Derek Blasberg, Loren Ridinger, JR Ridinger, Lauren Santo Domingo, & Andres Santo Domingo

 By:  Mary Jo Almeida Shore

With Art Basel looming in the no-so-distant horizon, we are especially thankful this Thanksgiving for a couple of days of rest before the hectic week ahead.  Last week provided for much excitement and varied forms of entertainment and celebrity sightings a-go-go, although, many a socialite, when asked about their plans during the week, simply replied, “I’m resting up for Basel.”   

The Ridingers Host a Very Classy Affair

Last Wednesday, fashion writer, editor and New York Times bestseller, Derek Blasberg celebrated his book launch, VERY CLASSY: Even More Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady with an affair to match the book’s title, at the stunning estate of JR and Loren Ridinger, aptly named, Casa de Suenos.  The trés chic soiree at the Ridingers’ “Dream House” was co-hosted by “extremely modern ladies,” Inés Rivero, Loren Ridinger, Vivian Duenas and Lauren Santo Domingo in conjunction with Moda Operandi, (www.modaoperandi.com) the first online luxury fashion retailer to provide access to complete collections from the world’s top designers immediately following their runway shows.  Read the rest here »

Thanksgiving at db Bistro Moderne

Thanksgiving Day is a time to offer thanks, rejoice in the company of family and friends, and enjoy a grandiose holiday meal. A time of turkeys, stuffing, and… escargots?!

db Bistro Moderne invites you to indulge in a slightly less traditional Thanksgiving spread this year. The $75 three-course Prix Fixe menu ($35 for children 12 & under) will feature a variety of classic holiday fare with a twist, including pumpkin soup, bacon-wrapped turkey breast with a jazzed up side of fixings such as mashed potatoes, cranberry compote and brussel sprouts, among other tasty choices. And what’s Thanksgiving without desserts? Try the time honored Apple Pie a la mode, Chocolate Fondant, Pecan Tart or the Cheese Platter. db Bistro’s French inspired twist to this classic American tradition is guaranteed to give all diners a little something extra to be thankful for more information visit, www.danielnyc.com.

Cafeina’s Turkey-Palooza 

Cafeina kicks off Turkey-Palooza, a three day Thanksgiving extravaganza on Wednesday, November 23 (opening its doors for the first time on a Wednesday). Give thanks for no cover all weekend, $125 SVEDKA bottle specials, $4 Wild Turkey Shots, and beats by DJ Pres of the emerging DJ duo Laser Disk Party Sex. On Friday, November 25 the lounge’s new Late Night series continues with sounds by JP Rigaud and Ivano Bellini. From 1:00 to 3:00 a.m. guests will enjoy $5 caffeinated cocktails/shooters designed to keep partygoers dancing all night. For table reservations, contact 305.438.0792 or info@cafeinamiami.com. More information at www.cafienamiami.com .

STK Gravy Train 

STK, the chic steakhouse inside Gansevoort Miami Beach invites guests to hop on the Gravy Train on Wednesday, November 23 and enjoy sounds by DJ Obscene, a special set by YSL and live performance by local band Bred Crumbs (more info here: http://www.reverbnation.com/BredCrumbs). Beginning at 6:00 p.m. the following day, STK will host a Thanksgiving Feast featuring a four-course $55 pre-fixe menu (half-off for children under 10) and $5 from each dinner will be donated to the Feeding South Florida charity organization. For table reservations contact 305.604.6988 or infomiami@stkhouse.com. 

WALL Thanksgiving Line-Up 

WALL, the boutique nightclub and celebrity hotspot inside W South Beach will host a talented set of local and internationally acclaimed DJs every day of Thanksgiving week to help burn off the extra holiday carbs, for a full line-up visit  www.wallmiami.com.

