Shop The Fashionable Estate Of South Side Socialite Grace Jones This Weekend

This weekend, fashion enthusiasts and collectors will have the opportunity to shop at the estate sale of the renowned South Side socialite, Grace Jones. Despite sharing a name with the famous model and musician, Grace Jones was a corporate trailblazer and fashion maven in her own right.

Her impressive collection of designer clothes, furniture, and accessories will be available for sale at her luxurious Kenwood condo.

Grace Jones, originally from Englewood, overcame significant challenges as a Black woman in the 1950s corporate world.

Lynn McDaniel, known as the "Estate Sale Goddess" who is hosting the sale, explained that Jones climbed the corporate ladder while facing demeaning treatment. However, she didn't let those obstacles hinder her success.

As her career flourished, Jones embraced a jet-setting lifestyle, indulging in shopping sprees at upscale stores in France, Italy, and her beloved hometown, Chicago.

According to McDaniel, Grace Jones wasn't just a fashionista; she was a true fashion maven who had an impeccable sense of style and took great care of her possessions.

The estate sale will feature an array of designer items, including dresses, handbags, furniture, and more.

Renowned brands such as Gucci, Chanel, Fendi, and Valentino will be showcased, allowing shoppers to find exquisite pieces to enhance their own wardrobes and homes.

The sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Newport Condominiums, located at 4800 S. Chicago Beach Drive.

To ensure a fair shopping experience, security will distribute numbered passes based on arrival time starting at 8 a.m. Customers must arrive by 2:30 p.m., although McDaniel recommends arriving early to secure the best deals. Additionally, remote purchases can be made by calling 312-450-9821 from 9:30 a.m. onwards.

All major credit cards and cash will be accepted. For more detailed information about the sale and a comprehensive list of rules, please visit [insert link to sale information].

It is worth noting that Grace Jones, the socialite being celebrated at this estate sale, is not related to the famous model and musician.

Her accomplishments primarily revolved around her successful career at Commonwealth Edison, where she began working in 1953.

Being a Black woman in corporate America during that era presented significant challenges, as McDaniel explained. Jones faced scrutiny regarding her appearance, including checks on her attire, nylons, hair, and even perfume usage.

Despite the demeaning treatment, she persevered and ultimately retired from Commonwealth Edison, having dedicated a significant portion of her life to the company.

Jones' determination to overcome societal barriers is evident in her first company badge, which portrays her staring directly at the camera with a resolute expression.

According to McDaniel, this image reflects Jones' unyielding spirit, asserting, "I know who I am. I am Grace Jones, and I am going to rise above it all."

Once she had established herself at Commonwealth Edison, Jones ventured into a vibrant social life.

She cultivated a friendship with Margaret Burroughs, the esteemed artist and founder of the DuSable Black History Museum, and the two embarked on global adventures together.

Furthermore, Jones became an influential figure in the world of fashion, frequented by the upper echelons.

She was a familiar face at Ultimo, the prestigious boutique on Oak Street. However, gaining entry to the boutique was not easy, as McDaniel noted.

The staff's approval hinged on knowing and appreciating the client's style. Jones' passion for fashion extended beyond Chicago, as she often explored boutiques nationwide and even made special trips, such as her journey to Las Vegas solely to acquire a pair of Pollini boots.

Some of the notable designers favored by Jones included Christian LaCroix, St. John, Yves St. Laurent, and Pierre Cardin. She meticulously cared for her garments, using scented sachets in her shoes and storing them in plastic bins with tissue to preserve their shape.

Plastic covers and shoulder guards were additional measures she took to maintain the quality of her clothing, demonstrating her dedication to her wardrobe.

The upcoming estate sale will feature many of Jones' remarkable finds alongside meticulously maintained furniture.

The selection includes pieces such as the white leather sofa and chairs from Walter E. Smithe and mid-century modern items from Milo Baughman. The sale caters to individuals who value their appearance and strive to be their best selves.

Lynn McDaniel and her husband, Ty McDaniel, have been operating An Orange Moon vintage shop in Wicker Park for over a decade. Known as the Estate Sale Goddess, Lynn specializes in antiques, while Ty is an expert in art, books, and photography.

Their work extends beyond merely showcasing items from historic estates in Chicago; they delve into the stories and histories of the individuals behind the possessions, akin to archaeological discoveries that unveil a person's past.

As Lynn McDaniel emphasized, people desire to connect with the individuals whose belongings they acquire.

The couple has managed the estates of various notable figures, including Jesse Owens, actress Etta Moten Barnett, former Bears running back Cyril Pinder, and art curator Madeline Murphy Rabb.

Even among these distinguished names, Grace Jones' estate stands out for its exceptional beauty and captivating collection.

When McDaniel and her team entered Jones' condo, they were in awe of the abundance of exquisite items.

She couldn't contain her amazement and kept repeating, "Wow!" until her staff began laughing.

This rare reaction speaks to the extraordinary nature of Grace Jones' estate and the treasures awaiting discerning shoppers at the upcoming sale.