LAUNCH PARTY FOR RUNWAYTORETAIL.COM

On Thursday February 2nd, More than 350 people – including the socially savvy Billy Dec and Arturo Gomez from Rockit Ranch Productions; dining and entertainment mogul Jerry Kliner, Merchandise Mart VP William Noonan; Carrie Lannon of the fashionable Lannon Communications PR firm; Tracey Mayer designer of the line by the same name; Alife's Jon Landan; Gen Art's Kelly Ryan O'Brien; Factio Media's Melissa Maynard and Henrique Kerch; V's Jamie Murray (Real World New Orleans), Laura Siebold (Currently on Style Me with Rachel Hunter on WE) and Factio Magazine’s current Woman of Style Kelly Drury (General Hospital and Femme Bot on Austin Power’s) and others -- stopped by throughout the evening to munch on globally-inspired appetizers prepared by Executive Chef Brad Phillips.

These guests were invited to what can be described as the most fashion forward launch party so far this year. Featuring the launch of Upscale TV and Factio Media’s RunwaytoRetail.com, the night was bound to be a good one. Saltaus restaurant, owned by Nader Salti, expertly hosted the event and his swanky pad proved to be the perfect setting.

Arriving in attire ranging from trendsetting jeans with couture tank tops to glamorous, dressy garb, guests were swept into Saltaus by the energy emanating from the floor to ceiling glass walls. Greeted by the elegant bar, temptation was high as PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur provided specialty cocktails that were to die for.

Upstairs was an entirely different venue, or so it felt. Goodie bags courtesy of Factio Magazine and Upscale TV awaited, stuffed with treats including DuWop to plump your pout, Bliss Soaps the size of bricks, Party Earth books, Barrielle manicure extenders and Elemis eye savers thanks to Beauty on Call, and even more. Believe it or not, though, the night had just begun!

Keeping the socially savvy crowd of about 350 on beat was hottie DJ Mat Devine of the Chicago-based Kill Hannah. While the glam rock sounds spun out, waitresses tempted guests with delicious hor d’oeuvres designed to satisfy a king. Yummy chicken rollups, fabulous flank steak skewers and succulent sushi were all part of the globally inspired appetizers superbly prepared by Executive Chef Brad Phillips.

To make the evening even more memorable, Upscale TV Host William Kelly held auditions in Saltaus’ VIP room to find the show’s perfect female co-host.

The guests of Upscale TV and RunwaytoRetail.com ended the evening on a high note, going their separate ways energized, entertained, and eager to experience more from this dynamic duo.

- - By Jenna Funk , Chicago Correspondent- Factio Magazine, RunwaytoRetail.com