PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE, PONCE PHOTOGRAPHY

CREATIVE DIRECTION BY D. GRAHAM KOSTIC | WRITTEN BY ELLE EICHINGER

Though she’s never had a hands-on job with fashion, most of what Samantha Berngard has done resulted from a passion for style, from working for magazines to being involved in cultural organizations like the Chicago History Museum’s Costume Council. (Fun fact: The Costume Collection at the museum is one of the most comprehensive in the world, and contains vintage pieces from high end designers like Halston, Chanel, and Dior). Sam has found her philanthropic fit in organizations that contribute to the culture of a city: she’s also on the Auxiliary Board for the Joffrey Ballet (which is basically the Women’s Board for the younger set, she explains). Plus, as part of her new job as the Director of Events for the Chicago Sun-Times’ weekend publication, Splash, Sam’s involved with another three or four charity events each week. And—we don’t know where she finds the time—her devotion to charity is rivaled only by her devotion to style.

She arrived to our interview in head-to-toe BCBG (including a charcoal blazer to die for), but before going on camera changed into a floor-length hot pink skirt by Atelier Azza, her all-time favorite local designer and fellow Cool Kid. The outfit was a fitting choice, as the gorgeous skirt does for fashion what Sam does for everyone she encounters: truly brightens the day.

SAMANTHA’S CLOSET: Seasonal (“I spent all day winterizing it!”). Bigger than her husband’s. Loaded with BCBG, Sarca, and statement jewelry from Damen + Division. 

SAMANTHA WILL NEVER PART WITH: “A French Connection blazer that I bought in D.C. when I went with my mom on a college visit to [George Washington University]. It’s the most perfectly fitted blazer, but also I could never part with it because I have so many memories in it.” 

SAMANTHA WEARS VINTAGE DENIM SHIRT. SKIRT BY
ATELIER AZZA. SHOES BY PIERRE LOPEZ.