On September 24th and 25th, The Chicago Lighthouse hosted its first Flair: Fun. Fashion. Philanthropy. event, which lured hundreds of fashion lovers to Michigan Ave in search of fabulous designer discounts.
 
Over the past year, the Lighthouse acquired over 1,400 pieces of new and gently pre-owned designer fashions from individuals and retail stores.  The exceptional donated fashions were sold at a pop-up retail store in the 900 North Michigan Shops, with proceeds benefitting people who are blind or visually impaired.

Open one weekend only, the Flair retail store boasted labels from Gucci, Yves St. Laurent, MaxMara, St. John, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Christian Dior, Ralph Lauren, Burberry and Oscar de la Renta to name a few, with prices from 70 to 90 percent off the original retail values.

Flair kicked off with a Premiere VIP event at Saks Fifth Avenue on Saturday morning, Sept. 24th with a breakfast runway show.  Hosted by Sherren Leigh and Cassandra Gaddo from Today’s Chicago Woman, the production featured both professional models and amateur models with visual impairments.

After the Saks show, Flair continued through Saturday and Sunday at the 900 North Michigan Shops, Level 5.  The two-day event raised over $50,000 for The Chicago Lighthouse.

“Thanks to the generous support from Saks and the 900 North Michigan Shops, 100 percent of the weekend’s proceeds are feeding directly into our services at the Lighthouse, improving the quality of lives for people who are blind or visually impaired,” said Dr. Janet Szlyk, Lighthouse president and executive director.  “I’m extremely proud of the great success Flair had in its first year and most grateful to our excellent Co-chairs Lynn Cooper, Kaye Rahn and Ellie Thompson, who made the event possible!”
 
Dr. Szlyk also added a special “thank you” to Davis Imperial Cleaners, Sweet Petal Florists, Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions, Rosemary Fanti, Sophia Forero, St. Germain, World Wide Wine LLC, Marianne Strokirk Salons, Gigi’s Closette, Today’s Chicago Woman and Chicago Magazine, which all contributed to the success of Flair.

Click here to see the Flair photo gallery, taken by Mike White Photography.


Click here to see another Flair photo gallery, taken by Ed Estrada Photography.