BASIL HAYDEN  has been distilling the finest Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey since the days of George Washington in 1796. Hayden embodies everything stylish and fashionable at the world's most sophisticated bars and lounges.

Last year they partnered with OUT Magazine and launched a Tastemakers Design Contest in various cities, Chicago included. In 2007 Project Runways Nick Verreos created some stunning clothing.  

This year, they did  it again. Plans were submitted by local designers  and Chicago's NATE BERKUS reviewed them and three were selected and given $2500 each to bring their idea to to life. Bryan Lump designed a coffee table, Rion Stassi designed a chandelier and Sarah Tranum designed a chair.  (I don't think any of the contestants were gay...)

A few nights ago, all three designers and their objects were on hand at CRIMSON LOUNGE, (which, by the way, I was NOT impressed by. It was like being in your Grandma's Living Room) as well as handsome Nate,  and an audience of movers and shakers voted for the "top design."  The grand prize was NOT NATE! But the winning design and designer  received $10,000.



                                                  



                                                       

The whole thing is kind of odd really. Has a Kentucky  Bourbon Whiskey, named after an 18th century farmer who was one of the early settlers in Kentucky’s Catholic Counties, ever before been called “fashion forward,” let alone “stylish”?  Are that many gays drinking Whiskey? I thought everyone drank Vodka and Rum? And why did OUT Magazine sponsor it, yet all the finalists (and half the audience seemed to be straight?)  They have to have a REALLY GOOD marketing department, that's all I can say!


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