A Night in Tokyo at the Union League Club of Chicago

Over 200 guests attended a special event “A Night in Tokyo” hosted by the Union League Club of Chicago. The soiree celebrating Japanese culture, fashion, and cuisine was held in the Main Dining Room that was adorned in lilac hues suitable for the occasion. The event was attended by guests of honor the Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida and his wife Miho. The event was co-chaired by Kimberly Palmisano and Patrick Callahan.

While mingling and indulging in a variety of themed cuisine offerings, maki rolls shrimp shooters, desserts, and signature cocktails, attendees watched a performance by Chicago’s Tsukasa Taiko drum corp. Taiko drums style’s roots go back over 2000 years, and this style is known for the distinct sounds and stunning choreography.

The fashion show, produced by Jessi Sheehan, featured six designers from Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy’s. Gorgeous Factor models, styled by Beautique Salon & Spa with hair and make-up reminiscent of streets of Tokyo, strutted the runway to lively lounge music by DJ Grove Pusher, in ready-to-wear, cocktail, formal, and bridal attire. Closing the fashion portion designer Takako Yamanaka presented her traditional Kimono dressing.

The Lyric Opera Young Professionals Group, one of the event’s strategic partners, sponsored a pair of tickets giveaway to “The Sound of Music” at the Lyric Opera, and a $100 gift card to Sushi Dokku. Other partners included Macy’s on State Street, Luminarts Cultural Foundation at the Union League Club of Chicago, ULCC Younger Member’s Group, Japan America Society of Chicago Young Professionals Committee, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago and the Consulate General of Japan in Chicago. All partners were instrumental in contributing to furthering the night’s mission of presenting various artistic characteristics of the Japanese culture.

—
Leonard Mogul
Kontinent Media

Photos by Larisa Pevtsova and courtesy of LOYPG

Chicago Fashion Incubator’s 2013-14 designers including: Takako Yamanaka, Olivia Hwang, Agnes Hamerlik, Lagi Nadeau, Katelyn Pankoke and Shelby Steiner.