Jazz and Models at NEST

Luxe design showplace NEST, along with owner Sara Colombo, will debut “Jazz & Models,” a collection of works by legendary photographer Marco Glaviano, during Art Basel Miami Beach. A VIP opening reception will be held on Tuesday, November 29, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in honor of Glaviano, who is recognized as a pioneer in fashion photography having photographed more than 500 covers and editorials for the most prestigious international publications including Vogue, Elle, Vanity Fair and Harper’s Bazaar, among others.“Jazz & Models” features 26 images spanning Glaviano’s career from the 1970’s until today. Capturing and combining his love for jazz and his eye for beauty – Glaviano is notably recognized as an influential force in developing the supermodel phenomenon in the 1980’s – the exhibit will showcase photography of supermodels such as Cindy Crawford, Eva Herzigová, Paulina Porizkova and Stephanie Seymour, and legendary jazz musicians such as Chet Baker, Sonny Rollins and Dizzy Gillespie. The exhibit will remain open until spring 2012. To rsvp or for more information in regards to the event, contact nestcasa@taraink.com or 305.864.3434 x133.

Seth Browarnik Presents Art of Night at the Shelborne Hotel

On Wednesday, November 30, the Shelborne will re-open with an Opening Night Party for Miami’s own Seth Browarnik to inaugurate his exhibit “Art of Night” with an invite-only event, styled by iconic event producer, Susanne Bartsch that will begin in the Shelborne’s newly renovated lobby and spill outside to the brand new infinity pool. RSVP is mandatory at artofnight@meninhotels.com.  “Art of Night is a look at the world through my eyes over the last decade– it’s a momentary peek behind the velvet rope. All of these photos capture people and places at their best, and they all tell the story of a moment,” says Browarnik.  “In its 10th year, Art Basel Miami Beach is a celebration of art, fashion, revelry and glamour – it felt like the right time to finally reflect on some of these moments and celebrate them once again.” Browarnik, will be showcasing his iconic photos at the exhibit, while Microsoft’s Bing, will present Art of Night which will include a series of parties and performances each night of Art Basel Miami Beach to celebrate the re-opening of the Shelborne. For more information on “Art of Night”, Seth Browarnik, to prescreen the exhibition, or for private tours, please contact the curator Rachel Ward at rachelkward@gmail.com or at 561.900.5420.

Solé on the Ocean and the Miami Dolphins

 Solé on the Ocean, a boutique beachfront hotel located minutes from Miami’s Sun Life Stadium, is now offering football fans the ultimate Miami experience with new all-inclusive game day packages, each tailored to the individual’s level of fanaticism. Whether a fan of Miami, a fan of the opposing team, or even a plus one of a fan, guests may choose from four different experiences ranging from getting down and dirty on the sidelines or “LIV-ing” it up at the nation’s only stadium-housed nightclub. Win or lose, all guests will enjoy luxury beachfront accommodations as well as transportation to and from the game, among other scores. For information on packages offered call 786.923.9300 or email info@soleoto.com. 

MAD initaly Collaborates with Vhernier 

MAD initaly announces its collaboration with Vhernier during this year’s prestigious Art Basel Miami Beach 2011. The two Italian brands are pairing up to showcase their latest collections at MAD initaly’s new showroom, located in the heart of Miami’s Art Deco Design District. On Wednesday, November 30 through Saturday, December 3rd MAD initaly’s Nadine Curmi Borgomanero and renowned Italian interior designer, Fabrizio Cocchi will host an on-going presentation of Vhernier’s sophisticated selection of beautiful, hand-made jewelry inspired from 15th century geometrics to modern avant-garde designs. Guests will be enamored by MAD initaly’s showroom – a curated collection of Italy’s finest furnishings, linens, tabletop decor, accent pieces and pop-themed art – adorned with delicate Italian jewelry by Vhernier.  The event is open to the public, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 

Pulse Miami

The seventh edition of PULSE Miami will be at The Ice Palace Studios December 1 through December 4. Following the success and critical acclaim of PULSE New York in March, the 2011 Miami edition will build on PULSE’s reputation as the leading US art fair dedicated solely to contemporary art. PULSE Miami 2011 will continue to showcase a dynamic and geographically diverse group of established and emerging galleries. PULSE provides a unique platform for diverse galleries to present a progressive blend of renowned and pioneering contemporary artists, alongside an evolving series of original programming. The fair’s distinctive commitment to the art community and visitor experience makes PULSE unique among art fairs and creates an art market experience that is both dynamic and inviting. PULSE supports numerous nonprofit art organizations and schools. General Admission $15, Students and Seniors $10. Complimentary Shuttle Service: PULSE will offer a shuttle service operating between The Lowes Hotel Miami Beach, The Convention Center, and The Ice Palace throughout the duration of the show. Shuttles will run from 9am to 8pm. Check back for additional shuttle stops and for more information visit http://www.pulse-art.com/miami/.

