Over 1000 guests flew in from all over the globe for nightlife impresario/ philanthropist/entrepreneur (Swiss Army Knife) Michael Capponi’s 40^th birthday party benefit at Capitale in New York City on May 4- a veritable who’s who of the city’s top nightlife heavyweights, models, celebrities and promoters.  No stranger to extravagant birthday bashes, Capponi has celebrated past birthdays in a tree-house mansion in Nygard Cay; aboard a pirate ship at the now defunct Jimbo’s; and in an airplane hangar at Opa Locka airport to name a few.  We had no doubt that Capponi would pull out all the stops for his latest milestone, which, as expected, would require an airplane ride.

This year’s Jacmel Carnaval themed event shone a spotlight on Capponi’s progress in providing quality education, diverse vocational training, industry development and job creation in Haiti throughout his 60 trips to the island nation since the devastating earthquake in January 2010. Capponi created the Haiti Empowerment Mission, to which Capponi’s guests donated a whopping $120, 000. 

 The grand affair, hosted by Donna Karan and Maria Bello was co-hosted by prominent nightlife industry figures,  Mark Birnbaum and Eugene Remm of EMM Group, Richie Akiva and Ronnie Madra of Butter Group, Valmira Mavraj and Sarah Bromley of VIEvents, Jeffrey Jah and Mark Baker of The Double Seven; and Seth Greenberg, Valerie Post, Peri Callimanopulos, and Dayssi Kanavos, who along with special guests including The Today Show’s style contributor, Jill Martin, New York Fashion Week producer, Fern Mallis, and Consul General of Haiti in New York, Charles Forbin enjoyed an evening filled with performances by Jacmel Carnaval dancers, authentic Haitian cuisine, cocktails and music by Haitian musicians Melky Jean and DJ Jus-Ske. Silent auction items included works by Peter Tunney and Haitian artist, Philippe Dodard (both in attendance) and nightlife experiences at exclusive clubs such as LIV, Set, and Lavo, and a night out with Michael himself.  Ludus, Marquis Vodka, Capponi Construction Group and Capitale sponsored the party, so that 100% of the evenings proceeds could go to the foundation.

 After a VIP cocktail reception and silent auction, the glamorous crowd moved to the main ballroom for the party where Capponi gave an emotional speech highlighting the importance of the Haiti Empowerment Mission.  He gave special recognition to Donna Karan, saying, “I’ve been with Donna many times in Haiti, she is an incredible inspiration to me, someone I really look up to, admire and hope to emulate one day. Donna always talks about death and birth.  When there is the death of something there is the birth of something else. Ironically my 40th birthday party is here with all of you in New York City. In my long nightlife career, we got caught up at a very young age which led to troubles, addictions, and loss of businesses, reputations, friends and dignity, things had gotten so bad for me that I found myself homeless and in the blizzard of 1996, in the streets of the East Village, begging to buy drugs, today nothing makes me more proud to have overcome that and channel my energy and my past addictions into creating real positive change for this world.”

Capponi thanked his friends for their overwhelming support, for flying in from so many cities to celebrate this milestone birthday, which he wished was his thirtieth, and encouraged the crowd to plan a trip to Jacmel, Haiti, when the time is right and the infrastructure, new roads and airport are in place. “Haiti is one of the most beautiful countries in the world- its beaches are on par with some of the greatest destinations. The culture, the arts and crafts and the music is something so special that I am almost at a loss to explain it to you, but one day when you all visit Haiti you will understand.”

“I promise you that Haiti will have a great impact on your life, there is something so magical about it, that nowhere else in the Caribbean you will find. It’s the true, last remnants of an African civilization in our hemisphere.”           

He closed the speech by thanking his beautiful mother, Danoushka Capponi, who “has been through all of it with me, thick and thin.”

Then, to the sounds of pounding drums, Capponi presented the annual Jacmel Carnaval, one of the most famous carnivals in Haiti, led by Algeba and the Brooklyn Recycle Project.  Haitian musician, Melky Jean performed as native Haitian dancers, wearing colorful Carnaval attire, playing horns, and hoisting large paper mache faces in the air, led the masked crowd in an impromptu conga line around the huge space.

To make a donation or for more information about the Haiti Empowerment Mission, email: Danouska@haitiempowermentmission.com.

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Eighth Annual Miami Beach Polo World Cup  

The sport of kings returned to South Beach for the eighth consecutive year featuring top polo players from around the globe for the Maserati Miami Beach Polo World Cup which took place from Thursday, April 26through Sunday, April 29 featuring eight women’s teams in a one-day series of round-robin championship matches and a three-day men’s tournament. 

Thousands of polo enthusiasts enjoyed a series of lifestyle daytime and evening VIP events such as fashion shows by La Martina and Blank Silk, shopping, cocktails and gourmet food by Kung Fu Sushi in the Catalina Hotel and Kone Sushi- which made for lots of revelry in between and long after the chukkers.

