April 2020 | Chicago Splash

SPLASH Trends from America’s Beauty Show

The city’s hottest hair stylist

APRIL 2020

THE FUTURE Project Runway Star

CHELSEY CARTER REVEALS HER VISION

OF FASHION

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TRENDING NOW AISLE STYLE Wear something borrowed. Include something blue.

Remember the old and the new. But above all, wear lace. The timeless bridal fabric takes center stage at the newly opened boutique Grace Loves Lace. You’ll quickly be drawn to the beautiful, effortless gowns handcrafted from French lace at the brand’s atelier on Queensland’s Gold Coast, where timber floors and lush greenery lend a relaxed feel to the sea of white gowns. We’re smitten with the sweetheart neckline and drop-back styles. Starting at $810. 852-855 W. Randolph; graceloveslace.com

NEED TO KNOW

SPLASH Publisher and Editor Susanna Homan, susanna@chicagosplash.com Director of Brand Development Liza Sweitzer, liza@chicagosplash.com Managing Editor Kelly Aiglon, kaiglon@chicagosplash.com Art Director Haleigh Brown, hbrown@chicagomag.com Event Director Diana Vdovets, diana@chicagosplash.com For advertising inquiries, please call (312) 832-6729 Contributing Writers Lisa Arnett, Thomas Connors, Adrienne Gibbs, Samantha Lande, Melanie Rud Contributing Photographers Lisa Hinsberger, Maria Ponce Social Media Beth Delany

FLOW WITH IT This isn’t yoga as you know it. Y7 has landed in Chicago to get you flowing to A Tribe Called Quest and Cardi B — all in soft candlelight and in temperatures up to 90 degrees. The studio’s music-driven practice, already a success in New York and L.A., is intended to both relax and exhilarate you. The mindful setup features infrared technology, which helps create a detoxifying sweat that stimulates blood circulation and increases flexibility. Also, there are no mirrors so you can turn your focus inward.

Single classes are $25. 102 W. Chicago; y7-studio.com

EYE SPY Chicago beauty brand Maëlle wants to make eye makeup as fuss-free as possible. It’s just launched Illusionist Pencils, a set of six jewel-toned eyeliners that are self-sharpening and shaped for easy and smooth application. Draw your line with jet black, mocha, blue velvet, smoky plum, or forest green — and double up with two colors, if you’re feeling daring. $29 for the set, including carrying case. maellebeauty.com

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AT THE SHOOT

A NICER TEA Here’s a tea to warm your spirits: PhilanthroTEA, newly founded by local sisters Nicole LaCross and Lauren Beers, gives back 20 percent of profits from each blend to charities dedicated to mental health, child wellness, animal welfare, and environmental support.

The organic, kosher blends include peppermint, chai, peach-mango, and chamomile. $14.99. philanthrotea.com

Our studio shoot with Chelsey Carter was as dynamic and joyful as our subject herself.

Carter wore her own wardrobe, including the cover’s cobalt blue crocheted tiered cardigan from her soon-to-launch collection.

She gravitates toward hues saturated in vibrancy and color.

“Blue, by definition, symbolizes — amongst many things — wisdom and confidence,” says Carter. Take a peek into her life as a designer and scene maker in our feature story on p. 6.

Photographer: Maria Ponce Makeup: Henrí Byrd

APRIL 2020 | CHICAGOSPLASH.COM

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Register today at pawschicago.org/5k

1. Jason Heyward, Anthony Rizzo, Dante Deiana 2. Manager David Ross, Anthony Rizzo, and friends 3. Aerial artistry 4. Current and former Cubs players jumped onstage with members from Second City 5. Anthony and Emily Rizzo

PHOTOS COURTESY SHERI WHITKO/STEPHEN GREEN (RIZZO) AND VIRISA YONG & SANSHO SCOTT/BFA (GUCCI)

Cubs teammates, coaches, and alumni recently hosted a night of comedy for a good cause. The house was packed at Tao Chicago, where Second City comedians were joined onstage by celeb attendees like Anthony Rizzo, Ryan Dempster, David Ross, Ian Happ, and Jason Heyward. At the event organized by Paulette Wolf Events, guests mingled with Cubs players and dined at Pan-Asian food stations from Tao Chicago’s executive chef, Michael Armstrong. Nearly $500,000 was raised to support pediatric cancer patients and their families.

