On the evening of July 26, Life is Work and Tony Long joined forces to present the first annual Pride Ball at FashionBar in Water Tower Place at 835 N. Michigan Ave.
It was clear that Long—a businessman, designer and influencer—and Life is Work were aiming for something more ambitious than a fashion event. The event was billed as a Pride celebration of queer and trans joy, and was dedicated to the founding mothers of Pride, Marsha P. Johnson and Silvia Rivera.
The ball was loaded-to-bursting with glamour, wit, finesse, and serious ass-shaking. Guests were treated to performances from drag artists Haley from the 3rd Period and Femme De Violette; a sustainable runway fashion showcase designed by Poor Boy Rich Taste CEO Prince Saint; and a soundtrack provided by Ariana DJ with words of encouragement by Life is Work CEO Zahara Bassett and Director of Communications Jae Rice. Honey Daniels served as emcee for the event.
But that was hardly everything the night had to offer. A big draw was a runway competition with guests competing in voguing, runway and face categories.
Long told Windy City Times that he regarded the event as “a move from Pride to opulence.”
The ball was so packed with content, glamour and activity that the event ran over its three-hour allotted time. During the show, Water Tower Place shoppers would routinely wander in to see what the commotion was all about. So Long certainly was not kidding in that description.
Photos by Vern Hester