Despite wind and soggy conditions, the teams fought and frolicked in the sand until Mother Nature forced the matches to come to an abrupt halt when the rain and the winds off of the Atlantic Ocean were too much for the Miami Beach polo arena, forcing the cancellation of the final three matches of the tournament on Sunday, April 29.

 “It’s not unprecedented,” said Miami Beach Director of Polo, Alex Webbe. “Major tournaments have been rained out in the past, and will get rained out in the future.  But the celebrations surrounding the event continue.”  Webbe explained from the festivities of Sunday’s post-event soiree at The Raleigh hotel on Miami Beach.

This year the HEYS Luggage team took top honors in the elite women’s division scoring a hard-fought 3-1 win over Lufthansa Private Jet with team captain Cecelia Cochran garnering MVP honors. Bulgari managed a 1-0 defensive victory at the expense of the Ciroc team.

Maserati, The Raleigh and Yellow Cab all scored wins during the matches on Friday and Saturday and were looking forward to finding out who would take home the World Cup when Mother Nature intervened. The men’s competition found three teams tied with 2-0 records following the first two days of play.

“In the eight years we have been staging the competition, this year’s event was the most talked-about.” said Bruce Orosz, founder of The Polo Life. “The feedback from our sponsors, the players and spectators has been tremendous and the weather in no way dampened anyone’s spirits over the three days of play.”
“The sport of Polo and Maserati share the qualities of passion, excitement and elegance,” commented Andrea Soriani, Director of Marketing and Communications, Maserati North America. “Miami Beach Polo exceeded our expectations in terms of the ardent engagement of the community, not to mention the vast participation from the South American audience. This event is truly unique.”

The weekend revelry included a private event, hosted by Maserati and Bulgari, to present the Octo Maserati timepiece at the Setai hotel, on Friday, April 26, as well as an exclusive fashion show by Meghan Walsh, daughter of John Walsh, to showcase her “Blank Silk” line of Indian-inspired daytime and eveningwear at the Perry on Saturday, April 28.  Big Sisters of Greater Miami and The Voss Foundation were the tournament’s official charity organization, receiving a portion of funds raised through ticket sales from the event.

Ocean House Makes a Splashy Debut

Last Wednesday, Ocean House, Miami Beach’s newest private beachfront residence in the South of Fifth neighborhood, made its debut with an exclusive housewarming celebration where more than 450 South Florida influencers joined owner, iStar Residential, for a night of fanfare, featuring simultaneous guest experiences that showcased the sophisticated Ocean House lifestyle.

Following a turquoise carpet arrival, a fleet of butlers welcomed guests with champagne in the grand salon while X Factor contestant, Brendan O’Hara played the white baby grand piano. Following a turquoise carpet arrival, a fleet of butlers welcomed guests with champagne in the grand salon.  With an event legend in hand, guests embarked on a tour of Ocean House, in which they learned tricks from a pool shark in the billiards room, watched classic films in the screening room, posed for a sketch artist in the living room, relaxed with mini-treatments in the spa and noshed on hors d’oeuvres created especially to complement each experience. After exploring Ocean House’s warm and refined environments, guests settled into plush cabanas on the beachside pool deck, where they enjoyed beats by DJ Irie and unwound with Caribbean-inspired fare from the enormous grill and cocktails courtesy of Stoli Elit, Glenfiddich and the Balvenie.

Guests were wowed when they visited the Artefacto/Steven G-designed model homes – two of Ocean House’s 18 sprawling beachfront residences – where high-end, island-inspired fashion presentations captured Ocean House’s resort-like vibe. Models showcasing the latest runway looks, by Bika and Peixoto as styled by Katharine Rubino of Neiman Marcus Coral Gables, along with champagne and a Milagro Tequila bar, and delicious bites by Bianca and Philippe Chow Miami made added to the experience as guests admired the sleek, custom-made designs of the 4,654-square-foot Artefacto residence.  

VIP guests in attendance included iStar Financial’s Anthony Burns, George Helmstetter and Niels Sorensen; Cervera Real Estate’s Alicia Cervera Lamadrid and Sildy Cervera; The Y Group’s John Yanopoulos; Ocean House designer Alison Antrobus; Artefacto’s Paulo Bacchi; designer Steven G; restaurateur and Ocean House resident Myles Chefetz; UBS Financial Services’ Wyatt Larson; THE COLLECTION’s Ken Gorin; Comras Company’s Michael Comras; SK Captial’s Barry Siadat; H&H Development’s Harvey Hernandez; interior designer Sam Robin; jewelry designer Daniela Swaebe; Fortune International Realty’s Edgardo Defortuna and wife Ana Cristina; Emmy Award-winning producer Lisa Petrillo; Flagler Group’s Ricardo Dunin, and many more. 