PARTIES 2 1

GUCCI GG PSYCHEDELIC PIN EVENT On Feb. 15, notables like Gucci President & CEO Marco Bizzarri, Kristen Noel Crawley, Spike Lee, and Derrick Rose gathered at the Gucci Psychedelic Pin in the West Loop to celebrate its Changemakers North America, an effort to increase inclusion and diversity in the fashion industry. Chicago nonprofits After School Matters and Braven were honored at the event, having been selected for grants of up to $50,000 because of the impact that have on Chicago youth. The evening was a swirl of surreal imagery and 1970s nightclub vibes — a nod to the new GG Psychedelic collection, a highenergy collection of men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, shoes, luggage, handbags, and accessories.

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SEW ALLURING After dressing everyone from Project Runway models to Chance the Rapper, fashion designer Chelsey Carter has one-to-watch status.

BY ADRIENNE SAMUELS GIBBS PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE MAKEUP BY HENRÍ MITCHELLE

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APRIL 2020 | CHICAGOSPLASH.COM

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W

hen Chicago designer Chelsey Carter, 31, was eliminated from season 18 of “Project Runway,” the fashion internet nearly exploded.

No one could understand why the poised, coiffed, cut-and-sew owner of local brand Alex Carter didn’t win. Questions swirled: Did something happen off-camera? Was it racially motivated? Did the coastal elites again underestimate a Midwest genius?

Carter has lots of opinions on this elimination situation, but a tight NDA with Bravo keeps her mum.

Instead, she points to articles online written by fans of the show. “The internet went up in smoke and they were not happy about it and they still are not happy about it,” says Carter, multitasking by taking this interview while also packing a day bag and ordering an Uber. “I’m very grateful to see the outpouring of everyone’s opinion and how quickly I was supported.”

“Project Runway” provides contestants with weekly design challenges, and judges Elaine Welteroth, Nina Garcia, and Brandon Maxwell issue the votes. (Designer Christian Siriano is the mentor for contestants and Karlie Kloss hosts.) Carter won big with the Heritage Challenge, which enabled her to utilize her signature coats to win.

But she flailed with the sheers competition after being asked to create an outfit in a pastel color.

No matter. As Siriano said on the show, if her sheer fabric had been black, that dress would’ve come off differently. And as Carter says right now: “Overall, it was literally a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I feel I came out better for it. It was very transformative. I feel much more in charge of the direction and intention behind what I do, and my capability in doing so.”

The Uber arrives, but Carter is still able to talk. Her calender and email is full. Her wedding is this September; she’s marrying Chicago attorney Eddie Sanders. There’s plenty to do, including sewing her own gown, tailoring the menswear, and possibly helping her bridesmaids get the perfect fit for their own dresses. The hubbub of the show meant letting some wedding details fall by the wayside.

And now? She’s working double time to keep up — all the way from managing the guest list of around 140 to fleshing out the vendor details.

Carter’s ability to multitask isn’t surprising to those who know her, including former professor Nancy Lu Rosenheim, who taught the designer at the Illinois Institute of Art–Chicago. Says Rosenheim, “She’s unforgettable … very driven by a mission. Usually, students are trying to find their vision and she had one.”

That vision expanded recently when Carter teamed up with Converse during the NBA All-Star Weekend and

dropped the remainder of her Hues collection online.

Hues is a color-tastic trip through every aspect of dressing, from casual (green sweatpants) to business (red suiting that’s both simple and sexy) to spring gala-ready (an orange gown). Currently, select Hues styles are available at shopalexcarter.com, with pieces starting at $75.

But let’s start with the sweatpants and sweatshirts.

