recommend it, but it has worked for us. We try very hard not to talk about work on the weekends. But it has been nice to work on a shared goal all these years and to be so connected. Anything you wish you knew when you started the company that you know now? Anything you would do differently?
Randall: So many things I would do differently—too many to list. But we can’t go back. We just have to evolve and adapt and learn from mistakes. And many of the things we didn’t know actually helped us. We didn’t realize all the things that could go wrong and that was actually a good thing.
What are your favorite pieces?
Randall: I love our expansion into ready-to-wear—our quilted pieces and fun dresses—as well as our wow heels.
For Brian: any hometown, North Shore influences carried into the Loeffler Randall brand? Anything you miss about living in Chicago?
Murphy: Living in Chicago gave me a sense of humor, a Midwestern candor and ethos—we don’t take ourselves too seriously. I really miss Chicago sports. Desperately at times.
To learn more about Loeffler Randall, visit loefflerrandall.com.
The Bodywork Combo
With the Bodywork Combo massage from Giving Back Massage of Barrington you'll first enjoy and experience the ultimate in relaxation and immune support with a 45-minute Lymphatic Drainage massage. This therapeutic massage contours the body while it reduces inflammation, relaxes the body and mind, and rejuvenates the soul. Using gentle rhythmic pressure, the massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which helps to flush out toxins and improve overall circulation.
The session finishes with a luxurious 45-minute Deep Tissue massage designed to target specific areas of tension and to help your body relax and rejuvenate. In addition to providing relief, this massage offers a variety of benefits, such as improved circulation, increased flexibility, and a calmer mind. Come and experience the best of both worlds with The Bodywork Combo, only available at Giving Back Massage of Barrington.
in Style GETTING WELL
Combining first-rate clinical care and comforting amenities, Ignite Medical Resorts set a new standard.
WORDS BY THOMAS CONNORS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD
When we take a fall, or suffer a stroke, a trip to the hospital is just the first stop. Therapeutic follow-up often comes next. And between the physical demands of rehab and the emotional strain of being a patient longer than we’d like, keeping committed to our care can be challenge. Especially when that entails a stay in a skilled nursing facility. While there’s no easy out when it comes to getting better, Ignite Medical Resorts offers a new model in the delivery of rehabilitation services.
“The concept of the medical resort is the best of both worlds,” says founder and CEO, Tim Fields. “Newer physical plants that look like a boutique hotel with private rooms, Starbucks coffee café’s, chef-prepared food, and concierge service, coupled with an engaging and appreciative culture to get the best nurses, therapists and employees to run a high-acuity, customer service-focused, tech-savvy advanced care model we call LuxeRehab.” Equipped to provide expert clinical programming for orthopedics, stroke, cardiac and respiratory care, Ignite Medical Resorts operates in six states, with five locations in Illinois—McHenry, Hanover Park, Aurora, Lisle, and Mundelein.
Fields began his career in IT. His first professional encounter with the healthcare industry came when he went to work for a cardiology practice. After migrating to business development, he joined a small family-run skilled nursing and rehabilitation company in Chicago before signing on with Symphony Post Acute Network, where he rose to president and partner and helped grow that company from eight to 30 facilities. In 2018, he and good friend Barry Carr launched Ignite, determined to bring an exciting employee culture coupled with upscale luxurious facilities that focused on short-term rehabilitation to the market. “I fell in love with the challenge of innovating and doing something different, or as we say, extinguishing the stereotype,” shares Fields
Any business is only as good as its employees, and that goes double in healthcare, where the well-being of the client is paramount. But with burnout searing the ranks of nurses and therapists, recruiting and retaining top-notch professionals is no easy feat. “We knew early on, that to run an innovative and unique model, you had to have the best staff,” relates Fields. “So, a rewarding and appreciative
culture is very important to us. We have great wage scales that pay top of market, we have great benefits, such as a Superhero in Scrubs program, where staff can earn gift cards, paid time off, and bonuses. We have daycare discount programs, and every employee gets a free Planet Fitness membership and free Door Dash pass. Work should be fun and rewarding. I want our staff going home and telling their loved ones how much fun they had at work today.”