Pringle of Scotland Pop-Up Shop   

The iconic Scottish brand, Pringle of Scotland, is opening a Pop-Up Shop in the Design District in conjunction with the Webster, which will be open from Nov 28th-Dec 28th.The shop will feature the never-before-seen 'liamgillickforpringleofscotland'

Capsule Collection by Liam Gillick, ONLY available at the pop-up shop until Summer 2012.  The store will also sell Pringle of Scotland's Design Director, Alistair Carr's, Resort SS12 and his Men's SS12 collections, fresh from the runway.

BallyLove #2 

Art Basel sponsor, Bally, will be launching its BallyLove #2 collection at this

Year’s Art Basel Miami Beach.  The stunning collaboration with artist, Olaf

Breuning, will be celebrated with a private cocktail party on November 30 at W

South Beach.  Bally will unveil the collection at their official booth at the convention center and customers will be able to make purchases from the exclusive collection online at www.Bally.com.

DEWAR’S Scotch Whisky Honors the Dynamic “Double Act” 

To kick off one decade of Art Basel in Miami Beach, DEWAR’S Scotch Whisky (of Miami based Bacardi USA) will honor the dynamic “Double Act” of Ingrid Sischy and Sandra Brant and celebrate 15 years of MOCA and 10 years of Art Basel Miami Beach on November 29. Donna Karan will also debut her Urban Zen pop-up store at the same time. MOCA’S upcoming exhibition, “Mark Handforth: Rolling Stop,” taking place from November 29, through February 19, 2012. This year DEWAR’S recognized relevant Double-Acts: dynamic duos behind some of the most fashionable, ingenious and bespoke fashions, films, innovations, art works, and concepts. Playing off the story of the DEWAR’S brothers and what DEWAR’S believes is worth doing (the double-ageing process); these iconic men and women have created dynamic businesses and enterprises, excelling in their fields, with the power of two. The two International Editors of the European editions of Vanity Fair magazine have become regular fixtures on the Miami (and global) social scene are deeply connected to the worlds of fashion, Hollywood and art, commanding an extraordinary level of respect in the industry. Event cost is $25 to non-members.

Kiwanis Club Annual Christmas Gala 

On Saturday, December 3, Kiwanis Club of Little Havana along with BMW and Bacardi are hosting their annual Christmas Gala at Miami Seaquarium for the ­36th consecutive year. Beginning at 8:00 p.m., guests can enjoy music by International DJ Tamara Sky, Spam Allstars, DJ Sama & Tito Puente, Jr. and VJ Psyberpixie, as well as open bar courtesy of Bacardi with restaurant dinner stations from some of Miami’s favorite eateries including: Randazzo’s Little Italy, Red Koi Thai & Sushi Lounge, Truluck’s Seafood, Steak & Crab House, Vita Nuova Pasta, Delicacecy Gourmet, El Sembrador and Catalina Bake Shop among others. Corporate contributors include: American Airlines, Antigal Winery & Estates, Café Bustelo, Coca Cola, Dewar’s 12, Grey Goose, Heineken and Total Bank. Proceeds from the gala will benefit the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana holiday project: “A Toy for Every Child.” To purchase tickets online, visit: www.kiwanischristmasparty.com.

