On Wednesday, Chicago‘s Driehaus Museum held court for a cross-section of the city’s culture and style insiders, hosted by Nancy and Caroline Crown, alongside Steppenwolf Theatre Artistic Director Audrey Francis. After a runway presentation (the museum’s first time hosting such an event) and warm remarks celebrating Akris‘s recently-opened Gold Coast boutique, guests lingered into the night, ensuring the fashion house had set down its Windy City roots with style and a splash of pomp.
The Scene: A sophisticated soirée blending a high-octane runway activation with classic Chicago nonchalance, as style and Third Coast culture coalesced to mark the brand’s first regional boutique.
The Locale: Chicago’s Driehaus Museum—a neoclassical setting that doubled as an artful stage for Akris’s fête. The Gilded Age mansion transported visitors to a bygone salon era, infused with contemporary stylings.
The Crowd: The room saw appearances from Chicago cultural leaders, fashion insiders, and friends of Akris, including philanthropists Nancy, Steve, Caroline, and Alyssa Crown; entrepreneurs Anna O’Donnell and Abby Dunn; actors Chris Froseth and Aimee Graham; MCA Chicago director Madeleine Grynsztejn; and Graff Diamonds director Eve Reppen Rogers. The cross-section marked a milestone for the brand and nodded to the city’s rich artistic community.
The Entertainment: A rotation of plush jackets, sharp tailoring, asymmetrical or sequined dresses, and more—all soon to be seen walking down State Street.
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