Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/403159
photography by billy rood; Styling by brian Stanziale of 10 MgMt agency uncorking success As ChiCAgoAns embrACe the holidAy seAson, CEO NaNCy BiglEy of festive fAvorite bottle & bottegA leAds the ChiCAgo-bAsed CompAny's Ambitious effort to open 30 frAnChised loCAtions in the next yeAr. by dawn reiss Festooned with lime-green walls, eggplant curtains, and a wine-glass chandelier, Lakeview's Bottle & Bottega is a cornucopia of vibrant colors. From a f light of stairs Nancy Bigley, CEO and co-owner of the Chicago-based wine and art party concept, descends from her second-f loor apartment, which is sandwiched between the first-f loor art studio space and a third-f loor meeting area. "It's really convenient for training and candidate meetings," says Bigley as she strolls through the art studio. "But you don't get away. Sometimes I've found it's been four days and I haven't left this building." It's that type of drive that has helped Bigley expand Bottle & Bottega in the past year from seven locations to 15. The concept is simple, allowing guests to either plan a private event or join one of the daily public painting parties. Bottle & Bottega supplies the instructor and the art supplies; visitors cater food and either buy or bring their own wine. Now, everyone from corporations hosting a holiday gathering to friends throwing bridal, baby shower, and bachelorette parties—including an optional nude model—have painted on B&B's canvases, wine glasses, orna- ments, and glass cutting boards. The company Dress, Alaia ($4,230). Neiman Marcus, 737 N. Michigan Ave., 312-642-5900; neimanmarcus.com. Necklace, stylist's own continued on page 74 michiganavemag.com 73 PEOPLE View from the Top