THE HERON POST presents THE ARTS

July 28, 2026 | Chicago

A runway hidden inside Chicago, behind vines and hanging ambient lights.

This wasn’t the Chicago Botanic Garden. It wasn’t Garfield Conservatory. It was The Secret Garden.

For one night, Madame Puffs & Thai Bistro hosted an intimate fashion experience.

The Secret Garden transformed Madame Puffs into a boutique runway show, pulling four designers, models, stylists and content creators through its doors for an evening that moved from red carpet to garden.

Among those watching from the audience was Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White who was present as an honored guest.

The runway belonged to four labels: Gidi, known for luxury womenswear; Privé Couture, built around custom couture pieces; Nakamol, showing a jewelry collection; and House of AJ, the high-end luxury brand from Chicago celebrity stylist AJ Johnson.

Of the four, Johnson arrived with the deepest local footprint. He built his name at his Chicago salon, AJ's of Chicago, before starring in the Style Network reality series "Chicagolicious," which followed his staff of stylists through nearly twenty episodes in 2012 and 2013.

His client list extends well beyond Chicago. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Johnson has styled and consulted for Jill Scott, Angela Bassett, Iman and Tyra Banks, and his work has taken him from Chicago to New York, London and Los Angeles.

Johnson has also appeared on national television alongside "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "Wendy Williams," "The Steve Harvey Show" and Giuliana and Bill Rancic, and has emceed Chicago fashion events including Fashion Group International's Blue Jacket Fashion Show Brunch. More recently, he's been a featured personality on seasons nine and ten of "The Real Housewives of Potomac" and is developing a new unscripted series, working-titled "Gatekeepers," on which he'll serve as both on-screen talent and co-producer.

House of AJ, his fashion and beauty label, has shown women's collections in Chicago, Los Angeles and Atlanta and describes itself as a Black-owned luxury brand built around bold, statement-driven design — a description that lined up with the exclusive pieces that opened The Secret Garden runway. 

The runway wasn't the only performance of the night. Chicago actress & singer Sarah Kopp opened the evening with a live set, setting the tone before the first look hit the floor.

Dancer Autumn Marron took the space on her own for an interpretive dance performance, adding an artistic beat to a night built around stunning spectacle. The evening itself was the work of Sharon Johnson and IRMF Productions, who produced Secret Garden: Fashion Edition from concept to closing number.

Follow AJ Johnson and House of AJ for more from Chicago's avant-garde fashion scene. 

If The Secret Garden left you dreaming of hosting your own night to remember, Madame Puffs & Thai Bistro is ready to help: reserve your private event space today.

Send a message or visit the restaurant's website to inquire, follow along at @madamepuffsandthaibistro on Instagram, or call 312.995.4647.