Gloria Groom
Groom in a vintage Christian Lacroix dress at the Arts Club. United Nude shoes, $185, unitednude.com Photos: Petya Shalamanova

It’s no secret that Gloria Groom, curator of 19th-century European paintings and sculpture at the Art Institute of Chicago, loves fashion. She did, after all, organize the 2013 standout Impressionism, Fashion, and Modernity. Her latest exhibition, Gauguin: Artist as Alchemist, opens June 25. When she’s not running from wing to wing at the Art Institute, Groom kicks back with a stiff martini and a mani-pedi.

My signature style

Eclectic. I like to mix expensive things with funky stuff from H&M.

Last great read

Hope Jahren’s Lab Girl. It mixes botany with a story about being a female scientist in a man’s world.

Favorite bar

The Drawing Room at the Arts Club. It gets me out of the Loop. I drink a vodka martini, straight up, with a twist of lemon.

Best Chicago meal

Acanto’s mini pizzas. The flavors change all the time.

Local institution worthy of praise

The Lyric Opera has a wonderful period flavor. You feel like you’re being transported to the 19th century when you go there.

What I surround myself with at home

Piano music. I’ll even bash out songs from old musicals on my own piano.

Favorite app

Duolingo. It’s like a children’s game that helps you learn different languages. I play it in line in the grocery store.

Local indulgence

I go to Spa O in Oak Park for mani-pedis.

Beloved fashion era

The 1960s for jackets and the 1950s for full skirts.

Hidden talent

I play the ukulele!

 
Bulgari green tea body lotion

Bulgari green tea body lotion

“Splash some of this on and it feels like your skin just woke up again.”
$58, Neiman Marcus, 737 N. Michigan Ave.

Photo: Courtesy of vendor

 

Patricia Locke earrings

Patricia Locke earrings

“She’s a local designer who uses Renaissance-style settings.”
$101 for similar, Camille et Famille, 7418 Madison St., Forest Park

 

Franklin McMahon line drawing

Franklin McMahon line drawing

“One of Obama’s gifts is orating. You can see that in this.”
Single edition