ELLE DECOR Showhouse at Paramount Bay

International design authority ELLE DECOR delivers its acclaimed showhouse concept to Miami, presenting as an official satellite exhibit of Design Miami/ during Art Basel beginning Saturday, December 3. The highly anticipated follow-up to the inaugural showhouse in San Francisco, the ELLE DECOR Miami Showhouse will be located at Paramount Bay, the 47-story waterfront condo tower set in the heart of the city’s cultural center. All proceeds will benefit Miami’s Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH). A group of notable designers hand-selected by ELLE DECOR’s editorial team will transform a blank 10,000 square-foot penthouse space located on Paramount Bay’s 43rd floor. Sweeping bay and city views will compliment looks created by a roster of names that includes Juan Carlos Arcila-Duque, Vincenzo Avanzato, Lars Bolander, Tamzin Greenhill, Wade Allyn Hallock, Larry Laslo, Lynda Murray, Mario Nievera & Keith Williams, James Wall, and Deborah Wecselman. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at www.elledecor.com/showhouse.

Graffiti Gone Global 2011

Powered by SUSHISAMBA, Graffiti Gone Global 2011 fuses street art with architecture and design. Marc Fornes, Volkan Alkanoglu and Billi Kid will transform the ‘Rotunda’ (3252 NE 1st Avenue, Suite 101, Midtown Miami) into a creative playground, complete with artful furniture featuring Chris Both and Dwayne Wade, and made of basketball court pieces from the NBA All Star Game. VIP Preview is Thursday, December 1 at 6:00 and party-it-up by invitation only on Saturday night, with DJ Irie on the ones and twos. (photo attached)

Pop goes Art Basel with ‘Before They Were Famous: Behind the Lens of William John Kennedy,’ exposing the nearly lost negatives of Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana at Scope Miami (NE 1st Avenue and NE 30th Street, Wynwood). A Miami resident, Kennedy captures the artists before Campbell Soup Cans were iconic. VIPs should join the movement on Tuesday, November 29 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The creatives behind Primary Flight murals put the focus on ‘Here Lies Georges Wildenstein,’ a racy group show at Primary Projects (4141 NE 2^nd Avenue, Suite 104, Design District). Not your average petting zoo, on Thursday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m., curators invited Miru Kim to perform her nude piece ‘The Pig That Therefore I Am’ in a glass-enclosed pig pen in the gallery.

American Idol Season 8 contestant Matt Giraud and Lindsey Sky performed at the “I Have A Dream” Foundation of Miami Annual Gala at the Fontainebleau last Tuesday night, hosted by Stephanie, Jules, and Eddie Trump, owners of Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach. Pan Am’s Goran Visnjic and Magic City’s Dominik Garcia-Lorido joined over 500 guests for the celebration.

Known for being the youngest and most popular winner of Bravo’s Project Runway, Christian Siriano was on-hand for an intimate gathering at Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour last Thursday afternoon, where he presented his Fall 2011 Collection, and gave the fashionable guests a sneak peek into his Spring 2012 Collection.

Last Thursday night at Club 50 at the Viceroy Hotel, Dwyane Wade hosted an event to celebrate his collaboration with Hublot, for which he designed a limited edition watch. “The elements reflect my personal style and love for basketball” he said of the watch which features his jersey’s #3 and a basketball net design on the strap.  Sporting his own creation, Wade attended the Hublot Bal Harbour Boutique opening event with girlfriend Gabrielle Union.  Proceeds from the Hublot King Power Dwyane Wade watch will go to support the Wade World Foundation in its efforts to promote education, health and social skills for children in at-risk situations. 

Spanish-Mexican tenor and conductor, Placido Domingo is in town.  He headlined the gala kick-off for the Florida Grand Opera’s 2011-2012 Season on Tuesday night and dined at DB Bistro two nights in a row. 

Mayor of Pinecrest, Cindy Lerner and official artist of the Latin Grammy Awards, Miguel Paredes attended the unveiling ceremony for the custom dog sculpture that Paredes created for the “smARTy Dogs for Smart Schools” program at Pinecrest Elementary. 