“I’m cozy gang all day,” explains Carter, who originally hails from St. Louis but moved to Chicago in 2006 to study at the Illinois Institute of Art. She believes designers should be able to have more than one style.

More than one moment. “I don’t like when designers box themselves in … but to each his own,” she says. Hence the wide variety and swag of the Hues collection. “I design for the grad student all the way to the divorced mother of three,” she says.

Carter also designs for celebs. Chance the Rapper and Erykah Badu have worn her creations. For Chance, it was a jacket, an element for which she is most known.

In fact, Carter owns 60 coats right now. As a Chicago-based designer, she understands why a beautiful coat is both necessity and a fashion statement that could last all winter long.

“They are my love language,” she says, while describing the process of making her blue shag coat, which is in the current collection. “I love an outerwear moment.

You can wear whatever you want underneath and your coat can be the point that you make in terms of your self-expression.”

Here’s hoping she won’t have to wear a coat at her fall wedding, but if so, it’ll predictably be lovely. Until then, she’s back to the wedding walk-throughs, dress designs, and guest lists. “I’ve released collections before and curated photo shoots, but I’ve never been a wife and never been a bride. I am making my dress and [the fabric] is gorgeous, so I do want to do it to the fullest.”

MATERIAL WORLD

Chelsey’s Top 3 Local Fabric Shops Fishman’s Fabrics, 1101 S. Desplaines

“It has your more luxe reorderable fabrics. It’s a dream.”

New Rainbow Fabrics, 612 W. Roosevelt

“It’s right around the corner. They have a lot of stuff, but I usually only go there for linings, chiffons, organzas, and things.”

Textile Discount Outlet, 2121 W. 21st

“Almost everything is closeout. It’s where I typically go for custom things.”

APRIL 2020 | CHICAGOSPLASH.COM

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Everything’s Coming Up

GORGEOUS TOP 5

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BEAUTY TRENDS FROM AMERICA’S BEAUTY SHOW AND HOW TO EXPERIENCE THEM CLOSE TO HOME

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By Kelly Aiglon America’s Beauty Show is one of the nation’s biggest events for the trade and a big indication of trends that are popping up everywhere. While the show, usually scheduled for April, has been cancelled this year we’re here for you with a peek at some of the most exciting products that would have been exhibited, plus tips on where you can bring the trends to life locally.

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LOVING YOUR LASHES

Eyelash extensions have been having a moment.

Now there are new ways to prep your lashes before the service to get the best results. Keep a lookout at your favorite lash bar; the aesthetician might be using LashBee Pro’s new lash shampoo that’s gently foaming and cleansing. The brand also sells a lash primer and collagen-infused eye pads to soothe your skin after treatment. If you don’t want to worry about falsies, there are new ways to get the same look with your natural lashes. Head to Sugaring Chicago (645 N. Michigan; chicagosugaring.com) for a Yumi Lashes treatment ($140). The organic, brush-on tint lifts and boosts your natural lashes. The effect lasts 8 to 12 weeks (the life cycle of an eyelash).

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RETINOL EVERYTHING

Used to be, you had to go to your dermatologist to get a powerful retinol treatment. Now you can get the effects of the vitamin A derivative — known to combat fine lines, stimulate collagen production, and firm up tired skin — in drugstore formulas. But no one’s taken it next-level like AKTIV Skincare, which has released retinol in syringe form. Because it penetrates your skin, it’s said to work 10 times faster than a standard cream. Prefer going to the spa? Head to the Spa at JW Marriott (151 W. Adams; marriott.com) for their Firming Ferulic Retinol, Brightening C Collagen facial, which will leave your skin with a noticeable glow (50 minutes, $170/80 minutes, $220).

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CLEAN BEAUTY

Out: potentially harmful chemicals. In: plants, plants, and more plants. Whether for skin care or hair care or makeup, organic beauty is big. Look for the Leaping Bunny logo on products and you’ll know it’s also certified cruelty free. Now in on the clean-beauty action: Brie Bella and Nikki Bella, a professional twin-sister wrestling tag team. Under the name Nicole + Brizee Beauty, their new clean hair care line has a standout; Blue Agave Oil uses the plant extract as a smoothing agent, making damaged hair healthier and more lustrous. To shop for a whole array of clean beauty products, including an incredible selection of mineral makeup, head to Credo Beauty (1659 N. Damen; credobeauty.com). You can even swap out your old products for discounts on new ones.