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Christina Getty-Maercks, George Lindemann, and Criselda Breene

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

A Night at the Museum

Despite the fact that we are huge art buffs, and have delighted in the works of the Masters at museums throughout the world, we couldn’t recall a time when we had actually had fun in an art museum (with the exception of the Ufizzi Gallery in Florence where we had our way with Michelangelo’s slaves and David in our early twenties).  This changed on Thursday, April 26 at the Bass Museum of Art’s annual fundraiser “A Night at the Museum,” for which the museum should have been renamed the “BLAST” museum; as many of Miami’s chicest and most artsy socialites gathered after hours to socialize, chat, nosh, dance and enjoy the fantastic exhibits, which became more and more interesting with every cocktail.

The night seemed like an Art Basel reunion- with fabulous people- dressed to the nines- mingling with those whom we affectionately call “Art Freaks” because they stretch the limits of fashion:  blue hair paired with a purple Joker suit, a suit of armor made of soda can pop tops-you get the idea.

Guests were fascinated by the new exhibition, Charles LeDray: Bass Museum of Art comprised of dozens of colorful tiny suits, (we’re talking newborn size, complete with tiny ties, tiny hangers, a tiny laundry bag- the works!) and miniature ceramic vessels in towering vitrines.  We were blown away by LeDray’s perspective and attention to scale and detail.  Hors d’oeuvres and delicious black rice and risotto by TiramesU; libations by Mandarine Napoleon, Kanon Organic Vodka and Perrier; desserts by Stella’s Sweet Shoppe; and beats by Vida’s house DJ just added to the magic of the evening.

The innovative silent auction featured custom art experiences, a studio visit and catered lunch with artist Carlos Betancourt and a private tour of WSVN 7 studios and dinner with Deco Drive anchor, Louis Aguirre. Special guests included: Executive Director and Chief Curator Silvia Karman Cubiñá and Bass Museum of Art Board President George Lindemann; co-chairs Criselda Breene & Christina Getty-Maercks; exhibiting artist Charles LeDray and local artists: Augustina Woodgate, Manny Prieres, Frances Trombly, Leyden Rodríguez- Casanova, Carlos Betancourt, and Christina Lei Rodriguez; gallerists Fred Snitzer, Nina Johnson, David Castillo, and Anthony Spinello; collectors Charles Cowles, Constance & Marty Margulies, and Kathryn Mikesell and Marcella & Daniel Novela; Anthony Shriver, Belkys Nerey, Terence Riley, Fernando Wong,  Alison Zhuk, Suzy & Walid Wahab, JP Souto, Nicole Lozano, Patty & Leonard Fluxman; Bass Museum of Art Board Members: Cathy Vedovi, Alan Randolph, Ali Matlick, Hugh Bush, Jonathan Z. Kurry, Jose Miguel Net, Laura Paresky Gould, Lida Rodriguez-Taseff, Ramiro E. del Amo, Richard Toledo, Brian Ehlrich, Sarah Harrelson and husband, interior designer Austin Harrelson and Tom Murphy;Merle and Daniel Weiss, Tara Solomon, Nick D’Annunzio, Suzy Buckley, Daniela Swaebe, Susanne Birbragher and Gingi Beltran, to name a few.

Kevin Costner Headlines Arsht Center Gala

John Richard, Adrienne Arsht, Mayor Tomas Regalado, Kevin Costner, Raquel Regalado, Mike Eidson and Dr. Margaret Eidson

They built it, and hundreds came…over five hundred fifty of South Florida’s most influential arts patrons and philanthropists- who sported cowboy hats, boots and other western wear for the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts Gala on April 28, headlined by none other than Kevin Costner.  The star of blockbusters:  Field of Dreams, The Bodyguard, Bull Durham, and Dances with Wolves (we’ve pretty much named our favorite movies of all time) and his rock & roll band, Modern West (ergo the gala theme) took guests on a musical journey on Saturday night, which began with a moving montage of his movies and an instrumental rendition of “I Will Always Love You.”  

The gala took place on the Center’s festival floor under the lights in the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall, where attendees enjoyed modern comfort food provided by Barton G. – including sliders, deviled eggs and jalapeno poppers, served family style on a Lazy Susan in the center of the tables while a dashing Costner, channeling Johnny Cash in his head-to-toe black, performed numerous songs.  Costner invited Honorary Chair, businesswoman and philanthropist Adrienne Arsht onto the stage and lauded her, along with the other gala supporters in attendance for their efforts in making this the most successful gala in the Arsht Center’s history.

Afterward, Costner asked guests to join him at the foot of the stage for his closing numbers, during which he shook hands and posed for photos with adoring fans.  One lucky writer (o.k.-it was me!) got pulled up on stage ala Courtney Cox in the Bruce Springsteen video from the 80s, and got a big smooch from Crash Davis himself!  Smitten is an understatement.