Ignite’s clinicians are not only expert at effectively deploying a range of physical, occupational, and speech therapy strategies to achieve optimum results, but all are thoroughly trained to provide a high level of customer service. Additionally, each facility is staffed with a Director of Hospitality, a concierge who gets to know patients and their families to help them get the most out of the Ignite experience. “We have a program called ‘Surprise and Delight’, where the Director of Hospitality finds a way to surprise a patient during their stay,” says Fields. “It could be something small, like setting up a FaceTime visit with the grandkids, or bringing their favorite pet in for a surprise visit, to reuniting a husband and wife who’ve been apart. My favorite thing we do is called ‘Fond Farewell’, where the team celebrates the patient’s discharge from Ignite at the front door, clapping and celebrating them going back home, with a custom ‘I got my Spark back’ medal around their neck. It’s quite an emotional experience for our staff to see people going back home after they helped them regain their strength and independence.”
With the average stay at a skilled nursing rehab center running over 20 days, ambiance and atmosphere play a key role in keeping patients’ spirits up and propelling them toward their goals. “People don’t come to us because they want to, they come to us because they have to,” states Fields. “We can do a great job of getting someone their medications on time or healing a wound, or getting an individual to walk again. But if we don’t make them feel good about the entire experience, if they aren’t satisfied with their stay, then we haven’t done our job.”
Ignite Medical Resorts CEO and Co-Founder, Tim Fields
With
FIRST-CLASS DINING AND TRAVEL
ECHOES OF THE PAST
Enjoy an exotic southeast Asian sojourn and a modern take on a classic dish.
Stone carved face of Bayon Temple, Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Photography by alvarobueno
Mussels in White Wine + Pernod
WORDS, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND FOOD STYLING BY
MONICA KASS ROGERS
Classic preparations of moules marinières (sailor-style mussels) go back centuries in France and Belgium, requiring nothing more than mussels, shallots, white wine, and butter. Chefs worldwide have tweaked the traditional recipe, adding herbs, sometimes cream, and, in my favorite rendition, garlic, gorgeously ripe tomatoes, and Pernod.
Pernod, the anise-flavored French liqueur, goes so well with mussels that I’ve never been able to return to the “just with wine” version. I’ve specified 3 pounds of mussels here, allowing 1 pound for each person for dinner, or there’s plenty for 6 guests if serving as an appetizer. Be sure to have crusty baguettes to soak up the buttery broth. Or, do as the Belgians do and serve with fries and good beer.
METHOD
CLEAN MUSSELS Remove and discard any “beards” (the byssal threads that mussels use to anchor to surfaces) by pulling the threads firmly toward the hinge of the shell until they release. Once wellscrubbed, place mussels in a large bowl of water and rinse again until water runs clear.
STEAM MUSSELS Add the wine to a heavy-bottomed 4-quart enameled pot or Dutch oven. Add mussels and thyme sprigs and cover pot. Heat to boiling over medium-high heat. Immediately reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes until the mussels have opened. Discard any that haven’t opened. Using tongs, remove mussels and thyme sprigs from pot and keep warm. Do not discard cooking liquid. Pour the liquid from the pot through a fine mesh strainer to remove any grit and set aside to make sauce.
