Culture | Sep. 2023
THE BUZZ: SEPTEMBER 2023
By Michelle Crowe
READ IT
The dreamiest fashion book this fall is Linda Evangelista Photographed by Steven Meisel. It’s a tribute to one of fashion’s most enduring collaborations between a photographer for the ages and the model of all models. With more than 180 images spanning 25 years and an introduction by William Norwich, this is the tome for fashion fans, photography fans, and anyone looking for inspiration. From Phaidon, of course. Available at Barnes & Noble Oakbrook Center beginning September 13.
TASTE IT
Make a beeline for Mochii Donuts, now open at Yorktown Center. Mochi donuts are a hybrid between a cake donut and chewy mochi, which is a Japanese rice cake made from polished sticky rice. The founders experimented with different recipes until they landed on the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The new shop will offer Mochi Donuts, Mochi Ice Cream, Mochi Balls, Korean Corn Dogs, Boba Drinks and Bubble Waffle with ice cream. yorktowncenter.com
BOOK IT
Beloved for its rooftop and Theater District location, theWit just unveiled a top-to-bottom renovation conceptualized by Jackie Koo of KOO Architecture. The transformation ushers in a new era for the upscale hotel, with reimagined spaces that are infused with clever and imaginative touches, creating a gallery-like atmosphere inspired by the home of a worldly collector. theWit’s 310 redesigned guest rooms and suites feature a soothing palette of warm earth tones with pops of color, all accented with original artwork and channeling the ambiance of a collector’s home. High-design accents such as origami-like light fixtures, a blue Memphis Design-inspired floor lamp and lipstick-red-trimmed mirrors capture attention, alongside polished stone, and travertine finishes. Throughout the halls, guests can find modern gallery-style artwork, choreographed alongside carpets with designs to resemble scribbles from the hand of an artist. It’s the perfect jumping off point for your fall shopping trips and after-gala relaxation. thewithotel.com
PICK IT
The apples are in at local orchards, just in time to indulge the craving for crunchy, juicy, new-season pommes. For lunchboxes, teacher gifts, pies, fritters, and cider, there’s something so reassuring about a fresh crop of America’s favorite fruit. This year, in a bit of seasonal magic, the first weeks of apple picking season align with the back half of sunflower festivals. Plan well and one delightful outing can deliver exquisite photo opportunities, fresh air, and a delicious donut. Kuiper’s Family Farm is offering a sunflower add-on to the u-pick apple experience. Venture out on a weekend for live music and food trucks or choose a weekday for a more relaxed day. kuipersfamilyfarm.com
THE JCA | LONDON FASHION ACADEMY
Renowned shoe designer Jimmy Choo’s JCA | London Fashion Academy (JCA) offers higher education and short courses with practice-based learning aimed at shaping the next wave of designer entrepreneurs. For those interested in fashion, JCA has taster, introduction, intermediate, advanced, and Executive Industry-based online courses available through their global learning program. jca.ac.uk/short-courses
LUXURY ACTIVEWEAR CAPSULE PERFECT FOR PICKLEBALL
Newly launched Ayda Activewear seeks to brighten the world by redefining luxury and fitness as joy and wellness by combining high fashion design with athlete inspired fabrics, trims, and details. Laure Heriard Dubreuil (LHD) grew up in Paris and worked as a top merchandiser for Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent before founding The Webster, a multi-brand luxury retailer. The LHD x Ayda Activewear collaboration features a 12-piece collection ranging from vintage-inspired pickleball dresses to gorgeously crafted leather racquet bags. A patch-adorned varsity jacket banners the collection, alongside athlete- inspired pieces including a V-neck tennis sweater, a pleated tennis skirt, and statement accessories. Each piece represents the essence of who Ayda and Laure are at their core—cheeky, sophisticated, artistic, bold, colorful, and luxurious. shopayda.com and thewebster.com
TARTANS FOR THE TRUST
The Barrington Area Conservation Trusts (BACT) “Tartans for the Trust” is an annual fundraiser in support of preserving the community’s rare and exceptional open spaces for current and future generations. BACT permanently preserves open spaces through conservation easements and land donations, restores natural habitats, and inspires conservation stewards for a vision of sustainable, beautiful environments. “Tartans for the Trust” is a family friendly event with live music, activities for kids of all ages and great community partners who come together to support BACT. Sunday, September 24, 2023, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., The Noyes Family Home, 260 Otis Road, Barrington, bactrust.org