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OMBRE NAILS

The alluring effect can be achieved in a number of ways. For starters, each nail can be painted a different color, going from pinky to thumb in a soft gradient.

Or, on each individual nail you can build a lightto-dark look. The latter admittedly requires more mastery and is best done with professional products, namely dip gel. Look for the LeChat brand to pop up on your manicurist’s shelves; just one coat over dip, gel, or powder-covered nails gives the colors a washed-together look that’s worthy of your IG feed.

When you want the ombre look, go to a pro. Madelyn Nail Spa (550 W. Madison; madelynchicago.com) is a hidden-gem studio that does everything from dips to no-chips (starting at $20).

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NATURAL HAIR

The message from the runway and salons is: Let your hair be itself and rock the curls you’ve got. Naturally curly hair tends to need a lot of moisture, and new products are coming to the rescue. IGK reveals at the Beauty Show its new Offline 3-Minute Hydration Hair Mask, made of green tea seed oil, jojoba oil, and turmeric butter; and Mistress Hydrating Hair Balm, a coconut oil-based formula that melts into your hair, delivering moisture. If you want to spend some time in the salon chair addressing your hair, Chicago’s own Huetiful Salon (1614 E. 53rd; huetifulsalon.com) specializes in texture. Its curl menu includes cleansing, conditioning, steam treatments, twist outs, braid outs, and more (starting at $90).

APRIL 2020 | CHICAGOSPLASH.COM

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EVER AFTER

I

’ve always dreamt of a big white wedding,” says bride Mallory Holstein. On Jan. 11, she and Dylan Jimenez, both 26, said their vows in front of a dramatic wall of white blooms at the Kimpton Gray Hotel (122 W. Monroe).

Towering white floral centerpieces adorned with cascading crystals and a four-tiered all-white cake set the scene at their reception. “It looked like a winter wonderland,” Jimenez says.

One of the couple’s fondest moments was a sentimental speech from the father of the bride. “He’s a retired cop and is just such a stoic man and really doesn’t show emotions,” Holstein says. Jimenez adds, “It was an acceptance of me formally into the family in front of everyone. … Seeing him be vulnerable in this moment for his daughter was really something.”

They also treasured seeing Jimenez’s grandparents be the last couple standing during the traditional anniversary dance.

“It was amazing to see all the couples peel off after the years go by,” Holstein says. “[The DJ is saying] 30 years, and 40 years, and we get up to 60 and they are still dancing.”

Hailing from Colorado and Texas, respectively, the bride and groom met through mutual friends at St. Louis University in 2013; they moved to River North in 2018 so Jimenez could study law at John Marshall Law School. They will honeymoon this summer in a destination that Jimenez has planned as a surprise to Holstein, a pediatric nurse with Weissbluth Pediatrics. “The only thing I’ve told her is that it’s someplace neither of us have been before,” he says.—Lisa Arnett

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IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS Photography Bonphotage Fine Art Photography, bonphotage.com Venue and catering The Kimpton Gray Hotel, 122 W. Monroe, grayhotelchicago.com Wedding planner Melissa Samek, Clementine Custom Events, clementinecustomevents.com Bride’s attire Enzoani gown from Dimitra’s Bridal Couture, 1009 N. Rush, dimitrasbridal.com Bride’s accessories Jewelry by Tiffany & Co., 730 N. Michigan, tiffany.com Bride’s hair and makeup Hannah Aubrey Hair, hannahaubreyhair.com; The Beauty Paige, thebeautypaige.net Bridesmaid’s attire WAYF gowns from Nordstrom, 55 E. Grand, shop.nordstrom.com Groom’s and groomsmen’s attire Calvin Klein tuxedos from Men’s Wearhouse, menswearhouse.com Invitations Minted.com Cake Chocolate cake with chocolate mousse and buttercream frosting, West Town Bakery, 1916 W. Chicago, westtownbakery.com Florals Bouquets and centerpieces by Vale of Enna, 1157 W. Grand, valeofenna.com; backdrop by AGS Event Creations, agsevents.com Entertainment DJ Tuan Tran (family friend) Rings Tiffany & Co., 730 N. Michigan, tiffany.com

