JWC Media
a luxury lifestyle website that delivers a colorful and passionate telling of neighboring events, fashion, beauty, finance, and the pursuit of leisure.
By Michelle Crowe
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST
Alicia wears Ralph Lauren Purple Label from Neiman Marcus in her classically cool Hinsdale sitting room.
ALICIA O’BRIEN was born and raised in Oakville, Ontario—a charming suburb of Toronto that reminds her a lot of Hinsdale. During her childhood, she spent three wonderful years living in London, England, thanks to her father’s work. “That time abroad was filled with travel and adventure, and it’s where my lifelong passion for exploring the world truly began,” she says.
Back home in Canada, Alicia was a dedicated horseback rider who competed nationally in the Children’s Hunter Division. She began her undergraduate journey at Queen’s University, pursuing an Honors Degree in Health Sciences with plans to apply to medical school. However, after graduation, she chose to follow a more creative path and moved to Los Angeles to study Fashion Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.
“My time in L.A. was a whirlwind; fashion school by day, Hollywood parties, surf lessons, and too many nights on the Sunset Strip,” she says. From there, she moved to New York City and began a career working in event design and production. “I worked for world-renowned lifestyle designer Colin Cowie at Colin Cowie Lifestyle (CCL). For three years, I was part of his elite team, helping produce spectacular events around the globe—everything from celebrity-filled Oscar parties and chic corporate cocktail events to weddings in Europe and a royal wedding in the Middle East. Clients included Oprah Winfrey, Elton John, Jerry Seinfeld, the Emir of Qatar, InStyle magazine, and Architectural Digest.”
After experiencing life in NYC during and post 9/11, Alicia returned to Toronto to start her own event design and production company. There she created both local and international events that earned acclaim from clients and the industry alike. She quickly rose to become one of the top event designers in the city, and it was a tough decision to eventually close her company and move overseas.
Alicia, her husband, and children spent seven unforgettable years in Melbourne, Australia. Their youngest was born down under and they all enjoyed the beach life, vibrant restaurant scene, and rich arts culture. “The kids held kangaroos and koalas, we swam in the Great Barrier Reef, and even rode camels in the Outback,” she says.
Later, they moved to Johannesburg, South Africa for two years. “We spent weekends on safari, spotted giraffes and zebras just an hour from home, and even participated in humanitarian work, like spraying for malaria in remote villages in Mozambique. We also had the chance to witness the Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania and Kenya—an absolutely incredible experience,” Alicia reminisces.
The family moved to Hinsdale in September 2020 and quickly found their place here. Alicia shares, “All three of our children have said they’re done moving—this is home.”
Alicia has especially enjoyed giving back through charity work. “Co-chairing several events and fundraisers has not only been rewarding, but also a wonderful way to connect with others. The generosity in this town is genuinely inspiring,” she says.
Do you have a mantra? “Choose Happy.” It’s our family motto—because happiness is a choice, and life is sweeter when you choose it. On your reading stack? I’m drawn to historical fiction—it’s the perfect mix of entertainment and education. Right now, I’m reading The Women by Kristin Hannah, a powerful story about a young woman who serves in Vietnam and the emotional cost of a country eager to forget. What organizations do you support? One thing I’ve learned from moving so many times is to jump right in and just say “yes.” Moving during COVID was tough, but joining the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club (HJWC) just three days after arriving—even though we were still living in a hotel without an address or phone number—was one of the best decisions I’ve made. HJWC holds a special place in my heart. Over the past four years, I’ve co-chaired the Benefit, Fine Arts, and Future Planning Committees and have been part of raising impactful funds for local Chicagoland charities. I’ve also co-chaired the sold-out Hinsdale Historical Society’s Kitchen Walk Luncheon for the past three years, as well as the Kitchen Walk itself for two years. Currently, my husband and I are on the committee for the upcoming Wellness House Gala in October. What is the area of expertise on which your group chat will seek your advice? Parenting at every stage! With one child in university, another finishing middle school, and the youngest finishing junior school, I have a broad perspective on raising kids.
What’s your entertaining style? I’m known among friends for hosting fun, elegant dinner parties. My husband and I love having people over, usually 10 to 12 guests, and we’ve got it down to an art. I enjoy creating beautiful tablescapes and menus that feel curated but effortless. Any daily rituals that make you feel centered? Movement is key for me. I start most days with a workout—barre classes at Barre3 in Clarendon Hills or personal training at Spark Fitness in Hinsdale keep me feeling strong, focused, and grounded. Favorite summer tradition or activity? Summer camp is such a beloved Canadian tradition. For the past four years, our younger children have gone back to Canada for a month-long overnight camp in a national park about four hours north of Toronto. The girls stay on an island and the boys on the mainland—with no electricity except in the dining hall. They spend their days canoeing, sailing, swimming, horseback riding, and building lifelong friendships. It’s something they look forward to every year—and while I miss them, my husband and I use the opportunity to take a getaway for just the two of us. What beauty products are you loving currently? My daughter recently introduced me to Hailey Bieber’s skincare line, Rhode. I’m loving the Glazing Milk and Barrier Restore Cream—they’re incredible. I’m also obsessed with OneSkin’s peptide anti-aging face cream—it truly feels like a reset for your skin. Where is your favorite place to travel? Bora Bora will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where my husband and I spent our honeymoon, and we returned years later to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. The overwater bungalows, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and peaceful seclusion made it feel like our own private paradise.
What’s your go-to outfit? I love that anything goes here. I’m either in sneakers or heels, depending on the day. Cute athleisure sets and breezy summer dresses are my go-to staples. Is there anything you can’t leave the house without? Lip balm is my essential. I’m currently loving the Image Ormedic Lip Balm from Glo Up in Oakbrook—it moisturizes and lightly plumps the lips. It’s amazing. Where do they know you by name? Definitely Nabuki. Whether it’s lunch with friends, a casual family dinner, or a date night, it’s our top choice. If an ad agency asked you to write a commercial for your town, what would you say? The CUTEST village in America… Hinsdale is like a Hallmark movie—an adorable town full of families who truly care about community, history, and giving back.
Do you wear any outfits or accessories that feel like too much for the school run but are perfect for the city? Honestly, in Hinsdale, there’s nothing that’s too much for the school run! What’s in your bag? My phone, lip balm, sunscreen, and a baseball cap—my daily essentials. View that never gets old? The view of the city from the river. Every time we have guests in town, we take them on the architectural boat tour—it’s the best way to show off Chicago’s stunning design and energy. Best quick bite or hidden gem? We’re still discovering the city but love doing staycations a few times a year—checking out new hotels and neighborhoods. One of our favorite spots is Pizzeria Portofino—it’s perfect for hosting guests with its fun vibe and gorgeous riverfront views. What is your favorite movie filmed or set in Chicago? We went through a phase of showing the kids all the great ’80s classics, so Adventures in Babysitting and Home Alone definitely stand out as favorites.
