Meet me at Room 21
On June 18, Jaguar showcased its new XK and XF models for an enthusiastic lifestyle press gathering at Chicago's Room 21, a trendy new South Loop restaurant housed in what used to be Al Capone's biggest brewery, liquor warehouse and speakeasy. Owners Marc Brooks and Jerry Kliener (who is also the designer) welcomed writers and other VIPs to their bistro. During construction, Kleiner discovered a hidden tunnel that led him to a varnished, metal door with a rusty Room 21 sign, leading
out to 21st Street. Hence the name. And local historian Richard Lindberg notes this was the first place Untouchable Elliot Ness raided on June 15, 1930. Guests of honor at the event were Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum, and the cars, of course. Said North American Events Manager Stephanie Dauble, "We felt that Room 21, with its indulgent interior furnishings, tree-lined patio, and keen awareness for detail, was a perfect urban backdrop for our cars."

The XF experience.
Next day, shiny new XF sedans were delivered to the offices and homes of seven Chicago VIP couples. This was the first stage of an event officially titled Evenings in Vogue, presented by Jaguar. The idea at this point was to introduce Jaguar's newest sporting luxury sedan to the VIPs and create buzz and excitement about the XF driving experience. During the drive, the VIPs thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were highly impressed.

The XK urban rally.
The big Evenings in Vogue day, though, was June 26. In the afternoon, all participants exchanged their XFs for dashing Jaguar XKR coupes, the epitome of "beautiful, fast, distinctive" sports cars. Then they began a rally drive through downtown. The trip through afternoon traffic was exciting enough, but there were also a number of stops where luxurious surprises were offered to the delighted guests.

At CD Peacock, event co-hosts Miae Lim (of Brasserie Rulhmann) and Marc Brooks (of Room 21) offered guests gift boxes containing jewelry rolls for women and cufflinks for the men—one special gift box contained a surprise diamond pendant.

At the next stop, guests received iPod^® Shuffles downloaded with Jaguar's ride and drive soundtrack created by DJ Michael Smith.

Later in the day, guests shopped a little and received, courtesy of Jaguar & Vogue, embroidered bathrobes.

And as the rally wound down, the VIPs headed to one of the premium hotels in Chicago for luxurious hair and makeup treatments and shoe shines for the night ahead. As they left the Suite, each guest received a gift card to a high end fashion department store and an invitation to view the Band Of Outsiders Fall 2008 fashion collection which was showing there.

The culminating gala.
The final stop of the day was the pièce de résistance for Evenings in Vogue, presented by Jaguar, a shimmering celebration at Brasserie Ruhlmann.

Hosts Miae and Marc again welcomed the VIP couples, and over 300 other guests, to Lim's classic French brasserie and steakhouse. Located in the heart of River North.

The evening's intent, besides capping a stunning day, was to introduce its audience of stylish tastemakers to top trends and premier products from the worlds of fashion, beauty and luxury. Guests were treated to indulgences including sleek Jaguars delivering them to the door, an informal preview of Scott Sternberg's Fall 2008 fashion collection for Band of Outsiders, tasting fine wines, and complimentary hand-rolled cigars.

All in all, it was an inspired and glittering show of modern design in a completely luxurious setting. Guests loved it. They said: "It was a really eclectic blend of people which reflected the many layers of Chicago." "What an outstanding event. I was so thrilled to be included. I'm still thinking about the Jaguar" and, "The entire week was just phenomenal."