Absolutely Fabulous: The Costume Council of the CHM

BY JUDY CARMACK BROSS

Absolutely Fabulous: The Costume Council of the CHM

Attendees arrived in style for the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum’s sold-out, exclusive private showing of Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, checking in on the UK’s beloved hilarious, hard-partying, and high fashion loving duo Patsy (Joanna Lumley) and Edina (Jennifer Saunders), now in their sixties, from the television show of the same name that has aired on and off since 1992.

Over 70 Council members watched for the celebrity appearances in the BBC film of Dame Edna, Perez Hilton, Kate Moss, and more in this glamorous silver screen outing. Annette Finding reports:

“Our three hosts, Sophie Bross, Greg Hyder, and Paula Borg, welcomed everyone for libations before the movie screening at the Landmark Theater on a beautiful summer night. Excitement and energy pulsed throughout the theatre and fond memories of watching the show over the past twenty-plus years were shared. There wasn’t a silent moment throughout the movie, with lots of good laughs had by all.”

Among those sharing cocktails and laughter that evening were Kristin Noelle Smith, Nena Ivon, Diane Sprenger, Petra Slinkard, John Rogers, Liz Sharp, Karen Zupko, Pauline Sheehan, Bonnie Lippe and other fans of fashion and film.

Surely the Costume Council has the most fun later summer and fall benefit schedule in town. Annette shared their calendar:

“Our membership events are meant to support the collections and costume-based events at the Chicago History Museum. On August 24, we will host our Men’s Event, featuring Chicago’s most stylish men from a variety of professions to be held at BOGA. On October 21, the opening night of the Mainbocher exhibit will be a very glamorous event. On November 15, Andrew GN comes to Chicago for a fashion show. We have lots in store!

“With over 50,000 costumes and textile artifacts from the mid-18^th century to the present, the Chicago History Museum Costume Collection is the second largest in the world and one of the nation’s most complete repositories of fashion. Using a common thread to tell an uncommon story, the collections are woven into the very fabric of our city’s vibrant fashion history. The breadth of the collection reflects the rise of Chicago as well as the dressmakers, milliners, and manufacturers who made Chicago their home. Whether worn by former presidents and first ladies, sports stars, celebrities, or everyday people, each piece is a reflection of the Museum’s connection to Chicago.”