Kori Kelly & Curtis Shaw Flagg

K

ori Kelly and Curtis Shaw Flagg, both 34, coined the term “shwedding” to describe their unique celebration: Their wedding ceremony was the final act of a comedy show at Laugh Factory (3175 N. Broadway), where Flagg works as general manager. “Putting together comedy lineups is my job, but this was the hardest lineup I’ve had to put together in my life—by a long shot,” Flagg says.

The Bubbly Truck parked in the lobby to serve sparkling wine to their 225 guests, who were serenaded by the Oh Yeahs as they took their seats. Comedian Kellye Howard served as host and officiant, while Pat Tomasulo, Chris Bader, Kristen Toomey, and Jeff Arcuri performed sets leading up to the couple’s vows.

Kelly, who works in talent acquisition at Deloitte, and Flagg, marketing director for Open Books, met in 2017 while living in Lakeview. Their entire wedding weekend was a love letter to the neighborhood, from the welcome dinner at Big Star (3650 N. Clark) to primping and portraits at Hotel Zachary (3630 N. Clark) to the day-after brunch at the Crepe Shop (2934 N. Broadway). Jill Hopkins, host of Vocalo’s “The Morning AMp,” DJ’ed their neon-laden after-party at HVAC Pub (3530 N. Clark).—Lisa Arnett

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY LANE

Mallory Holstein & Dylan Jimenez

THE STAY IN SCHOOL PROGRAM OPENED MY EYES TO ANOTHER WORLD… MAKING ME AN EVEN MORE WELL-ROUNDED PERSON. SEPTEMBER M., UNITED WAY PROGRAM PARTICIPANT

United, we have the power to build a stronger Chicago region where all our neighbors can thrive.

Will you join us?

LIVEUNITEDchicago.org/power

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER

ARTS

Nora Dunn

FIRST LADY SNL alum Nora Dunn makes her Steppenwolf debut in a wild comedy about our nation’s history

BY THOMAS CONNORS

H

“

umor is defiance,” observes Nora Dunn. “And this play is defiantly funny.” The Chicago native — who first gained national attention as a “Saturday Night Live” cast member — is speaking about “The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington,” which opens April 2 at Steppenwolf Theatre. The show centers on the first first lady as she lies on her

14 CHICAGOSPLASH.COM | APRIL 2020

death bed, surrounded by the slaves who will be freed upon her demise (as the president had dictated). Penned by Philadelphia-based performer and playwright James ljames, it’s a time-bending tale with references to Madonna, Michael Jackson, and TV game shows.

“This script really takes aim at our Founding Fathers, but it’s not pretentious or preachy,” notes Dunn, who plays the title role. “It’s really funny and yet

very sad and tragic. It’s about America as this messy chaos. But [you won’t] walk away feeling hopeless. It’s a beautiful story about real people.”

Raised on Chicago’s West Side (she now divides her time between Evanston and Southern California), Dunn didn’t grow up dreaming of a life in the theater.

“My father was in community theater and performed at Theater on the Lake, but we didn’t go to [shows]. We went to Grant Park concerts and later on I went to Second City a couple times, but I wasn’t really aware of Chicago as a theater town when I was growing up.”

After attending the School of the Art Institute, Dunn followed a boyfriend to San Francisco, where she studied acting at the City College of San Francisco.

“There was very good theater there, but not enough of it,” recalls Dunn. “So I started writing my own funny monologues in different characters. That’s

how I got drawn into comedy. I thought I’d eventually go to New York and that’s where I’d be discovered, as an actress, not as a comedian.”

