Gen Art and VO5 present: The Red Room

Red Room 2006 was definitely a night to remember. With the River East Art Center of Chicago transformed into an ultra-luxe, multi-level lounge, the theme of the night was undoubtedly RED! Interior design was taken to new heights with VO5’s new styling products adorning the shelves and in the hands of Salonblonde stylists ready to extravagantly transform the hair of fashionistas.

As guests arrived, the red glow from the building set the mood. Stylists from Salonblonde could be seen in “salons” on either side of the entrance teasing, spraying, and manipulating hair in ways only creativity could have conceived. Those brave enough to step outside their comfort zone and enter the simulated salon with its plush red couches and red bar stools were in for a “hair-raising” experience. No worries, though, as the bar was within arms’ reach in every room.

The theme of red flowed into the drinks as well! From champagne with a sprinkle of crushed raspberries to cranberry and vodka, every party-goer’s thirst was quenched. To please the palate, waiters clad in VO5 shirts offered tempting hors d’ oeuvres including baked brie with almonds and cranberries, smoked salmon with a touch of dill atop pumpernickel toast, and chicken quesadillas.

While so much was going on upstairs, a peek over the glass walls revealed a whole other world just down the translucent staircase. DJ Major Taylor WAS THERE to spice things up, providing the intersection for music and style. Not only were today’s hottest singles playing, Scratch DJ Academy offered free DJ lessons to anyone willing to step up to the plate. With these sounds as a warm-up, things only got hotter when Amie Miriello, a VO5 Red Hot Rising Star, and her band Dirtie Blonde performed.

As the event was drawing to a close, what better way to end the night than with a goodie bag stocked full of products from VO5, Dirtie Blonde, and Remington. Here’s a chance to take what was learned from the Salonblonde stylists and apply it at home. Or at least try.

- Jenna Funk