DOGWOOD HILL
Dogwood Hill’s story started in 2015 when founder Jennifer Hunt, a busy mother of two, waited a bit too long to order holiday cards. This fortunate error led her to the idea of a website where discerning customers could go for thoughtfully and gorgeously created cards featuring art by true artists. And so, Dogwood Hill—a name inspired by Hunt’s hometown of Birmingham, Alabama—was born. From weddings and holiday cards to paper goods to keep you organized, Dogwood Hill creates beautifully designed paper products featuring commissioned artwork from over 30 artists. dogwood-hill.com
DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE DOUBLES DOWN ON LIP CARE
The DRx SpectraLite LipWare Pro is an FDAcleared, clinically proven LED lip device with 56 red lights that target the full lip area to address fine lines, wrinkles, and creases around the lips through natural collagen stimulation and improving circulation. The device uses multiple wavelengths of light to penetrate the unique, delicate skin of the lip for enhanced natural color and more fullness and definition. Also launching is the DermInfusions Plump + Repair Lip Treatment, a volumizer that immediately plumps, defines, and enhances natural lip color while restoring the moisture barrier for hydrated, younger-looking lips. Clinically proven, this formula has four molecular weights of hyaluronic acid and a volumizing complex of tripeptides. sephora.com
100 DRESSES
In The Impossible Collection of Fashion—an Ultimate Collection format, handmade, oversized book—Valerie Steele flexes her curatorial muscle by showcasing the most iconic dresses of the 20th century. From Poiret to Pucci, Doucet to Dior, Vionnet to Valentino, Steele selects 100 dresses that caused a stir on the runway or at a soiree, ultimately inspiring new directions in fashion. Steele’s selections include Paul Poiret’s figure-liberating 1907 gown, Madame Grès’ sublimely draped goddess creation from 1938, Jean Paul Gaultier’s shockingly exaggerated “Cone Bust” Corset dress circa 1984, and Hussein Chalayan’s awe-inspiring, remote-control fiberglass “Airplane” dress from 2000. The compilation, while certainly subjective, is sure to receive nods of recognition along with a gasp or two of surprise. This limited-edition tome published by Assouline is housed in a linen clamshell box, and each purchase includes complimentary white gloves and a signature canvas tote bag. Happy reading. For more information, visit assouline.com.
GOOD HAIR DAY
Launched in 2017, Vegamour has quickly established its position as an industry trailblazer, addressing the root causes and symptoms of common hair concerns through a science-based, holistic approach. Their clinically proven, bioavailable plant actives are carefully curated to deliver results—without the use of harmful chemicals or short-term “fixes” that can lead to long-term problems. Vegamour uses the world’s finest, hand-curated, 100 percent vegan, natural ingredients to ensure quality and efficacy. Vegamour recently launched the HYDR-8 Collection offering clean, vegan hair hydration that won’t wash away. The collection transforms dry or dehydrated hair with powerful plant-based ingredients including the brand’s signature Karmatin™ a vegan alternative to keratin. Clinical results show that after just one use, HYDR-8 left hair 15 times more hydrated, 3 times stronger, and hydrated for 72 hours. Here’s to hair-raising hydration! For more information, visit vegamour.com.
SWEET TREATS
Terry’s Toffee, a gourmet toffee company, is relocating to Highland Park after more than 20 years in Chicago. The traditional family recipe that is the basis for their signature almond toffee covered in milk chocolate has developed over the years into several nut-free, dark, and white chocolate options. The award-winning recipe now incorporates unique gourmet flavor combinations, including Lavender Vanilla and Cinnamon Chipotle. With more flavors invented seasonally, there is always something new to try. All toffee is made in small batches onsite using premium ingredients, including Guittard chocolate. The new location is located at 1853 North 2nd Street, the former location of Panera Bread. Sweet Home Gelato will be relocating to share the space—making the debut doubly delicious. For more information visit terrystoffee.com.
