HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Author: nenasnotes
SUNDAY MUSINGS…..A CELEBRATION!
100 years ago today Saks Fifth Avenue opened its doors in New York…quite an accomplishment thinking about the state of retail in 2024.
Why, you might ask, do I care…could be because I spent my retail entire career, 53 years, at the Chicago store, which, by the way, will celebrate its 100 years on Michigan Avenue in 2029!
The first item sold at the New York opening was, reportedly, a silver flask…I say let’s raise our flasks in a toast to this storied retailer! Cheers to many, many more years of making retail history!
MY OBSESSION…THE JOFFREY BALLET…THE 2024-2025 SEASON BEGINS!!!!!
THE JOFFREY BALLET OPENS 2024-25 SEASON
WITH THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE OF
CATHY MARSTON’S ATONEMENT
Marston’s Atonement is the first-ever stage adaptation of Ian McEwan’s best-selling book
It is my greatest pleasure to share the press release for the upcoming season opening ballet ATONEMENT! By now you know I’ve been obsessed with The Joffrey Ballet since they first preformed in Chicago and how exciting that they call Chicago home…making us beyond proud. Always cutting edge…always innovative with their varied repertoire. This production a not to be missed experience! GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
RELEASE….
September 5, 2024 – CHICAGO) The Joffrey Ballet boldly opens its 2024-25 season with the highly anticipated North American premiere of Cathy Marston’s poignant interpretation of Ian McEwan’s 2001 novel-turned-Academy Award®-winning film Atonement. The full-length narrative ballet follows Briony Tallis, revealed in the book as its author and now portrayed as a celebrated choreographer, as she grapples with the haunting echoes of her past through a breathtaking dance of redemption. The first-ever stage adaptation of McEwan’s best-selling book, Atonement will be presented at the historic Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago, in ten performances only, fromOctober 17–27, 2024.
This production received its World Premiere in April 2024 by Ballett Zürich, the company in which Marston serves as Ballet Director and Chief Choreographer.
“When Cathy approached me with her vision to create the first-ever stage adaptation of Atonement, we agreed that this would be an unforgettable narrative to experience through the lens of dance and that the Joffrey would be the perfect match for its North American debut,” said The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE. “Playing to the strengths of our Company Artists to convey complicated characters, such as the story’s protagonist Briony, Atonement sets the stage for a commanding season ahead, encouraging Chicago audiences to see themselves in ever more complex ways.”
“Opening our 69th season with the North American premiere of Marston’s Atonement reflects the Joffrey’s avant-garde approach to sharing ambitious, bold narratives,” added Acting CEO Deputy Director and Chief Financial Officer Shari Massey. “This production marks the second time the Company has mounted a full-length ballet with an original score. New works are essential for the evolution of our art form, and with Cathy and Ashley at the forefront, I couldn’t be more excited for Chicago to witness what’s in store.”
Marston’s adaptation unfolds the tragic love story of Briony’s older sister, Cecilia, against the historical backdrop of 1935 England to explore the intricate layers of societal norms and the enduring impact of a single lie. Enveloped in Laura Rossi’s evocative musical score, with dynamic choreography portraying the complexities of self-deception, the transformation of memory, and the weight of guilt, Atonement shares an emotionally charged experience with a startling twist finale that will linger in the soul.
A production in two acts, Atonement features a creative team with costumes by Bregje van Balen (former dancer with Nederlands Dance Theatre), stage design by Michael Levine, and lighting by Martin Gebhardt.
Marston has received worldwide critical praise for her compelling and elegant narrative-driven ballets that both brilliantly capture and thoughtfully adapt some of the most influential novels in recent history.Atonement will be the fifth work by Marston that The Joffrey Ballet has performed; past productions include Jane Eyre in 2019, Of Mice and Men and Heimat in 2022, and the dance film Bertha in 2021.
Atonement is a co-production with Ballett Zürich and features live music performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Scott Speck, Music Director of The Joffrey Ballet.
With gratitude to Atonement Commissioning Sponsors: Producing Sponsors Anne L. Kaplan and Denise Littlefield Sobel; Presenting Sponsors Lorna Ferguson and Terry Clark, Rudolf Nureyev Fund at The Joffrey Ballet, Mr. and Mrs. Joel V. Williamson; and Production Sponsors Holly Palmer Foundation, Max Mara, and Jon and Eleanor DeMoss.
The 2024-25 Joffrey Ballet season continues with the return of Christopher Wheeldon’s The Nutcracker, December 6–28, 2024, followed by Golden Hour, February 20–March 2, 2025, with original work by Dani Rowe and Yuri Possokhov, accompanied by pieces from frequent Joffrey collaborators Nicolas Blanc and Cathy Marston. Closing out the season is a not-to-be-missed highlight of the year—plunge down the rabbit hole into the fantastical world of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, where two-time Tony Award®-winner Christopher Wheeldon brings Lewis Carroll’s fantastical world to life with instantly recognizable characters such as the high-strung Queen of Hearts, the entrancing Caterpillar, and the tap-dancing Mad Hatter, June 5–15, 2025.
