Paris & Its Fashion A Central Theme at Lyric's Fantasy Ball

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The dawning of the age of, er, Paris is in full swing in Chicago, as Parisian fashion has been thrust into the spotlight for 2013. Our city's first coup was the acquisition of the house of Lanvin, Lanvin's fourth US (and first Midwest) locale. The next big thing was the confirmation of the return of YSL, now Saint Laurent, but to a newly fashionable and enviable address: Rush street in the Waldorf Astoria building. And we can't possibly forget the fact that we now join the rarefied ranks of those cities which now have a Christian Louboutin store. This year, revered organizations and their philanthropic endeavors are jumping on the train to Paris, too.

What organization you ask? The venerable Lyric Opera of Chicago will host the 29th annual Fantasy of the Opera, which is the city's best and most glamorous mid-winter ball. Fantasy is known for its over the top themes such as recent ones like Hearts Afire, Masquerade Ball and A Night Under the Czars. This year's, however, seems to answer the prayers of the fashionable cultural glitterati everywhere: Midnight in Paris, in which the dress code is 1920s Paris Chic black tie. Awesome. We can only imagine how folks will look when they turn up. We're picturing women dressed as chic flappers with long, drop waist dresses and a plethora of long Chanel pearls, and dandies (men) with top hats, Faconnable blazers and Pierre Hardy shoes. Those would be the daring ones. In actuality, we'll probably see a plethora of French designers on both men and women, but in true ball fashion--regal and formal as an ode to the majesty that is opera. For tix to Fantasy, click here.
· Lyric Opera [Official Site]
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