In the heart of Chicago, where temperatures plunged to a biting negative 10 degrees, something extraordinary unfolded—proof that passion, friendship, and purpose can outshine even the harshest conditions. At the stunning Beau Chateau Alsip location, international supermodel Anita Lain Stigler stood gracefully in the cold, not for fame or glamour, but to support an incredible friend and visionary designer, Sandy Moore.
Wrapped in Sandy Moore’s beautifully detailed design, Anita embodied strength, loyalty, and belief. Known globally for her presence and poise, Anita returned to her own neck of the woods to uplift a survivor, a creator, and a dreamer. As Anita herself perfectly expressed, “Some years are for growing, but this year is for blooming.” This moment was exactly that—blooming against all odds.
Behind the lens, photographer Antonio King Housley braved the freezing weather alongside them, capturing every detail, every emotion, and every stitch. His dedication helped bring Sandy Moore’s creation to life, transforming cold air into timeless imagery. It was a reminder that a little progress each day truly does add up to big results.
About the Designer: Sandy Moore
Sandra “Sandy” Moore is the resilient business owner and fashion designer behind Candy Kouture in Joliet, Illinois. Her journey began early, modelling from the ages of 13 to 17. Life soon led her down a different path—she married her childhood sweetheart after he enlisted in the military and moved to Maine, where she devoted herself to raising four sons.
In 1990, Sandy returned to Joliet, and by 2005, she courageously opened her own retail store. Shortly after, life tested her in unimaginable ways. Diagnosed with colon cancer and given a five-year survival prediction, Sandy refused to surrender. Sewing and designing became her refuge, helping her fight through treatments, physical changes, and emotional battles. Her strength was tested again with subsequent diagnoses of breast and stomach cancer.
Against every expectation, Sandy survived—and thrived. Now in remission for over 20 years, she transformed her pain into purpose. Through fashion shows featuring women, men, and children, Sandy celebrates inner beauty, confidence, and self-esteem. As a designer and sewing teacher at Candy Kouture, she empowers others to express themselves and believe in their worth.
Today, Sandy Moore stands not only as a designer, but as a wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and cancer survivor—living proof that resilience can be stitched into every dream.
This Chicago shoot was more than fashion. It was a statement of hope, friendship, and unwavering belief. In freezing temperatures, hearts were warm, dreams were alive, and one powerful truth stood tall: when passion meets perseverance, even winter can bloom.
Designer: Sandra Moore
Accessories: Candy Kouture
Model: @iamanitalain_Stigler
Mua: @GlamwithDianne
Photographer: @antoniosoneshotphotography5151
IG:- Anita Lain Stigler
