Lurie’s Designer Closet

 

BY JUDY CARMACK BROSS

 

 

A Fashionista Friday, Stuart Mesires on vintage, and chic shopping for all ages were part of The Designer Closet, now in its third iteration, benefitting Lurie Children’s Hospital. Chaired by Annie Barlow, Catherine Napier, and Felicia Winiecki, the two-day event held recently at the Bloomingdale’s building was part of the Founders’ Board’s $7.5 million cutting-edge commitment to Lurie. It’s apt motto: “It’s for the Children.”

 

Here’s Annie on the event:

“We loved gathering the looks and merchandising the store was a blast. We tried to focus on specific groups this year, including pieces for “twenty-somethings.” We had an event for these millenials Friday afternoon, with sweets donated by Truffleberry Market. Stuart Mesires of Ladybug Vintage gave a talk on mixing vintage clothes with today’s trends, and she was sensational.  

“From beginning to end it was fun and brought together women of all ages. Opening night featured an auction of brand new bags from Gucci, Prada, Balenciaga, Michael Kors, Barneys, and more. Who doesn’t love to shop?”

Funds raised go to the Founders Board’s newest funding investment: a three-year $7.5 million gift to support New Frontiers in Pediatric Medicine and Research, which supports transformational research, community-based health care, and an innovative endowed chair in Medical Ethics. Robin Zafirovski serves as Founders’ Board President.

 

Co-Chair Catherine Napier told us more about the dazzling event:

“Designer Closet is held every two years, always at the Bloomingdale’s building—they are very generous to donate space for us. We collect the items that we sell from Founders’ Board members, neighbors, friends, and others who hear about the event and want to support Lurie Children’s. Some personal shoppers come through with clients who will support the event. We focus on designer labels, everything from purses, shoes, scarves, dresses, coats, skirts, sweaters, and gowns to children’s clothes.

“It is a fun way to raise funds for the hospital. Many of our friends came to support us. I even had a friend donate a coat, and when her daughter saw it for sale on preview night, she bought it back! I felt badly about it, but they don’t at all. My friend said, ‘It’s for the children!’” 

 

Felicia Winiecki spoke for all involved in this successful—and fun—event in saying, “It was an honor to co-chair and a true labor of love for our mission for the children.”