Ruf Press

October 2011

Bunky Cushing's "Handbags & Halos" Raises Funds for Howard Brown Health Center

By Candace Jordan, October 27, 2011 at 11:45 am

If you don't know Bunky Cushing, which I doubt since EVERYONE seems to know him, then he is definitely someone you should know. He has a long-time following of devoted friends/fans who will follow him anywhere, and fortunately, it's always to do good! For his 10th "Handbags & Halos" luncheon this year at the magnificent Palmer House, well known NYC philanthropist, author and contributing editor to "Architectural Digest",Jamee Gregory, was the keynote speaker.

Before her fascinating presentation, fashionable women and a few men had brought, as instructed, a gently used handbag to donate to the resale shop of Howard Brown, the Brown Elephant. During the raffle, many lucky women won handbags from high end luxury retailers that included Ralph Lauren, Bulgari, Escada, Tory Burch, Diego Rocha, Michael Kors, 28 Shop at Macy's and designer Mary Kay de Maio.

Against the soothing sounds of Stanley Paul, 150 guests mixed and mingled as the photographers snapped away. It was a joyous occasion for a great cause and one that Bunky has remained true and supportive of for many, many years. Jamal Edwards, President and CEO of Howard Brown Health Center said, "We truly could not do the work we do without the generosity of friends like Bunky. We are so grateful for his continuing support." Bunky told the assembled guests, "If I could show you my heart, you would see that it is overflowing with appreciation for the love and support you have shown me these past ten years."

Jamee Gregory then took to the podium and delivered her captivating presentation using slides from her latest book, "New York Parties: Private Views." I loved seeing the elegant NY penthouse parties with its impossible-to-imagine glamorous decor and guests that looked like they'd step right out of the pages of French Vogue. The parties in the Hamptons on opulent, manicured lawns with dime store lanterns bobbing in the trees' branches was a scene right out of a fairytale. It truly was a world I'd never seen, nor would I, but I loved being able to dream along through the eyes of her camera lens.

Bunky is someone you should know. His next event will be the Valentine Tea on Tuesday, February 7th, at the Ritz-Carlton from 3-5 pm where red will be the color of the day!

Dare To Dress presents Mary Kay de Maio

I would describe my personal style as classic with a contemporary twist. I consider myself a collector. When I buy a piece it is usually something I believe will transcend decades of wear. I usually don't splurge on trends so to update I'll purchase a "current" accessory and incorporate into my wardrobe. I have procured quite a delectable closet. I used to model, so travel abroad and being exposed to many cultures has inspired my closet. I still have pieces from 20 years ago when I was a teen. My mother had great taste so I'm sure that plays in there as well. Her closet was packed full of beautiful clothes mostly European designers and one of a kind pieces. Her closet was the best place to be for hide and seek as a child and I spent a lot of time in it. I'm sure some "style osmosis" happened in there. As a teen I'd pilfer items from her as well. That was such a thrill but it did not bode well with mom. Personal style is the way you present yourself to the world. I believe personal style is very specific. Anyone can buy clothes and put them on. It’s really what you do with what you have that defines a style. It's that extra twist that you add that makes it personal. How do you accessorize an outfit? How do you mix and match things? There is a message conveyed with your appearance. You create a dialogue with your audience as you display yourself. The same dress can be bought by many different women. Yet if the same dress is belted, layered, worn as a top over jeans, accented by a scarf or one added leggings... It becomes their own interpretation of that dress. It is personalized. How it all comes together is what makes the dress and the person wearing it unique.

I have several go to pieces in my closet. One is a vintage Chanel leather jacket. I wear it with jeans, over dresses and I've even incorporated it with a black tie lace dress. I love it and the more I wear it and the more worn out it becomes, the more beautiful it is. I have a Cacharel halter top that I've had over 20 years it also is very versatile. Its muted blue and green tones remind me of a scene in a Monet painting. It's gorgeous. My Lina Fanourakis rose cut diamond folded paper earrings go with everything. They are tiny sculptures. They are subtle and exquisite and can transition from day to evening wear. The other key pieces I go to when I accessorize are From my own collection usually one of my bold stone encrusted statement rings and one of my handbags! My advice to anyone looking to create their own style is observation. I spent years paging through magazines and looking at women who were my age had my body type and coloring. I'd try new things through imitation. Eventually I evolved into being more comfortable trying things out myself. Accessories to me became the key. Now I just but a few wow pieces and update basics. There are many professional people who can help you edit your closet. I think finding someone you can trust in the industry is very helpful. Someone to be honest with you that can listen to your needs who has experience and can guide you to what looks good on you. They can help you build on your basics and guide you on colors, cuts and styles that are right for you. A big thing I learned is I can appreciate things from afar. There are pieces I love that I can admire on others. They wouldn't look good on me. So I've let go trying to make something work on me that I won't wear often. I think it's fascinating to see our city change. I've been here for seventeen years. More and more I see new unusual boutiques popping up. I think Chicago women are getting a bit more daring on trying new things and adventuring out of their comfort zones. It's also great that these boutiques exist. It will become likely for one to find different one of a kind type pieces. I LOVE to have something no one else does! I’d love to see more and more of that.

June 2009

From: Calendar of Events • "Ruf N' Tuf" Charity Handbag Line at Sabbia Thursday, June 4, 2009 • Link

May 2009

Dear Friends and Family,

The kids and I are so excited to invite you to the launch of their charity handbag line " Ruf n' Tuf".
Each purse is designated for a specific charity. The bags were designed with versatility in mind. They can be worn as a shoulder bag or fanny pack and feature a peace symbol that is detachable and can be hooked to the strap(which comes off as well) and becomes a belt. The word peace is written in fifteen different languages on the strap.The purse also has a decorative chain which can be hooked to the peace sign and worn separately as a necklace.

We've been working on this for a year and it's finally all come together. We've even begun to get representation in stores. Very Exciting!!!

We are initially gifting money to four charities:
* Lacor, the AIDS orphanage and teaching hospital in Uganda (built and run by infectious disease doctors who are cousins of
   LaLa and MJ (Pink and Red Camo Bag)
* The NRDC (National Resources Defense Council) ...we really want to help the enviroment(Green Camo Bag)
* The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which focuses on rehabilitating soldiers coming home from the war (Yellow Camo Bag).
* The Delilah Fund supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (Purple Camo Bag)

The kids picked these charities to start with, and hopefully in the future there will be more charities that we can help as more bags are made. They are thrilled about becoming part of the solution to help the world heal and find peace. We hope you can join us, on June 4th from 4- 9 p.m. at the lovely new location of Sabbia. We will be serving beverages and treats. There will also be music and and a raffle of two of the Ruf N' Tuf bags and a white amethyst and white sapphire peace charm.

Please come and support the kids!!! It's our wish to make their world a cleaner, healthier, safer place to live. Profits from the sale of the bags will be gifted directly to the charities mentioned above.

We look forward to seeing you!
MK, LaLa and MJ de Maio
Ruf N' Tuf

Thursday June 4th, 2009
4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sabbia
75 East Walton
Chicago, Illinois
60611
RSVP (312)4400044
Or Mary Kay (312)5431028