Belle Of The Ball

Tis the season for philanthropy and fashion, with luxurious gowns at the forefront. The historic Art Deco Lyric Opera House in Chicago sets the stage for Sheridan Road’s annual fall fashion shoot—showcasing fabulous looks for all your favorite fall galas. Among the festivities is Lyric Opera’s opulent opening night ball, kicking off its 65th season with much-anticipated performances of The Barber of Seville (September 28 through October 27) and Don Giovanni (November 14 through December 8).

Our selections for what to wear to those festive fall fêtes highlight classic and modern designs accented by jewels from Hindman Auctioneers. The jewels will be available during the September 10 Important Jewelry and Timepieces auction. The luxury appraisers will offer pieces from Geoffrey Beene’s personal collection during a November 20 live and online auction.

Your exclusive look behind the curtain starts now…

Lyric Opera Opening Night and Gala
September 28

Lyric Opera of Chicago heads into its 65th season with a spectacular red-carpet opening night on September 28. Turn heads before a rousing performance of The Barber of Seville and move to the Hilton Chicago after the performance for a glorious night of dining, dancing, and celebrating the start of opera season at the Opera Ball. lyricopera.org

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Gown by Mac Duggal, available at Lepa Boutique in Hinsdale, lepaboutique.com; pair of 18 karat white gold, pink sapphire, and diamond earclips by De Grisogono; platinum and diamond bracelet from the Margaret A. Cooper Trust, Evanston, sold to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. All jewelry available through Hindman Auctioneers, hindmanauctions.com.

House In The Wood Gala
October 26

A North Shore favorite, the North Shore Board of the Northwestern Settlement, presents its signature event with spectacular views at Theater on the Lake. northshoreboard.org/annual-benefit

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Gown by Geoffrey Beene (Fall 1998) from the designer’s personal collection and available in the November 20 couture auction at Hindman Auctioneers, hindmanauctions.com; shoes by Manolo Blahnik, available at Neiman Marcus, neimanmarcus.com; pair of 18 karat yellow gold, diamond, and multigem earrings by Asprey; yellow gold, opal, diamond, and ruby ring from the Margaret A. Cooper Trust, Evanston, sold to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. All jewelry available through Hindman Auctioneers, hindmanauctions.com.

Breakthrough Ball
November 9

One of the premier black tie events in the Chicago area, The University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation Women’s Board’s Breakthrough Ball is a must-attend. cancer.uchicago.edu

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Gown by Mac Duggal, available at Neiman Marcus, neimanmarcus.com; 22 karat yellow gold demi-parure from the collection of Josephine Murrow, Valparaiso, Indiana; 18 karat yellow gold and diamond ring. All jewelry available through Hindman Auctioneers, hindmanauctions.com.

Field Museum Gala
October 19

Chicago’s stunning Field Museum is the focus of the gala on October 19. Mix and mingle with philanthropic leaders amongst the Museum’s exhibits. pjhchicago.com/event/thefieldmuseum

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Gown by Monique Lhuillier, available at Neiman Marcus, neimanmarcus.com; pair of platinum, emerald, and diamond earclips; platinum, 18 karat yellow gold, emerald, and diamond ring, both from the Margaret A. Cooper Trust, Evanston, sold to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; 14 karat yellow gold, emerald, and diamond necklace from the collection of Brenda Owens, Naples, Florida. All jewelry available through Hindman Auctioneers, hindmanauctions.com.

Red Tie Ball
December 7

Red is the color to wear to The Children’s Heart Foundation’s 6th Annual Red Tie Ball. childrensheartfoundation.org

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Gown by Mac Duggal, available at Lepa Boutique in Hinsdale, lepaboutique.com; pair of ruby and diamond dome earclips by Van Cleef and Arpels from the Janet Kelly Trust, Chicago; platinum, ruby, and diamond ring from the Margaret A. Cooper Trust, Evanston, sold to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. All jewelry available through Hindman Auctioneers, hindmanauctions.com.

Gown by Valentino, available at neapolitan collection in Winnetka, neapolitanonline.com; pair of 18 karat white gold, jade, onyx, and diamond earrings; platinum and diamond bracelet from the Margaret A. Cooper Trust, Evanston, sold to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; platinum and diamond brooch. All jewelry available through Hindman Auctioneers, hindmanauctions.com.