SERVES 3 FOR DINNER; 6 FOR APPETIZERS INGREDIENTS
• 3 pounds mussels, scrubbed clean under running water
• 1 1/2 cups dry white wine (I used Pinot Grigio)
• Small bunch fresh thyme sprigs
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 medium shallots, peeled and sliced thin
• 3 cloves garlic, minced to make 2 tablespoons
• 1 large (or 2 small) very ripe heirloom tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons Pernod
• Small bunch fresh parsley leaves, minced to make ¼ cup
PREPARE SAUCE In a sauté pan over medium heat, add butter and shallots. Sauté shallots for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté 2 minutes more. Add the reserved mussel cooking liquid. Roughly break the ripe tomato into pieces and add to the pan. Simmer until the liquid has reduced a bit. Skim off any foam. Stir in three tablespoons of Pernod and half of the minced parsley. Simmer for 2 more minutes.
TO SERVE Spoon a bit of sauce into three (or six) serving bowls. Divide mussels between the bowls. Top with the rest of the sauce, tomatoes, garlic, and shallots. Sprinkle with the rest of the parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread for dunking and have bowls on hand for discarded shells.
847-809-8070
dtubekis@gmail.com
847-809-8070
Deantubekis.com
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dtubekis@gmail.com Deantubekis.com
CITY OF TEMPLES
Discover the ancient majesty of Cambodia’s Siem Reap, while indulging in the modern luxury of Anantara’s Angkor Resort.
WORDS BY DUSTIN O’REGAN
Ihave long been captivated by the Khmer Empire, one of history’s most sophisticated civilizations. More than 300 years before Christopher Columbus’ voyage, the Khmer Empire wielded significant influence across Southeast Asia, encompassing parts of present-day Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. At its peak from the 11th to 13th centuries, the empire surpassed even the Byzantine Empire in size. Renowned as master builders, the Khmer adorned the landscape with majestic temples and pioneered sophisticated water
systems. Its majestic temples stand today as enduring symbols of its peoples’ immense power, wealth, artistic brilliance, and architectural ingenuity.
The grandeur of the Khmer civilization was largely forgotten until the 1840s when French explorer Henri Mouhot rediscovered Angkor Wat, the largest of the temples, and reintroduced its splendor to the world. Last May, I returned to Siem Reap for the first time since 2019 eager to introduce my daughter to the influences of this civilization and its many treasures.
Ta Prohm Temple Photography by Sakawut14
I was immediately struck by how much the city had changed. We landed at the brand new, ultra-modern Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, outfitted with fashionable boutiques and trendy cafes and drove through the city on wide, pristine streets—a stark contrast to my previous experience. During my last visit, it wasn’t uncommon to see families of four on a single bike, including babies, without any safety gear whatsoever. To my relief, all motorcyclists were now donning helmets, a detail that brought me peace of mind given my tendency to foretell a myriad of mishaps.
STAY
We chose the Anantara Angkor Resort as our home base. This beautiful boutique hotel, built in 2008, expertly weaves ancient Khmer elements into its architecture, customs, and cuisine. Architectural similarities to Angkor Wat are evident everywhere from the corridor design to the traditional wall carvings. Upon arrival, we were introduced to Khmer culture with a gift of the traditional handmade Cambodian krama—a bright, lightweight cotton scarf with centuries-old origins. Before check-in, the staff invited us to participate in a traditional foot cleansing ritual believed to bring luck. With refreshed feet and krama-draped necks, we ascended a private staircase to our second-floor suite. Named in honor of the hotel’s muse, the Sothea Suite boasts two bathrooms, a foyer, two patios, a spacious living/sleeping area, and a spa room complete with two baths and spa beds. Anantara’s signature
welcome gesture adorned the bed—a display of rose petals and palm fronds spelling “Welcome to Anantara Angkor.” Flanking this message were two “elephants” fashioned from bath towels whose trunk tips and toenails were accented with rose petals.
All suites overlook an open-air courtyard featuring a blue-tiled saltwater pool. Surrounded by lush greenery, the pool is crowned with an immense mother and child sculpture—a sweet symbol of our mother/daughter trip. Delicate blossoms from the peacock trees so perfectly dotted the courtyard’s walkway to the lobby that I was sure someone had meticulously placed each flower.
