Who is Howard Godfrey? He is a father. He is an artist. He is an entrepreneur. He is my very talented and much appreciated hair stylist. Now, he can add international poster boy to his growing list of royalties. Howard became one of the subjects of world-renowned photographer Victor Skrebneki for Chicago’s International Film Festival. As the grandson of famous artist Annie Lee, Howard grew up in the presence of art. So, he’s no stranger to the art world. I had a sit down with Howard on how it was to be a part of art in the making, his other creative initiatives, and how it was to work with Victor Skrebneki. – Fashion Editor, Terrence Chappell

While working on my article, I was reminded of an unnerving incident. During a presentation with two young and sophisticated clients; she was resplendent in a stunning little, black dress and chic black stilettos; he was equally dapper in a tailored black suit, black-and-white tie, and black shoes, I noticed that an increasingly incredulous snarl was appearing on their faces. “Did I understand you correctly”, the wife sniped. “You want to paint our room in black?” Panic stricken, I quickly countered, “But you are both head-to-toe in black!”


David Hicks Living Room, c.1960's

I often use black for interiors, even my own living room is painted wall-to-wall in Pratt and Lambert's Obsidian,  a rich, subtly nuanced black, which changes immeasurably throughout the day. Dark-colored walls are an exceedingly good solution if you want the facade of hi-rise living. Moreover, black walls help your furnishings and art 'pop’, especially if painted with a reflective, higher-gloss sheen. Black is also an exquisite backdrop when paired with other colors; white, of course, and certain shades of red, yellow, pink, green, brown, and purple. The metals in cocktail tables, lamps, etc. -- from bronze to gunmetal to nickel -- appear sumptuous when paired with black. I’m not reinventing the wheel. Black has been used throughout much of the history of interiors. In fact, it was a black room by turn-of-the-century architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens, and another black room by mid-century designer David Hicks, which inspired my room.


Sir Edwin Lutyens Room, c. 1906

I am intrepid with my own rooms‘designs, but if you’re squeamish, then simply accessorize with black. I recently finished a client’s room in an array of shimmering silvery grays, anchoring the space with a mid-century French sofa swathed in black velvet with black faux-horsehair pillows. For another client who didn’t want to replace his newer, albeit uninspired, cabinets, I had them spray-lacquered in black to stunning effect. I often paint hallway doors in a high-gloss black. It’s easy, inexpensive and will transform an otherwise humdrum space into one reminiscent of an old-world hotel. Wallpaper a room, or just accent a wall in a graphic black-and-white patterned wallpaper. Or paint your walls white and hang an assortment of black-and-white images framed in black ,or a single large-scale black-and-white abstract painting. Give a room an air of sophistication with a pair of black lamps flanking your sofa or bed, or even place black lampshades on existing lamps. Wooden floors stained in ebony, or black and white marble tiles are a dramatic backdrop for any style furnishings. As this city is a mecca for Mies-designed buildings, utilize his chrome and black leather chairs as accents. Equally prevalent here are the black-and-white tiled bathrooms in 20’s-era mid-rises, a look easily and inexpensively replicated. If your tastes run more contemporary, utilize a glossy mosaic glass tile in black. Even if your style is more old-world than urban, you can use a black-and-white toile fabric, black-lacquered antiques, or the like, to magnificent effect.

Hotel Arista at Citygate Centre

The Hotel Arista works with three stellar western suburban courses: Cantigny, Prairie Landing and Seven Bridges. With an overnight stay, guests have the option to play a round at one course—or stay two nights and try all three. Packages include accommodations for two, breakfast at the Arista’s hip SugarToad restaurant and complimentary transportation. Packages start at $309 per person. Hotel Arista at Citygate Centre, 2139 CityGate Lane, Naperville, 630.579.4200,

Pheasant Run Resort

Forty minutes outside the city, Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles offers golfing enthusiasts a nice reprieve from the hustle and bustle. Enjoy an overnight stay and two rounds of golf at the par-72 Pheasant Run Resort Course. After building up your appetite, be sure to use your $15 food and beverage voucher, valid in any of the resort’s restaurants. Then hit the spa or gym. Packages start at $239. Pheasant Run Resort,4051 East Main St., St. Charles, 630.584.6300

Eaglewood Resort & Spa

For the serious golfer, Eaglewood’s championship course features a challenging spread of 100-year-old Oak trees, three lakes and sloping greens sure to push your game to the next level. Packages for the 18-hole championship USGA-certified golf course include a four-hole night game for $40 per player or a nine-hole game at $55 per player. Make it a tournament and take advantage of the group nine-hole game. Incentives include a $10 credit toward pro shop merchandise, personalized cart signs and professional scoring. 1401 Nordic Rd., Itasca, 630-773-1400