Tickets and Schedule
The Joffrey Ballet presents Cathy Marston’s Atonement Thursday, October 17–Sunday, October 27, 2024; the full performance schedule is as follows: Thursday, October 17 at 7:30PM; Friday, October 18 at 7:30PM; Saturday, October 19 at 2:00PM and 7:30PM; Sunday, October 20 at 2:00PM; Thursday, October 24 at 7:30PM; Friday, October 25 at 7:30PM; Saturday, October 26 at 2:00PM and 7:30PM; and Sunday, October 27 at 2:00PM.
Single tickets start at $36 and are available for purchase at Lyric Opera Box Office located at
20 N. Upper Wacker Dr. and by telephone at 312.386.8905, or online at joffrey.org.
About The Joffrey Ballet
The Joffrey Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the world today, with a reputation for boundary-breaking performances for over 68 years. The Joffrey repertoire is an extensive collection of all-time classics, modern masterpieces, and original works.
Founded in 1956 by pioneers Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, the Joffrey remains dedicated to artistic expression, innovation, and first-rate education and engagement programming. The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE and President and CEO Greg Cameron.
The Joffrey Ballet is grateful for the support of its 2024-2025 Season Sponsors: Abbott Fund, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, The Florian Fund, Gallagher, Anne L. Kaplan, and Live Music Sponsors: Sandy and Roger Deromedi, Sage Foundation, Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation, and The Marina and Arnold Tatar Fund for Live Music. The Joffrey also acknowledges Season Partners: Chicago Athletic Clubs, and Athletico Physical Therapy, official provider of physical therapy for The Joffrey Ballet.
For more information on The Joffrey Ballet and its programs, visit joffrey.org. Connect with the Joffrey on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Image: Joffrey Company Artists Amanda Assucena, Alberto Velazquez, and Lucia Connolly. Photo by Todd Rosenberg.
BOOKS…BOOKS…BOOKS…WHEN WOMEN RAN FIFTH AVENUE
You, by now, know I love books and since I have had a monthly nenasnotes The Fashion Book Club for years, my reading tends to be skewed to fashion and lifestyle books. One that hit my radar many months ago was this extraordinary book by the brilliant Julie Satow!
When I first read about it I immediately sought out the author to plan a convenient date…that date just happened for our July 2024 meeting. Let’s first discuss my conversation with Julie! Probably what I like most about The Fashion Book Club is my interaction with the authors and Julie was a total delight. Her research and devotion to her subject is without peer! An aside, be sure to read her book The Plaza, spectacular!
What I like most about the book is that it reads like a novel in “fact form”. The research Julie has done is beyond phenomenal and it develops into a fascinating history of retail. The three prominent stores and their female leaders are long gone and, in my opinion, so are their principles of retail. I’m not naive about the state of retail today but was lucky to be in the industry when it was at its peak and the glamour was palpable! This study shows us the excitement of the store experience as well as the struggles of financial behemoths of this fascinating world. The women included were allowed to develop their own concepts of “give the Lady what she wants” with the men in charge giving them pretty much free rein to create new exciting emporiums. Each were inviting their customers to experience the excitement that is the back bone of retail! I, for one, see the need to bring the uniqueness of these ideas back to retail and make it magical once again!
The three woman and their stores profiled….
If you have an interest in the history of fashion, the history of retail, the history of fashion in New York, or in the world of retail finance….this is the book for you. add it to your library you won’t regret it…it’s beyond fascinating…a Master Class of retail!
I am including a link to Jeffrey Banks review, enjoy! https://www.easthamptonstar.com/books/2024627/female-innovators-retail
My Independent Bookseller of choice is always The Book Stall,
MUSINGS…UPCOMING EVENTS
By now you are aware that I am a HUGE lover of everything Randolph Street Market does and this year is no exception….the lineup is classic, unique and filled with all manner of unique treasures for your wardrobe, your home, your collections as well as your yummy (with a vast array of food vendors). Want one of a kind items look no further. Here is the list of the upcoming lineup of markets…mark your calendars right now, it’s already August!!!!
Make sure to save the dates for the September RSM Festival,
November and December Randolph Holiday Markets
PLUS NEW FALL SHOWS!
September 15*
Vintage Shindig – pop up
Highland Park, IL
September 28/29
Randolph Street Market Festival
Plumbers Hall, West Loop,Chicago
October 13
Modern Vintage Chicago Fashion + Home
Ravenswood, Chicago
November 16/17
Randolph Street Holiday Market
Plumbers Hall, West Loop, Chicago
December 8
Vintage Shindig – pop up
Highland Park, IL
December 14/15
Randolph Street Holiday Market
Plumbers Hall, West Loop, Chicago
*Highland Park Vintage Shindig
Sunday September 15, 2024
10am – 5pm
Kids under 12 FREE*NOT AT PLUMBERS HALL
Event Address:
Highland Park Community House
1991 Sheridan Road
Highland Park, IL
For tickets….