We enjoyed many meals at Chi Restaurant, situated at the center of the resort. Chi specializes in innovative Khmer cuisine celebrated for its aromatic ingredients and vivid colors. Named after the Khmer word for “herb,” the restaurant integrates local herbs and spices sourced from the chef’s rooftop garden into each beautifully crafted dish.
The dining room, adorned with dark wood and plush seating, is vast, yet cozy. The brass chandelier design is inspired by umbrellas, which offered divine protection to royalty and were often intricately carved on temple walls. As we enjoyed our meals, we felt divinely protected, overlooking an expanse of green encircled by a moat— another homage to Khmer temple architecture.
Although the hotel is open-air, inside the resort’s wall the sounds of the city disappeared and it was quiet except for the whisper of Cambodian music.
Anantara Angkor Resort - Sothea Suite
Anantara Angkor Resort’s Chi Restaurant
Anantara Spa
ACTIVITIES
TEMPLES
The concierge booked a local guru to guide us through the temples and share scholarly insight. Our journey began at Angkor Wat, the largest of the many Khmer temples, shrouded by a dense jungle in the heart of Siem Reap. Built over 40 years by 50,000 laborers with the help of thousands of elephants and constructed with more stone than all the Egyptian pyramids combined, this temple is a wonder to behold. Believed to be the world’s largest religious structure and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the entire complex is designed as a microcosm of the Hindu universe. Rising from the top of an enormous, terraced temple are five lotus bud towers symbolizing the peaks of Mount Meru (the dwelling place of the gods in Hindu mythology). The moat encircling the temple represents the mythical oceans surrounding the earth, and the temple’s concentric galleries represent the mountain ranges surrounding Mount Meru. Intricate bas-relief sculptures cover the walls depicting epic battles, royal ceremonies, and scenes of daily life. The artistry and craftsmanship are a testament to the ingenuity and majesty of the Khmer civilization.
I recommend visiting before sunrise so you don’t miss the moment when dawn’s first light breaks to reveal Angkor Wat’s silhouette against the sky’s pastel colors. As the sun climbed higher, stone corridors were slightly illuminated, revealing a labyrinthine of cool, shadowed hallways and sunlit courtyards.
Inside the temple, monks’ chants and a faint aroma of incense fill the air enhancing the sense of spirituality. Make sure to experience a monk’s blessing—it is customary for the monk to sprinkle water during the blessing, but the experience is well worth a bit of dampness. A small donation is suggested.
En route to the second temple, Bayon Temple, we passed one of my favorite sights—the 54 stone Demon Gods outside Angkor Thom South Gate. Walk up the hill behind the enormous gate to capture a gorgeous photograph of these huge stone faces.
Bayon Temple’s towering walls hold 200 immense faces that gaze out over the city. Monkeys adore Bayon and run around the grounds adding a bit of chattering gaiety to the experience.
At our final temple, Ta Prohm, we observed an ancient dance with nature that created a mysterious atmosphere attracting tourists in droves. Originally established by a Khmer king as a Buddhist monastery and university, today gnarled tree roots seem to hold the ancient stones together while simultaneously tearing them apart. With their massive trunks and sprawling roots, the trees appear to devour this once magnificent structure signaling nature’s inevitable triumph.
While these temples offer beauty in their grand scale and intricate details, they also inspire a sense of peace and contemplation. As I wandered through each one, I felt a deep connection to the past and a profound respect for the artisans.
TEMPLE RUN OR BIKE
As we visited in May temperatures were in the triple digits, so we opted out of the temple run or biking adventures. Guests may jog through the temples with a tuk-tuk (a three-wheeled motorized taxi) nearby in case the heat cuts the journey short, or bike along the top of the temple walls. Both adventures are on my list for next time.
TUK-TUK
One day, we hopped in the resort’s tuk-tuk and our driver whisked us around the city. We explored the Royal Palace, visited shops, strolled through street markets, and even ventured to the famous Pub Street, where we ran into a friend from our flight. I appreciated the convenience of the resort’s tuk-tuk service—it removed my worry about the language barrier and currency conversion (I charged it to our room).
