Meet the members bringing the shine to Soho House Chicago

For the past nine years, Soho House Chicago has held space for creatives across the city to meet, connect, and inspire new ideas. 

To celebrate 20 years of Soho House in North America, we’re spotlighting those members who make Soho House Chicago a unique connected community. 

Below, meet stylist and Founder member, Brandon Fein; fellow Founder member and photographer, Paul Octavious; marketing and hospitality expert, Ryan Myers, and dancer and fashion creator, Peter Gaona.

Top, clockwise from bottom left: Paul Octavious, Brandon Frein, Ryan Meyers, Bryan Benhaim, Katie Stowers, Peter Gaona, and Abi English
Above: Brandon Frein; the stylist is joined by Peter Gaona and André Reid

Brandon Frein 
Commercial and editorial wardrobe stylist

How long have you been a member?
‘I’ve been a Founder member since 2014.’ 

Why is Soho House special to you? And what makes your US House unique? 
‘The staff and members are what make Soho House so special. I’ve made so many amazing connections and friends over the years. These connections have brought me not only some incredible opportunities, but also a helping of inspiration and joy. I love my Soho House family.

‘Soho House Chicago is unique because it’s filled with Midwesterners. We are a tough and loyal bunch. As the saying goes, the Midwest is best.’

How do you spend your time at Soho House? Any standout moments?
‘If I’m not by the pool, then my favourite thing to do is talk to fellow members to inspire and support each other, and maybe even create something. That’s the best part by far.

‘One of my favourite Soho House memories was taking a trip to Camp Wandawega alongside some of my fellow Chicago members, as well as others from the LA and Toronto Houses. We had a ridiculous amount of fun exploring, eating, dancing, kayaking, doing yoga, and drinking copious amounts of Grey Goose vodka.’

Above, from left: Paul Octavious; Peter Gaona, André Reid, Brandon Frein, Ryan Meyers and Paul Octavious head to the House

Paul Octavious 
Photographer and creative director

How long have you been a member?
‘Since 2014, I’ve been a Founder member.’

Why is Soho House special to you? And what makes your US House unique?
‘I believe that our House has the highest level of diversity among its members and events. Over the years, numerous transformations have occurred, yet the unmistakable Chicago vibe remains a constant presence.’

How do you spend your time at Soho House? Any standout moments? 
‘My go-to activities revolve around hitting the gym and throwing fantastic get-togethers for friends. Right from the start, Soho House Chicago’s parties have been a blast, delivering an electrifying experience that’s etched in my memory. My most unforgettable moment to this day is photographing Nick Jones on the rooftop of the House before a pool was even put in.’

Above, from left: Ryan Meyers; Peter Gaona and Paul Octavious

Ryan Meyers 
Marketing and hospitality expert, @ryaninthecity

How long have you been a member? 
‘Eight years.’

Why is Soho House special to you? And what makes your US House unique? 
‘Soho House Chicago is all about the community, where there’s a place for everyone. I love how diverse our members are, offering a mix of experiences and learning from people from all walks of life. Our clubs are perfect for making new friends and turning this House into a beloved second home. Oh, and the amenities – the pool with skyline views, the cosy movie theatre and great gym – make the House one of a kind.’

How do you spend your time at Soho House? Any standout moments? 
‘This House is my home away from home, where I find myself all day and night. My favourite place is sitting around the big table on the fifth floor at Breakfast Club, a place where anyone is welcome, and you can always meet a new friend. From energising mornings in the gym with my Breakfast Club community to dancing by the pool during the sunset music set, there’s no place like Soho House to embrace the playful spirit of Chicago. I’ve met so many lifelong friends here, so I love to just pop by and see who’s around.’

Above, clockwise from top: Ryan Meyers, Paul Octavious and Katie Stowers enjoy the rooftop; guests in The Allis at Soho House Chicago; Peter Gaona

Peter Gaona
Dancer-turned-designer and owner of online retailer ReformedSchool

How long have you been a member?
‘For five years.’
 
Why is Soho House special to you? And what makes your US House unique? 
‘Soho House Chicago has given me space to grow socially and helped expand my business network. The energy of the people make it a unique and special place to call it your home away from home. The vibe is a chilled and laid-back welcoming energy.’

How do you spend your time at Soho House? Any standout moments? 
‘I spend my time at the House connecting with new friends and other entrepreneurs to create new opportunities. Standout moments at the Soho House Chicago would be the event we had with Sherman ‘Dilla’ Thomas, the Chicago historian. It was such an energetic and intelligent discussion about the city. I left feeling a little smarter.’

Explore and apply for membership at Soho House Chicago.