Lyric Opera 2025-2026 Issue 7 - A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 30 and spirit in a fresh, authentic way, celebrating each performer for this incredible stage.” Adds Chloé: “There will be nods to that sort of whimsical dream, because it’s the DNA; but we didn’t want to make it so obvious, because that’s the easy way out — and we never do that.” These are lessons Chloé learned growing up under her father’s wing and spending time in his atelier. In 1981, Gilles Mendel took over as the fifth-generation head of fashion house J.Mendel, originally founded in 1870 in St. Petersburg, Russia; under his leadership, the brand shifted away from furs and into dressmaking and ready-to-wear. “It was always the question people asked: Will you go into fashion? ” Chloé says. “I went to art school for a semester and tried a few things — working at an architecture firm, being a personal assistant, working at a restaurant — but I kept falling back to fashion.” When she did make the final call to go all in on the industry, it felt like a natural fit, weaving together her dual passions for fashion and family. “Family has always been at the heart of her decisions,” Gilles says. “She’s always had a natural ability to create, and she’s truly a free spirit; you never quite know what’s next. Creating pieces in a bespoke setting allowed us to make true works of art together. Chloé brings so much energy and vision — she really shapes the experience and keeps me on my toes.” In 2024, after co-designing her wedding gown, Chloé and her father officially launched House of Gilles; in addition to bridal and bespoke, the label also just released its first ready- to-wear capsule, a collection that includes pleated minidresses, corseted gowns, and the house’s signature hand-made flower detailing. The Mellon Collie costumes, and the show itself, are an ode not just to the album but to Chloé and Billy’s identities, the creative space they occupy in the world and in their community on the North Shore, maybe nowhere more so than at their tea shop. “We opened Madame ZuZu’s in Highland Park as an extension of our home,” Chloé says. “Naturally, we’re creative people, so we wanted to create a place that felt inclusive and different. For me, breaking bread is the core of connection, and that’s exactly what ZuZu’s was meant to do.” On any given day, you might find a mother with her kids, teenagers taking selfies, a meeting of the North Shore Women’s Poker Club, or even members of a semi-vintage rock band. “It’s about good music, great food, cookies, beautiful teas, and community — all the things we find fun and meaningful. It’s a space that brings people together from all walks of life.” The 7-night showcase of A Night of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness is a reflection of all of this: It’s a celebration of Billy and the band, of Chicago, and of Chloé’s place in it all — fashion and family and music rolled into one. “This is such a huge achievement in Billy’s life; he’s not only honored but blown away that they would even consider making an opera with his music,” Chloé says. “So to be able to support my husband, even just as a wife, is so special. I’m touched that he wants me involved, that we can make it all happen and more.” Elle Cashin was the longtime Editor-in-Chief of Modern Luxury Weddings magazine. She has contributed to The New York Times , Chicago Tribune , CS , The Knot , BRIDES , and other publications. Naturally, we’re creative people, so we wanted to create a place that felt inclusive and different