Modern Men | Classic Chicago Magazine

BY JUDY CARMACK BROSS

The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum shone the spotlight on some of Chicago’s most dashing gentlemen on August 24, for their first-ever Men’s Fashion Awards. Held at BOGA Menswear, the brick-and-mortar location in the West Loop for the popular luxury retailer of men’s clothing and accessories, over 100 Council members and guests congratulated the winners, representing 10 different career fields, from rap to real estate.

Costume Council President Kristin Noelle Smith presented certificates at the event to these stylish few signed by CHS President Gary Johnson and herself. Kristin reported:

“This first men’s event for the Council was initiated when I found out in speaking to the History Museum’s collections manager Jessica Pushor that only one-third of the museum’s collection is menswear. Moreover, we did not have any male-oriented educational activities or events. So this event was born. And we are definitely planning to have more!”

Event co-chairs Peggy Martay, David Mordini, Quenten Schumacher, and Karen Zupko asked Costume Council members to submit nominations and the list was winnowed to three in each category leading up to the big night.

Kristin reported:

“The final list of 30 was sent to George Kotsiopoulos, the magazine editor, fashion consultant, stylist, television personality, and now a designer of his own fashion line on QVC. As style Editor-at-Large for C Magazine and a former Fashion Associate for The New York Times Magazine—not to mention a co-host of E’s ‘Fashion Police’—he was an obvious choice to select the final honorees.”

And just who were these final honorees? Tom Rossiter, architecture and design; Geoffrey Ruiz, arts and culture; Boy Illinois, entertainment; Fabice Calmels, entrepreneurship; David Horn, finance; Dr. Julius Few, healthcare; Donnie Madia, hospitality; Tom Juffernbruch, law; Jim Kinney, real estate; and Mark Bundra, sports. Each received Art of Shaving-sponsored gift bags as well as a grand drawing prize.

But it wasn’t just the winners being pampered that evening. On the night of the inaugural celebration, guests were treated to libations from Don Julio Tequila and Perrier along with delicious mini sliders courtesy of Jewell Events Catering, all while perusing the stylish offerings at BOGA.

Moving back in time from the very current menswear on the shelves and racks at BOGA, is the astounding collection of men’s clothing and accessories in the Chicago History Museum’s archives. While their collection of menswear might not make up the same volume as that dedicated to women, the quality of the offerings is incredible. Petra Slinkard, Curator of Costume, describes the significant Chicago History Museum collection of menswear dating from the 1700s to the present:

“Our national treasures include clothing and accessories worn by Presidents George Washington, John Adams, and Abraham Lincoln, along with attire associated with many Chicago- and Illinois-based politicians. Represented are suits from the city’s most distinguished tailors as well as international styles by designers such as Gianni Versace, Calvin Klein, Issey Miyake, and Yohji Yamamoto.

“The museum houses uniforms worn by notable athletes such as Stan Makita, Michael Jordan, and Doug Buffone, as well as clothing and accessories worn by cultural icons such as Studs Terkel and Sir George Solti. From the renowned to the unknown, the clothing in the collection represents not only functional and personal affiliation, but the evolution of men’s fashionable silhouettes.”