Culture | Jun. 2024
THE BUZZ: JUNE 2024
By Michelle Crowe
Our guide to the area’s people, places, and things that you must know about.
HOT WHEELS
On June 22, Lake Bluff ’s downtown will be transformed into a showcase of beautifully maintained vintage and antique cars from the early 1900s to 1980. Grab something to eat or drink in town and chat with owners about their car’s history, restoration, and upkeep. One lucky driver will win the coveted Best in Show, like Bill Knauz did in 2023 with his 1955 Chrysler 300 (both shown here). Start at the Lake Bluff History Museum and wander from there. The event runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit lakebluffhistory.org/events/lake-bluff-history-museum-auto-show-2024.
HIVE MINDS
With the help of grants from Lake Forest Garden Club, Elawa Farm opened its ADA-accessible Discovery Garden in 2023 with a goal to host educational programs and build greater accessibility and inclusivity on its farm grounds. The next phase of this garden, called Discovery Hive, opens this month. Discovery Hive will feature accessible nature play and gardening activities with a focus on children, but for all to enjoy. Significant Lake Forest Garden Club leadership and hands on member involvement since 1998 have contributed to the mission of Elawa Farm Foundation and the City of Lake Forest to steward this historic farm. For more information, visit elawa.org or lakeforestgc.org.
GIRL POWER
Lake Forest’s Gorton Center has absolutely outdone itself with novel, engaging programming during its 50th anniversary year. This summer, the center is taking it one step further with an incredible line up of empowering camps curated for the middle school girl—portraiture, Project Runway, media, entrepreneurship, and CPR/first aid. “Our aim is to inspire confidence, foster creativity, and equip young girls with the skills and mindset to succeed in any endeavor they pursue,” says Gorton Center Program Director Libby Johnson. For more information, visit gortoncenter.org.
WATCH THIS
Chicago area-based Chase Fancher is the visionary behind Oak & Oscar, a distinguished watchmaking company established in 2015. Named for his fondness for oak barrel-aged bourbon and his beloved canine, Oscar, the company melds Fancher’s lifelong passion for timepieces with his expertise in branding and storytelling. Collaborating with renowned entities such as Wilson Sporting Goods, FEW Spirits, and the U.S. Olympic gold medal-winning men’s curling team, Oak & Oscar produces exclusive, limited-edition timepieces that stand apart in the watch market and are found on the wrists of folks like Ben Napier from HGTV’s Home Town. Oakandoscar.com
DRINK UP
Toast dads and grads with one of Fogo de Chao’s new Bar Fogo menu items. The Hunt Box combines Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Disaronno, Aperol, and black walnut bitters, served over a clear ice block with an Amarena cherry. Beloved by nearly all, Fogo could easily rest on their chiaroscuro laurels, but the team continues to innovate with new menu items and drinks. Book a table for Father’s Day or any day. Fogo de Chao is located at 1204 22nd Street, Oak Brook, 630.716.2929, fogodechao.com.
WALK UP
Up his off-duty style with the Gucci Re-Web Sneaker. Sabato De Sarno’s first sneakers for the House, the Re-Web sees Gucci’s heritage stripes as a bold statement detail on a contemporary silhouette. Crafted from white leather, and defined by multiple iconic details, this new sneaker takes center stage with the bold green and red tongue. These are the perfect, subtle white sneakers that will look wonderful around town enjoying live music and strolling the streets of Positano on holiday. Available at Gucci 295 Oakbrook Center, 630.382.0088, gucci.com.
SUIT UP
For decades, stylish people made their way to Hinsdale Furriers on First Street. Those days are back with the opening of Frederick Lynn, by founder and president Aaron Comes. This warm, welcoming space fills a niche not only as a custom clothier, but as a true lifestyle brand. Frederick Lynn specializes in hand tailored pieces for men, women, and children. Clients meet with a consultant, who discusses what an optimal wardrobe looks like in each person’s life. Fabrics are chosen from among the world’s best, then style and design directions are determined. With up to 40 measurements before construction and fittings after, an ideally fitted garment or suit is delivered. A luscious assortment of ties, accessories, and carefully chosen objets round out the experience. Working with this team is a fast track to facing every occasion with the confidence that comes from being impeccably dressed. Frederick Lynn is located at 33 East First Street, Hinsdale, 312.496.3994, fredericklynn.com.
LOVE ALL
Surprise your favorite tennis enthusiast with The Rocket, the ultimate tennis racquet bag. With its sleek design and innovative features like The Rocket Pocket,™ the Smart Pocket System, and dedicated compartments for everything from your shoes to your smallest accessories, The Rocket transforms your pre-game prep and post-match unwind into a seamless, enjoyable experience. For more information, visit therocket.tennis.
