Previous summer, hailstorms scratched more than 60 percent of the Garfield Park Conservatory’s greenhouse glass, setting the folks at the West Side institution immediately into motion to raise the money they would need to restore the landmark building to its former wonder. On Friday, more than 300 partygoers gathered at Venue One, 1044 W. Randolph, to sip cocktails and enjoy a flower-themed fashion show at the annual fund-raiser Fleurotica. The benefit helped the greenhouse get $80,000 closer to its goal.
Many guests took the theme to heart, putting on flowery frocks and pinning buds into their updos, and began the evening with acai libations and snacks. Notable names spotted amongst the crowd included Margo Morris, board chairwoman of the Garfield Park Conservatory association; fashion designer Borris Powell and NBC5’s LeeAnn Trotter, who emceed the evening’s program. Also worthy of note were the cast of an upcoming Chicago-based, salon-focused reality show, who could be seen — followed by their camera gang, of course — mingling with guests and chatting with each other over drinks.
Afterward, the crowd was guided upstairs and seated for the runway show. All designs donned by models were formed by Chicago florists and completed entirely out of natural materials. Stunning gowns and flirty miniskirt ensembles were created especially for the occasion and made their way down the catwalk, many eliciting oohs and aahs from onlookers. The “Best in Show” award, chosen by a board of in-the-know judges, went to Lance Larson from Blumgarten and Co. for his one-of-a-kind creation.
Tickets began at $150, but VIP packages went for $225 and included premier show seating and a filled-to-the-brim swag bag.
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