SPA
After all the sightseeing, make sure to schedule a spa appointment for a well-deserved dose of relaxation. The spa is an oasis of calm where you feel a relaxation of body, mind, and spirit—even before the treatment. We opted for the Khmer massage, an ancestor of Thai massage, originally designed to rejuvenate monks following extended periods of meditation. This unique massage technique eschews oils, instead relying on the body’s natural moisturizing abilities, and enhances flexibility, energy flow, and circulation.
A trip to Cambodia offers a spiritual journey and an immersion in the country’s ancient history, art, and culture. Don’t hesitate to undertake this unforgettable sojourn.
For more information, visit anantara.com.
Gateway to the ancient city of Angko Thom, Photography by oversnap
Khmer influenced cuisine at Chi Restaurant
Ralph Lauren’s Iconic Chicago Flagship Store Is Refreshed
In celebration of the Ralph Lauren Chicago Flagship’s 25th anniversary, the brand debuts its newly renovated store. Designed in the manner of a gilded age Beaux-Arts mansion, the Flagship is one the largest stores in the brand’s global portfolio and a beloved institution located on Chicago’s iconic Magnificent Mile. The remarkable 37,000-square-foot retail destination on Michigan Avenue has offered an incredible shopping experience welcoming customers into the unparalleled luxury of the World of Ralph Lauren. Newly designed interiors on the men’s floor feature a refurbished Men’s Purple Label tailoring suite and a new dedicated space for the Made to Measure program. On the third floor, Women’s Collection has a glam-
ourous and luxurious atmosphere detailed with exquisite wood and crystal accents bathed in natural light. The new Salon exudes timeless glamour, featuring select pieces from the Ralph Lauren Home Collection, custom plaster crown molding and hand carved wall paneling overlooking Michigan Avenue through a beautiful bay window. In addition to new tailoring areas in the salon, a new Women’s VIP Suite features custom Ralph Lauren wall coverings and fabrics with grand windows overlooking Michigan and Chicago Avenues. Shoppable digital displays have been thoughtfully positioned throughout the store, allowing for a seamless shopping experience. ralphlauren.com
The redesigned Ralph Lauren store on Michigan Avenue.
FASHION EDITION
To coincide with our annual September fashion issue, we bring you these fashion-branded residences.
EDITED BY MEGAN WEISBERG
Armani Beach Residences in Dubai
These exclusive beachfront homes are currently taking shape on Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah. They are designed in a collaboration between the Italian fashion group Armani, the renowned Japanese architect Tadao Andō, and the property developer Arada. It is a unique blend of traditional Japanese design and modern, minimalist aesthetics that sets this development apart. It encompasses luxurious apartments,
penthouses, and two magnificent presidential suites on the top floor that open out to a roof terrace. Prices start from around $6.2 million. The living rooms and bedrooms all feature exquisite quality furnishings by Armani Casa. The prestigious location on Palm Jumeirah provides unparalleled access to a wide range of amenities and attractions close to Dubai’s city center—including its many shopping, dining and entertainment offers, as well as the international airport.
Exclusive Residential Quarter in Collaboration with Fendi Casa in Spain
This exclusive residential project featuring luxury apartments can be found on the Golden Mile in Marbella, Spain. It has been built in collaboration with the world’s leading premium interior brand “Fendi Casa.”
The first-class complex, designed by acclaimed architect Teodoro Cabrilla, consists of 74 apartments in total, with interiors starting at 2,217 square feet. The luxury apartments have been furnished by Fendi Casa and feature floor-to-ceiling windows, lofty
ceilings, spacious and stylish suites, and extensively sized terraces. The communal areas have also been furnished by Fendi Casa. There is also a 24-hour security service with smart home app integration, alongside a concierge service, an exclusive social club, a cocktail lounge, and a business lounge that includes a conference room. Moreover, residents can look forward to a state-of-the-art spa complete with an 82-foot indoor pool, the longest continuous outdoor pool in Europe, a fully equipped gym, a children’s club, and a cinema. Price on request.
