Viviane and Marc de Kuyper, owners of Mandarine Napoléon

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Internationally renowned citrus liqueur Mandarine Napoléon hosted a private, spirited bash for its official U.S. launch at our favorite place on the planet, Soho Beach House on Tuesday, September 20.   The first spirit to combine mandarins and aged cognac, Mandarine Napoleon was created especially for Napoléon Bonaparte, and was his drink of choice, which is the reason for the party’s theme:   “The Hat is Back” in honor of the petit French ruler’s iconic, black bicorne chapeau.  This also explains the themed event’s costume de rigueur.  You guessed it- a hat!  The stylish guests complied, donning a wide variety of head attire- from feather headdresses, to Viking hats, to fedoras to co-host,  Susanne Birbragher’s mink headpiece, a throwback to the “Grand Puba” hat worn by Fred Flintstone, whom she calls “Pica Piedra (love that!).”  During the elegant dinner for 50 of Miami’s social elite, which was served amid twinkling trees on a perfect fall evening at Cecconi’s, we felt as though we were in a fairy-tale version of Iron Chef’s kitchen stadium, as each of the four courses served featured Mandarine Napoléon as a key ingredient, which was incorporated in a unique manner throughout the dishes and accompanying specialty cocktails.  Our favorite courses included the exquisite risotto with grilled shrimp and the succulent duck.  Of the seven signature cocktails, our top pick was the creamy Coco Napoleon, which was more like a delicious dessert, made with coconut milk, Martinique spiced sugar cane syrup, fresh squeezed lemon juice, mint leaves, a dash of orange bitters, and Mandarine Napoleon- of course. Hats off to Soho Beach House’s executive chef, Sergio Sigala and head bartender, Chris Hudnall!  Read the rest of this entry »

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week took over New York City from September 8-15, with a line-up of 99 designers showing their spring 2012 collections in Lincoln Center and various other venues throughout Manhattan.  Amid the silks, chiffons, organza,  floral prints, neon colors, geometrical shapes, and pastel prints that graced the runways, Mercedes-Benz showcased its latest fashion statement, the 2012 SLS AMG Roadster (think Barbie DREAM CAR on steroids) and C63 AMG Coupe, two all new models available later this year. Our favorite designers this season included Mercedes-Benz presents designer, Derek Lam; Carolina Herrera, Diane von Furstenberg, Nanette Lepore, Pamela Rolland, Milly by Michelle Smith and Diesel Black Gold (especially since Gerard Butler! was sitting front row).   Enjoy our stories about a few of the stellar parties we attended and a little bit about the lounges- the other side of Fashion Week. Read the rest of this entry »

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Pitbull’s Fontainebleau Takeover

International recording artist and performer, Pitbull hosted an over-the-top Labor Day Bash at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach for the official launch of Voli light vodka. “Mr. Worldwide” formerly “Mr. 305” (talk about a super-sized status upgrade) produced a weekend long extravaganza designed to put Voli, his new liquor brand billed as the world’s first line of low calorie vodkas on the radar of partygoers from near and far.  The vodka is produced in Cognac, France, so what better place to launch it than at the Fontainebleau, no?  Yes, it seems, as the enormous hotel sold out (!) for the weekend which offered guests access to Pitbull’s invitation only events, offered exclusively to hotel guests and select VIPs, which may or may not have included Lindsay Lohan.  Read the rest of this entry »

 Elaine Lancaster celebrated her birthday with fellow Drag Diva extraordinaire, Kitty Meow (a fellow Virgo) at Bongos Cuban Café at the Hard Rock Hotel.  And while it’s uncommon for any Diva to share the spotlight, these two decided to celebrate together, as they have been dear friends since way before La Lancaster swam ashore on our Golden Beaches. 

Lancaster was a frequent visitor to Miami Beach back in the day, when Kitty was one of the Queens of everything nightlife. The two were destined to become friends says Elaine. “We were both so full of life and light that it would either be ‘best of friends’ or worst of foes.’” Fortunately, they hit it off instantly and have remained very close to this day. Read the rest of this entry »

Will Smith with Trey Songz

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Trey Songz Hosts Moet Rose Lounge 

Singer/songwriter/actor, Trey Songz hosted a private party last Thursday night for 150 guests at the Setai penthouse, dubbed the Moët Rose Lounge for the evening. The handsome 23 year-old brought his mother as his date and together, they accepted a $5,000 check from Moet for Songz’s Angels with Heart foundation, toasted with guests and cut a three-tier chocolate cake.  The Foundation is Songz’s call to action for his fans to give back to their communities through random acts of kindness. 

The otherwise subdued soiree was energized at around midnight, when Will Smith showed up.  Smith, who is working on Men In Black III to be released in May 2012 was also reportedly spotted at Prime 112 and Fontainebleau over the weekend. Read the rest of this entry »

Criselda Breene, Lara Shriftman, Kate Betts, Sarah Harrelson, Iran Issa-Khan

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Everyday Icon at Mister Collins

Last Tuesday, amid tropical storm warnings and torrential downpours, a stellar group converged at Mister Collins inside ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa for the launch of fashion journalist and style guru, Kate Betts’ celebrated book, Everyday Icon, Michelle Obama and the Power of Style.  At the elite gathering, hosted by a very svelte, Lara Shriftman; Iran Issa-Khan, Sarah Harrelson and Criselda Breene, the charming author mingled with guests and shared anecdotes about the arduous process behind writing and rewriting her book (20+ revisions) and chatted about the book’s behind-the-scenes accounts of the First Lady’s fashion statements. Strikingly dressed like a style icon herself, Betts wore a summer caftan by Jeannie McQueeny, pants by Derek Lam and RK Reed Krakoff heels.  Betts’ beautiful six-year old daughter was also dressed to the nines at the party.  Read the rest of this entry »