STAYCATION
With easy access to Lake Michigan, close proximity to cultural experiences, and ideal downtown destination, Swissôtel Chicago is the ultimate headquarters for a family-friendly vacation, or staycation this summer travel season. Families can take their vacation one step further with a stay in the Swissôtel Kids Suite, a two-room suite offering kids their very own separate but adjoining room, accommodating up to six people. The Kids Suite is decorated with kid-friendly linens and kid-sized tables and chairs, featuring a complimentary movie, popcorn, and milk and cookies. The suite also includes a wide variety of kid-friendly games, toys, coloring books, stuffed animals, and more. Don’t worry about leaving your fur baby at home—Swissôtel Chicago is pet friendly, and the pet amenity can be added to any room type for a small fee. Be sure to stop by the front desk for a pet bed, bowls, treats, and toys, too. Swissôtel tends to every detail for the perfect getaway. If you are looking to add an additional thrill, visit Skydeck Chicago for a view of the city from 1,353 feet above ground. For more information and a whole lot of family fun, visit Swissôtel.com and theskydeck.com.
SOFWAVE
Discover the award-winning ultrasound treatment for lifting the face and neck and reducing wrinkles. Sofwave is an FDA-cleared ultrasound treatment that lifts the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles naturally by stimulating collagen and elastin. Looking for a lift to the eyebrow, under the chin, and the neck? Sofwave is perfect for both men and women who want to look their best and be confident in their skin. This treatment is beloved by celebrities and has become a go-to for dermatologists, plastic surgeons, influencers, and beauty editors alike. What makes this noninvasive treatment so different is that Sofwave safely treats all skin tones, and you can go immediately back to your daily life and activities. Most patients see results after just one treatment with results continuing to improve for up to 12 weeks. For more information, visit sofwave.com.
360 CHICAGO UNVEILS A RENOVATION
360 CHICAGO, the iconic observation deck located on the 94th floor of 875 N. Michigan Avenue (the former John Hancock Center), has fully renovated its entry concourse to best celebrate Chicago’s uniquely diverse communities and culture. The extensive, multimillion-dollar renovations span more than 5,000 square feet, completely transforming the space with digital, immersive installations, accompanied by artwork by local artists. The experience incorporates themes such as the city’s history, unique neighborhoods, Lake Michigan, cultural celebrations, street festivals, sports, architecture and more. The journey to the 94th floor observation deck is now an additional experience at 360 CHICAGO.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL MAISONET
ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL SPANISH DANCE THEATER’S FLAMENCO PASSION
Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, in residence at Northeastern Illinois University, brings their popular Flamenco Passion performances to the North Shore June 7 to 9. These performances will cap the company’s 48th multi-faceted American Spanish Dance and Music Festival (June 7 to 15). Program highlights include the Chicago premiere of Viejos Aires / Flamenco Tango by award-winning choreographer and former artistic director of the National Ballet of Spain, Antonio Najarro. This work, set to the music of composer, Astor Piazzolla, features a fusion of Spanish classical style and Argentinean Tango and displays the sensuality, passion, Viejos Aires and elegance of Buenos Aires. ensembleespanol.org
LUXURY LINEN BRAND MATOUK DEBUTS A PAJAMA COLLECTION
Matouk’s new pajama collection makes getting ready for bed just as great as getting into bed, taking all the comfort and exquisite quality of the brand’s sheeting to create the ultimate nightwear. Beautifully tailored, these pajamas are just as chic outside the house as they are in the bedroom. The Luca pajamas are crafted from Matouk’s dreamy Luca cotton percale in a range of vibrant Schumacher prints; the luxury of Matouk sheeting is combined with the comfort of your favorite lived-in dress shirt. The Nocturne pajamas bring the signature smooth luster of Matouk’s Nocturne sateen sheeting to lightly tailored leisurewear. Wear them to relax in style at home, or dress them up for days and nights out. The Milano pajamas are lightly tailored for a chic relaxed fit, these pajamas are made from Matouk’s cool crisp Milano cotton percale. Wonderfully versatile, wear them as a matching set or separate pieces, at home or out. matouk.com
GARDEN ROSES
Founded in 2016 by husband-and-wife duo Gracie and Ryan Poulson, Grace Rose Farm is the preeminent supplier of garden roses in the United States—an operation established entirely by fate. When the couple bought their first home in California, they planted 500 rose bushes to honor Gracie’s late grandmother, sharing photos of the process across social media. Shortly after, requests began pouring in from florists and flower lovers across the country, and thus, Grace Rose Farm was born. What started as a side hobby and passion for gardening quickly evolved into a nationwide business dedicated to creating thoughtful rose bouquets to celebrate life’s special moments and supporting fellow rose gardeners in creating long-lasting rose gardens similar to those at Grace Rose Farm. Gracie and Ryan have continued to evolve and expand the brand over the last decade, even further deepening connections with their customers and community with the release of Gracie’s very first book, Garden Roses: The Complete Guide to Growing and Arranging Spectacular Blooms, unveiling her most coveted secrets on cultivating, nurturing, and crafting the breathtaking blooms Grace Rose Farm is known for.
Today, Grace Rose Farm is the largest online retailer in the United States for cut garden roses, with over 4 million shipped annually. With a mission to create beauty and provide joy through thoughtfully grown roses, their roses are carefully nurtured with natural and organic ingredients, keeping safe and environmentally friendly practices at the forefront while providing sustainable employment for farm workers.
For more information, please visit gracerosefarm.com.