Situated at a premium address in Sierra Blanca in Marbella, this ensemble of five villas is notable for its elegant, contemporary design, which is the work of a team of experts from the fashion house Elie Saab. The four to five bedrooms, five to six bathrooms, spacious living and dining room with a fireplace and a kitchen are set over a surface area of
approximately 1,000 square metres, finished with top quality materials throughout. The outdoor grounds extend approximately over 10,763 square feet and feature an expansive terrace, an infinity pool, a Jacuzzi, and spectacular views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains of Marbella. Other amenities include a concierge service. Prices range between $9 to $10.4 million.
Magnificent Villas by Fashion Designer Elie Saab
Innovating Dancewear
Former Joffrey Ballet dancer crafts custom dance and athletic clothing that blends functionality with artistic expression.
WORDS BY KELLI DOREMUS / ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT RISKO
In the world of dance, every movement tells a story and every garment becomes part of that narrative. Professional dancer Jacqueline Moscicke’s custom dancewear company, MSeam Apparel, embraces this concept and embodies her passion, creativity, and commitment to the art form.
Moscicke spent over two decades as a ballet dancer with renowned companies such as The Joffrey Ballet and the Milwaukee Ballet. During her time at Joffrey, her dual passions for dance and design converged. “I started sewing to create unique pieces for myself and practice skirts for my friends,” she recalls. “But I never imagined sewing would become my business.” What began as a personal endeavor to stand out in the studio soon blossomed into something more. In 2017, MSeam Apparel was born.
For Moscicke, the importance of custom-made dancewear goes beyond mere functionality. “Every dancer’s body is unique and artistic,” she explains. “I feel their athletic clothing should reflect that.” This conviction underscores every stitch at MSeam, where each piece is meticulously crafted to inspire confidence while providing comfort.
What sets MSeam apart is Moscicke’s hands-on and sustainable approach. “I make everything myself, from custom costumes for performances to everyday dance essentials,” she shares. This dedication to craftsmanship is evident in the time she devotes to each piece, whether it’s a custom leotard created in just two hours or the 40 meticulous hours spent sewing a tutu. Beyond dancewear, MSeam also offers a range of athletic wear, including leggings and sports tops, all incorporating recycled packaging and fabrics as part of Moscicke’s commitment to a better future. “Our focus is to create items that are elegant, functional, and sustainable,” she notes.
Collaborations play a significant role in MSeam’s success. For instance, one of its unique printed fabrics was designed by Moscicke’s high school friend, Jackie Ghazazadeh of Zaza Day Design. Moscicke’s husband, Gregg Moeller, is her life partner and part-owner of MSeam. Their shared dedication is palpable; Moscicke chuckles as she mentions, “Gregg recently learned how to sew our scrunchies,” underscoring their joint investment in the business’s growth. Looking ahead, they envision expanding MSeam’s presence in dance boutiques nationwide and continuing to engage with the dance community through pop-up shops and conventions.
Inspiration strikes Moscicke everywhere, from everyday moments like walking her dog to glimpsing an elegant gown in a magazine. But her commitment to dance extends beyond design; she teaches dance at Your Performing Arts Center in Yorkville, Illinois, and instructs master classes nationwide. Despite her busy schedule, she remains a freelance ballerina across the country—all while being a devoted mother of three. Reflecting on her journey from dancer to entrepreneur, Moscicke affirms, “What I wear while I dance directly impacts the way I feel and move. I love embodying each character or emotion by dressing the part accordingly, and I believe others will too.” In her hands, comfort meets style seamlessly—or, rather, with every seam—at MSeam Apparel.