Gala attendees included: Performing Arts Center Trust Chairman Mike Eidson and his wife Dr. Margaret Eidson who served as Gala Chairs; Gala Sponsors Armando and Margarita Codina; and Co-Chairs Dan and Trish Bell, M. Anthony and Joyce Burns, Stanley and Gala Cohen, Robert and Tina Furniss-Roe, Kirk Landon and Pamela Garrison, FJ and Abigail Pollak, Jorge and Lorena Rossell, and Gene and Yoly Schaefer. Other notable guests included: Mel and Kitty Martinez; Ambassadors Chuck and Sue Cobb; Ambassador Cristina Barrios; Mayor Tomas Regalado; City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff; Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, School Board Member Raquel Regalado, Dr. Sanford and Beatrice Ziff, President and CEO of the Arsht Center, John Richard and his wife Lynne, John and Nancy Batchelor, Paul and Swanee Di Mare, Leonard and Jayne Abess, Marvin Ross Friedman and Adrienne bon Haes, Robert and Ana-Marie Barlick, Chip Brady and Allison Weiss Brady and Alan and Diane Lieberman. Vice Chairwoman of the Miami Dade County Commission, Audrey Edmonson, was also in attendance and presented Costner with the Key to the County. Gala proceeds will go to support the Center’s mission-driven arts education and community outreach programs, which continue to expand throughout Miami-Dade County.

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Carolina & Alex Pirez

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Despite the unseasonable dip in temperatures this week (way down to 80°) there’s no doubt that summer is rapidly approaching.  It seems everywhere we turn locals are engaged in some sort of exercise regimen. So what better time to re-launch one of Miami’s favorite gyms, Body & Soul, the co-ed health and training facility located in Coral Gables? In honor of the re-launch, new owners, Carolina and Alex Pirez hosted a huge bash on the rooftop of the gym on the evening of Tuesday April 17, drawing notable guests including:  Pharrell Williams, N.E.R.D band mate Shae Haley, singer/songwriter Cris Cab, Jorge Posada of the NY Yankees, Santana Moss wide receiver for the Washington Redskins and Oscar Feldenkreis, President and COO of Perry Ellis International, who along with 500 guests enjoyed a live DJ set by Miami favorite, DJ Ross One. Keeping guests focused on their physiques, Voli light cocktails provided lo-cal drinks and, The Dome Restaurant and Caviar Bar, one of our favorite restaurants in Miracle Mile provided delicious yet healthy hors d’oeuvres.  Party guests were entertained by a fire dancer and a flash mob choreographed by one of Body & Soul’s most popular instructors, Jay Marcos.

The Penrod Family

Congratulations Jack Penrod

Known for founding an institution that’s long been a part of the “soul” of South Beach, Jack Penrod was honored on Tuesday, April 17, by a celebration at his world-renowned restaurant/club Nikki Beach Club, which he founded 25 years ago.  Penrod received a proclamation to celebrate the phenomenal success of Nikki Beach and his contribution to the positive transformation of the surrounding area. As a tribute to  Penrod’s vital role in changing the face of South Beach, the City of Miami Beach and Miami Dade County, officially named Tuesday, April 17, 2012, “Jack Penrod Day.” Ana Rivas Logan, Representative for the State of Florida, Luis Garcia Florida House Representative, Lynda Bell Commissioner for Miami Dade County, Russell Benford, Deputy Mayor of Miami Dade County and Michael Gongora, Vice Mayor for the City of Miami Beach, were on-hand to celebrate the success of both Nikki Beach and the man behind it.

The Nikki Beach brand has become one of the premier luxury entertainment lifestyle brands in South Florida and the world. Not only has the venue made its mark on South Beach, but it has spotlighted the Miami Beach lifestyle throughout the globe, with locations in St. Tropez and Cannes in France; St. Barth in the Caribbean; Marbella and Mallorca in Spain; Cabo San Lucas in Mexico; Koh Samui in Thailand, at the Toronto Film Festival in Canada, and Marrakesh in Northern Africa.

Sustainatopia 

Photographer Jordan Michael Zuniga presented Women & Sustainability an exhibit featuring several of Miami’s top socialites who have demonstrated commitment to social, financial and/or environmental sustainability. The exhibit and awards ceremony took place at the Jackie Gleason Theater on Monday night, and honored Joanna Krupa, Lisa Pliner, Violet Camacho, Christy Martin, Stacey Glassman, Jessica Rae Anderson, Amaris Jones, Loren Ridinger, Katrina Campins and Tracy Mourning.  These remarkable ladies join the ranks of past Sustainatopia honorees including: Donna Karan, Patricia Arquette, Venus Williams, and Maria Bello, all of whom have worked to change the world for the better.

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