Dunn has written and performed her own one-woman shows and appeared at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace in the comedy “Boeing Boeing.”

But TV and film have always been her media; her latest movie is “The Lost Husband” with Leslie Bibb and Josh Duhamel. “I haven’t really done theater, but this play came to me and I just said, ‘I’m doing it. … There’s no two ways about it.’ It’s pretty terrifying to do a play, but I’ve read this play probably 30 times now. I know my way around it and it’s really brilliant.”

“The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington” runs April 2-May 17. Tickets start at $35.

1650 N. Halsted; steppenwolf.org

THE FIRST SURVIVOR OF

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IS They’re out there, and they’re going to hold on to everything the disease steals away. And the Alzheimer’s Association is going to make it happen by funding research, advancing public policy and spurring scientific breakthroughs.

And by providing local support to those living with the disease and their caregivers, we’re easing the burden for all those facing it until we accomplish our goal.

But we won’t get there without you.

Visit alz.org/illinois to join the fight.

alz.org/illinois

OUT THERE.

DINING OUT

SAVE THE DATE

To discover how chefs really flex their creativity, get in on a dinner series.

BY SAMANTHA LANDE

E

ver curious about how a chef would create a menu if it didn’t have to be for hundreds of guests each day? Enter the dining series. These weekly, monthly, or quarterly events give chefs a chance to experiment in the kitchen. It’s when they’re known to take a new ingredient for a spin, add some visual elements, and invite chef friends to join the fun. Here are seven upcoming series you won’t want to miss.

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DINING OUT FARM-TO-TABLE AT LULA CAFE Chef Jason Hammel and his team at this Logan Square institution have been doing a farm dinner series since 1999, creating 3,000 unique dishes that have never once been repeated. Farm-to-table isn’t just lip service here: Every Monday the chefs work closely with local farmers to pick the best seasonal ingredients that day. Then they whip up a three-course menu. Dishes like clams in tomatillo broth with red kuri squash, fresh lima beans with grilled bread and uni butter, or a peanut coconut sundae with caramelized white chocolate and roasted pineapple will make Monday nights a little less boring. Weekly on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. $45 for a three-course menu. 2537 N. Kedzie, 773-489-9554; lulacafe.com DARING DINING ADVENTURES AT JOY DISTRICT Every quarter this River North nightclub hosts the Sinners Supper Club with themes like 1970s Hollywood or “Alice in Wonderland,” as aerial dancers, contortionists, and singers perform throughout the meal. Expect trays constantly coming to the table with unlimited Champagne and craft cocktails along with food inspired by the theme. Past dishes have included lobster rolls, risotto bites with truffle aïoli and chocolate cake shooters. $60 per person or $750 for a private table (includes 10 seats). Held in April, July, and October (dates TBD).

112 W. Hubbard, 312-955-0339; joychicago.com FILIPINO FEASTS AT SUNDA Roll up your sleeves for a Kamayan Feast, a traditional Filipino spread for which everyone eats with their hands. Once a month Sunda’s chef Louie Yu puts out a delicious, colorful, and highly Instagrammable display across a communal table. Think dragon fruit, mango, crunchy soft-shell crab, whole crispy snapper, piles of skewers, and tons of veggies. As Yu arranges the table in front of the diners, he chats about the preparation and display before you get to dig in alongside new friends. Held the first Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. and tickets are $55 per person. 110 W. Illinois, 312-6440500; sundanewasian.com

TRADE SECRETS AT MOMOTARO It’s not every day that a chef at a popular West Loop restaurant is willing to reveal his secrets. Chef Gene Kato does just that in his Kitchen Dojo series once a month, where he spills tips on Japanese cooking and, sometimes, the key to the restaurant’s best dishes. Chef friends often join in (you’ll see Bill Kim in July for Asianstyle BBQ) to demo. Then it’s time to eat a three-course meal built around that featured dish, with wine pairings to complement. Demo and lunches are held on specified Saturdays (usually monthly) from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and tickets are $175 per person. 820 W. Lake, 312-733-4818; momotarochicago.com