Vintage Shindig September 15
HAPPY AUGUST!
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
HAPPENINGS: THE ANATOMY OF AN AUCTION PART 3…CENTER STAGE: THE LAURA PELS COLLECTIONS ACT III, LUXURY HANDBAGS AND COUTURE
I’m beyond thrilled to have been given the opportunity to share yet another very exciting upcoming Freeman’s|Hindman auction with all of you. It is an exclusive especially for nenasnotes! This amazing philanthropist’s story is an extraordinary one and is seen through her love of art, theater and her innate sense of style. I am totally intrigued with her and her story…I know you will be as well.
Read more about this unique personality I’d like to direct you to her New York Times Obituary
About Laura Pels…
Laura Pels Bio
“Property from the Collection of Laura Pels, River House, New York
Laura Pels was a philanthropist and devoted supporter of the dramatic arts, founding the Laura Pels International Foundation for Theater, an organization that underwrote productions for a myriad of nonprofit theater groups as well as playwrights such as Harold Pinter and Arthur Miller, amongst many others.
Born in Saint-Vivien-de-Monségur, a village near Bordeaux, France, in 1931, Josette Jeanne Berrnard studied mime and acting in Paris as a young woman. In her twenties, she decided to change her name to Laura and by the age of 25 had moved to London to study English. Following her first marriage to Adolphe Meeus, she made the transatlantic move to New York which would remain her home until her passing last year.
She married communications executive, Mr. Pels, in 1965 who invested heavily in cellular communications during the 1980s. Following a business deal in 1989, where McCaw cellular bought a controlling interest in Pels’ firm, Ms. Pels and her husband made a significant donation to support the founding of the National Actors Theater by actor Tony Randall. Its mission was to present affordable shows by playwrights such as Ibsen, Chekov and Miller. Ms. Pels became the leader of the foundation upon her divorce in 1993 and funded projects at esteemed theaters such as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, and provided grants to talented students at the Julliard School and the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.
Ms. Pels retained strong ties to France throughout her life: she rented an apartment in Paris and was involved with Le Théâtre de L’Atelier in Montmatre. Her peerless taste is reflected in this beautiful collection of jewelry which includes works by renowned and timeless French makers such as Cartier and Boucheron, alongside more avant-garde pieces including works designed by artist Jean Cocteau. Couture, fine and decorative arts from the River House apartment of Ms. Pels will be offered in a sequence of sales at Freeman’s I Hindman in New York and online this Spring.”
About the auction…
“Center Stage: The Laua Pels Collections | Act III | Luxury Handbags and Couture – includes a significant collection of Pierre Cardin Haute Couture, Geoffrey Beene and Chanel ready-to-wear. In addition to over 40 Chanel handbags and a large collection of Hermès scarves. Ms. Pels love and deep appreciation for French culture is evident in her couture collection – many of her pieces were purchased in Paris and New York directly from the designers and custom tailored for her, she meticulously selected pieces that would complement her jewelry collection (sold by Freeman’s | Hindman earlier this month in our Important Jewelry Sale) and her art collection. Ms. Pels was a close friend of famed artist Françoise Gilot – her River House home was filled with works by the artist, one can easily see that Ms. Pels took inspiration from the work of Gilot when it came to her own sense of style – many of the colors that Gilot favored are predominant in Ms. Pels wardrobe, she also wore pieces from Gilot’s daughter Paloma Picasso, a selection of those pieces are included in the sale. Ms. Pels also admired the work of J. Mendel the sale includes many exquisite furs by the famed furrier, many were custom created for Ms. Pels. It is rare to see a collection as complete as this one come to the market, from day one I realized how special this couture collection was an am thrilled to be bringing it to the auction block through Freeman’s | Hindman in June.” Quote from Tanner Branson, Head of Sale, Luxury Handbags & Couture. Freeman’s | Hindman
FROM THE COLLECTION OF 202 Garment lots, 44 Chanel handbag lots, 299 lots total.
Pierre Cardin Haute Couture gown
FROM THE PRESS RELEASE
“The couture collection of Laura Pels features runway pieces from Karl Lagerfeld’s collections for Chanel, Pierre Cardin Haute Couture from the 1980-90s, and an important collection of Geoffrey Beene. Many of the pieces were custom-made for Ms. Pels’ specifications. The collection also features forty plus Chanel handbags. Much like the art and jewelry collections of Ms. Pels, her couture reflects her deep appreciation for French culture.”
SALE INFORMATION
Center Stage: The Laua Pels Collections | Act lll: Luxury Handbags and Couture
Sale Date: June 25th
Sale Publication Date: June 11th
Preview Dates: June 20th, 21st and June 24th – by appointment only, please contacttannerbranson@hindmanauctions.com to schedule an appointment.
For more information go to the link below.
MEMORIAL DAY….A DAY FOR REMEMBRANCE!
