Media Contact: Sarah Vargo, Maven Publicity and Promotions, 224-622-1759, sarah@maven-chicago.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“The Diva Series” Celebrates Local Fashionistas

di·va – [dee-vuh, -vah] noun, distinguished female singer; prima donna. Goddess, fine lady.

Chicago, Ill. – March 23, 2011 – Maven, the ‘connection company’ behind various luxury lifestyle networking events will host the monthly installment of “The Diva Series” on Thursday, April 7, 6-9PM at Jbar in the contemporary James Hotel at 610 North Rush. The Diva Series honors successful and influential women in Media, PR, Fashion, Fitness, Beauty, Business, Philanthropy and is also hosted by Today’s Chicago Woman and The Aparecio Foundation. This Diva Series will honor local Fashionistas  – designers, boutique owners, fashion journalists and bloggers stylists and remarkable women of style.

“Not only do these women have wonderful personal style, they set the trends in Chicago, ”says Maven Founder and President Sarah Vargo. “If we aren’t catching these women in the style pages of the newspaper, they are certainly the ones writing about new fashion trends and making crucial merchandising decisions for high-end department stores or eclectic boutiques. In our society, the modern-day Fashionista has a lot of power and some killer shoes.”

This monthly cocktail series launched in June 2008 and has recognized over a hundred Chicago women in various lifestyle industries. Past themes have includes Angels (Female Philanthropists), Social Butterflies (Marketing), Media Mavens (Journalists, Publicists and TV personalities) Players (Female Athletes and Sports Figures), Female Foodies (Culinary Arts), Women in Business (Bizy Bees), Beautiful Gems (Beauty and Jewelry), Party Girls (Event Planners), and Social Butterflies (Socialites, Social Media and Marketing).

“I love the Diva Series because I get to meet the crème de la crème in each industry and inspire the emerging Divas by making these women accessible,” remarks Vargo. “I also love putting women on a platform to shine and create an outlet for them to showcase their talent and accomplishments. I want these women to cheer for each other and expand their professional and social networks.”

Maven also hosts the male-version of the Diva Series (appropriately titled the Divo Series) at the House of Blues Foundation Room the second Wednesday of each month. According to Vargo, the word Divo means ‘male superstar’ in Italian. The Diva Series is male-friendly and many men come out to support the successful ladies they know and love. The group of Divas and Divos consistently grows each month and many attendees walk away with new Facebook friends, business cards, dinner plans and business connections.

The event is an intimate yet relaxed networking opportunity. While there is no formal ceremony, Vargo greets the guests with a short thank you speech and champagne toast to the Divas. Vargo explains that most of the recognition actually happens over social media channels and traditional media before and after the event.  There is no cost to attend and specialty cocktails are available. Each Diva has the opportunity to contribute their company logo, press and pictures for a looping slideshow during the event and is encouraged to invite their contracts to celebrate this honor. Event sponsors this month include Rodan + Fields, Stella and Dot, Salon Duo and Ortanic. Guests will have a chance to purchase jewelry and get the latest information on skin and haircare. The Diva Series is the first Thursday of each month and is at Jbar in the James Hotel. To RSVP for the guest list please email sarah@maven-chicago.com.

HONORARY DIVAS

*Candace Jordan – Model/Actress, CandidCandace.com Author

*Tamika Maria Martell – Founder of A-line Style Services http://www.a-linestyleservices.com/ Wardrobe Coach
/ Personal Shopper -As seen on “The Rachael Ray Show”, NBC 5 News, WCIU “The U” & More

*Ashley Zygmunt – Owner and Designer of Zamrie

*Melissa Maynard De Kerch – http://www.Factio-Magazine.com and http://www.RunwaytoRetail.com

*Carol Calacci – Second City Style Managing Editor – www.secondcitystyle.com

*Nicki Brashear – Proprietor of Fashionista Chicago

*Michelle Elfvin – President of Shop Mag Style

*Kristen Pizzolato – Shop Mag Style

*Corri Mcfadden – Owner of Edrop-Off Express

*Anna Fong – Owner and Fashion Designer – www.anna-fong.com

*Jessica Lindsay – Freelance Fashion Test Stylist for Ford & Factor Models, Owner of Double-Edged Couture accessories www.JessicaLindsay.com

*Julie Blake – Fashion Consultant at Mark Shale and Founder of Julie Blake Enterprises

*Katie Cahnmann – www.nowYOUknowevents.wordpress.com

*Nikia Jefferson – Creator of ChiTownFashionista.com

*Jessi Sheehan – Bridal and Marketing Director at Belle Vie Bridal Couture and Vera Wang Chicago – www.BelleVieBridalCouture.com, www.VeraWangChicago.com

*Maria Noll – Senior mgr/ Sequin brand Ambassador

*Erica Strama | Senior Manager, Marketing for The Shops at North Bridge

*Lissa Shipley – Owner and Buyer for Lissa

*Catherine Dean – CEO/Designer of Catherine Dean Collection and Founder of Alpha Women Empowerment Group

Vargo hopes someday to put the Diva and Divo Series on a national and even global map. “I feel that everyone needs encouragement and recognition. I love how excited people get about this. It keeps people motivated, driven and is an inspiration to the next generation of Diva and Divos. I will toast the Divas with some bubbly and drink scotch with the Divos and throw them the best party to celebrate their success, But before I do all that, I should probably figure out what I am going to wear,” she says with a smile.

Maven is a “connection” agency. Our strength lies in who we know, and how we connect our clients with the right people to achieve their objectives. Maven – ma·ven [mey-vuh n] noun, an expert or connoisseur. A person who has special knowledge or dazzling experience. From Yiddish meyvn, from Heb. mebhin, lit. ‘one who understands.”We are mavens in the areas of Publicity, Promotions and Perception. For more information please contact Sarah Vargo at 224-622-1759 or sarah@maven-chicago.com