Nothing goes with five-inch stilettos and Italian sarongs like a glass of champagne. It’s why G’bani owner Trevian Kutti thought a complimentary bar in her Euro-chic boutique on the Gold Coast was the perfect addition. “It’s very common in Europe,” explained Kutti at the bar’s debut. The perk, however, is strictly for store patrons. “You can’t just walk off the street and have a drink,” she laughed. Chimed in Karyn Calabrese, owner of Karyn’s Fresh Corner: It keeps “your husband busy while you shop.” Designers, clients and business neighbors eyed G’bani’s jaw-dropping collection in awe. One see-through party dress had cousins Jerrod Jackson and Kenneth Wayne Daniels wondering where it could be worn in public. Vegas or Miami, maybe. But Chicago? Nah.
–Ytasha L. Womack
YOU TELL ONE FRIEND
This was the first year that the Asian Giving Circle had something to give: $10,000 in grants awarded to three organizations serving Asian-American youth and seniors in the Chicago area. In December 2002, four Asian-American professionals launched the idea of pooling money and resources to help the community. In one year, more than 30 individuals gave a minimum of $250 each. The recipients honored at Rodan restaurant in Bucktown were Asian Human Services ($3,000, seniors); Cambodian Association of Illinois ($4,000, dance troupe); and the Center for Immigrant Resources and Community Arts ($3,000, youth). “Like a good wedding ceremony, we are going to keep it [the program] short,” said Kathy Im. They did, coming in at under an hour.
–Brenda Butler