LIVE FIRE COOKING AT DUSEK’S Chef Andrew Asken recently took the helm at this Pilsen spot and decided to invite a few of his chef friends to cook with him over live fire, for the aptly named WoodFired Wednesdays. Chefs like Mindy Segal of HotChocolate, Sieger Bayer of the Publican, and Maxwell Robbins of Longman & Eagle take the reins each month to put their own twist on wood-fired fare. Just make a regular reservation for that day; you’ll be able to order from both this special menu and the regular one. Held once a month on a Wednesday evening. Menu prices vary per chef. 1227 W. 18th, 312-526-3851; dusekschicago.com CREATIVE CHEF DINNERS AT ACE HOTEL Ever wanted to give feedback to a chef in person and not on Yelp? This series invites a different chef each month to take residence in its private dining room, Eaves, and host a weekly Sunday dinner. This isn’t your typical Sunday supper; the chef has full creative liberty to do whatever they want, from a 12-course tasting menu to street food. After the meal, the chef comes to hang with the diners and have dialogue around what did and did not work in their constantly evolving menu. Chefs take residence for each month and host four dinners. Prices vary.

311 N. Morgan, 312-764-1919; citymousechicago.com

Editor’s note: We understand that, at press time, restaurants were closed as per governor’s ordinance. It’s with support for our restaurant community that we share these ongoing dining events, which we are hopeful will get back to their regular schedule as soon as possible.

PIZZA, WINE, AND MUSIC AT ALL TOGETHER NOW Join this epic monthly themed pizza party between All Together Now and Pet Nat Posse that features plenty of ’za, a one-night-only themed wine list and good tunes. In May, Motown takes over with Detroit-style pies and tunes that defined Motor City. Then into summer, things get psychedelic with the sounds of 1967.

It’s all perfect for those that want to wait until the last minute to plan; they’re keeping it casual with walk-ins only. Held monthly. Pizzas feed two people and range from $18 to 21; wines from $11 to $15 a glass. 2119 W. Chicago, 773-661-1599; alltogethernow.fun APRIL 2020 | CHICAGOSPLASH.COM

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WHO TO WATCH

MANE ATTRACTION The renowned stylist keeps the good hair days coming with the launch of her own shampoo and conditioner

BY MELANIE RUD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA HINSBERGER

JILLIAN SEELY AGE 50 LIVES IN Lakeview CLAIM TO FAME One of the Windy City’s most sought-after stylists for over two decades, Seely continues to coif A-listers, while also launching her own hair care products. RÉSUMÉ BUILDER A lifelong love of fashion, hair, and makeup led Seely to beauty school. “I was never a good student and spent most of time looking at fashion magazines,” she says. It was the catalyst for an illustrious career working on editorial shoots, TV and movie sets, and Chicago salons; she’s worked at the famed Paul Rehder salon for nearly 20 years.

From athletes to movie stars to politicians (including Chicago’s own Rahm Emanuel), Seely has cut and colored the hair of some of the biggest names in the business. HAIR TODAY “My philosophy? I want everyone to look their best, and leave my chair feeling better than when they sat down,” she says.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT After noticing changes in her own hair, Seely set out to create a shampoo and conditioner that could address the tress stress that comes with age — thinning, lack of shine, loss of moisture. “I thought, I can get an eye cream for fine lines and a face cream for tighter pores, but why can’t I get a shampoo that will help my hair?” she tells us of her motivation to move into product development. BOTTLES UP It took three years and “lots of trial and error” to nail the formulation, but Seely finally launched Hair Health by Jillian Seely Anti-Aging Shampoo and Conditioner in January (available at hairhealthbyjillianseely.com; $28-$30), and sold over 1,000 bottles in less than a month. OFF THE CLOCK When she’s not at the salon, you can find Seely volunteering at the Misericordia home, taking Pilates classes (often with her clients), or dining with friends at classic spots like RL (115 E. Chicago) and RPM Steak (66 W. Kinzie).

18 CHICAGOSPLASH.COM | APRIL MAY 2019 2020

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