Second Annual ART + SOUL Benefit

THE EVENT: Art + Soul, the second annual fundraising event hosted by Paul Wilson, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Art + Science Salons in Chicago and Evanston Illinois, and David Raccuglia, founder of American Crew, to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Greater Illinois, a non profit donor organization, "focused on supporting the development of new drugs to fight the disease, improve the quality of life for those with CF and ultimately to find a cure."

THE DETAILS: Hundreds of guests arrived at the historical Park West in downtown Chicago in support of CFF and Erica Netter, an Art + Science colorist, and her husband Sam, whose five-month-old son named Jameson was born with the genetic disease.

THE SHOW: The evening kicked off with a styling lounge, where Art + Science stylists created braids for guests and provided complimentary make-up services. After settling into their seats, attendees were treated with the premiere of Scumbags of Rotterdam, a documentary about the barbers of Schorem Barbier in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Their traditional barbering techniques and rockabilly style was the inspiration for the men's runway show that succeeded it. Becca May, director of education for men and barber at Art + Science, says the show served as a way for the Chicago artists to pay homage to the meticulous craft and skill that was present in the Sumbags' work. The men's collection featured three looks, the lumberjack, the greaser and the everyday man.

The opening of the women's show featured a colour segment with textured and smooth styles of various lengths. Tousled waves and curly afros were juxtaposed with sleek pixies and mid-lengh cuts. The six looks were directed by Art + Science Color Director Susan Hurley. The second collection was an ode to the punk/grunge scene of the mid 1970's. Models wearing texturized haircuts with tattered fringe with monochromatic color pounded the runway in bondage-styled pants and handcuffs. The looks were created using cut wigs, Bumble and Bumble hairspray and Bumble and Bumble hair chalk. Wilson, Rob Reyes, Tara Hulka and Alice Salazar directed this segment. The final women's collection entitled Alien couture featured a selection of intricate braiding techniques. The avant garde styles were said to have been inspired by the Fifth Element and were directed by Jason Fanning.

The night of music, fashion and hair ended with performances by Purple Apple and Wild Belle, a headliner at this year's Lollapalooza.

DOING GOOD: Last year, Art + Soul, sold out and raised over $12,000 to benefit Down Syndrome research and advocation. This year Wilson and his team hope to increase their donation. Find out how you can get involved to support this campaign by visiting cff.org.