More of a “celebrity news” item than a sighting:  local designer, Robert Brown, CEO of Brown Davis Interiors will be one of the judges at the Miss New Hampshire pageant which is a part of Donald Trump’s Miss Universe Organization.  The Trump Organization stated in a press release that it expects to take the New Hampshire pageant to a higher level, introducing a chic and contemporary production – in music, program and fashion.

Doug Scott and Olga Granda-Scott

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Wolfsonian Visionaries 11:11:11

Every now and then all of the ingredients that make for a perfect evening come together in one delicious bite- resulting in magic.  Such was the case last Friday night during the Wolfsonian Visionaries’ 11:11:11 party, where hundreds of the “fabulartsy” gathered in the garage bearing the address to match the party’s unique date, the landmark 1111 Lincoln Road garage, transformed into the ideal venue, by an array of white linens, furnishings and bunches and bunches of flowers from top-to-bottom- even the bars were made to resemble bushes. The gusty, chilly winds that enhanced the panoramic views had the already stylish group, with a flair for the fabulous, donning fancy furs (sorry PETA), colorful scarves and warm, winter garb reserved for such incredible nights in New York City this time of year, just adding to the already dramatic landscape of the evening.  

The magnificent affair was held in honor of the Wolfsonian’s 16th anniversary, and featured signature dishes from Miami’s top restaurants and caterers, who served up cold weather comfort food such as Michelle Areces & Nima Vandy’s Petit Pois’ truffle polenta served in miniature pots and chocolate truffle pearls (that left green glitter dust all over the guests’ faces); Jim Mozina of Le Basque’s seared tuna on a bed of mashed potatoes;  Lyon + Lyon’s (which is now open at the Wolfsonian) grilled cheese sandwiches and watercress soup and ooohhhhhh! those piping hot Shake Shack burgers!  Guests also enjoyed top shelf Bacardi cocktails, music by DJ Mauricio Parra and the images of artist Emilio Chapela which were on display in a site-specific installation.  Read the rest here »

Renato Armijo is one of the fashion world’s up-and-coming creative geniuses- an artist who creates art and fashion from concept to completion. With an extensive talent for design, his work has caught the eye of international designers and socialites who desire sophistication and elegance in their clothing. Hailing from Lima, Peru, Armijo’s attention to detail is evident in every masterpiece he creates.  “My creative process begins with a song, a scene, a story, a journey that starts with something I desire or live; creating forms and shapes in my mind as I sew and feel them…sometimes I imagine a picture, a scene of a movie or a melody which transports me to a place and time that for a second inspires me to create. I enjoy expressing myself through different media; from fabrics and trimmings to canvas and acrylics.”

While attending the Miami International University of Art & Design, Armijo received the award for Best Men’s Wear Collection in the United States by the Hispanic Designers’ Association. He was also recognized by the Le Jeaunes Createurs de la Mode in Paris, where his creations were put on display at the Louvre. Upon the completion of his education, Armijo became the Assistant Creative Director for Kenneth Cole NYC Menswear.  During his time there, Armijo was honored by Kenneth Cole himself at the Fashion Group International as the overall National Award Winner.
Renato Armijo is presently the Creative and In-house Designer for Ever After Miami, a fashion label sold alongside other notable designers including Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang, at specialty retailers across the United States. Armijo shares, “The Ever After experience gives me an opportunity to have a national platform and understand women in multiple markets. As a designer, being able to create the highest level of fashion is very rewarding.” His understanding of the feminine form and his pattern making skills allow him to create unique and exceptional designs that are sought after by his very exclusive clientele. Each piece has a personality of its own, such as evening wear that is detailed with Swarovski crystals, distinctive embroidery, and advanced technique.
Armijo is currently working on two new projects, a menswear line, call Refugio, a personal venture and concept in which he plans to deliver a unique product to the menswear market and his brilliant Glamadolls fashion illustration coffee table book, where he pays homage to the amazing fashion icons who have inspired him, making the fashion industry what it is today. “I enjoy expressing myself through different media; from fabrics and trimmings to canvas and acrylics. I always find a way to merge them all together.”

This Holiday Season Armijo is creating personalized Glamadoll greeting cards- for the socialite who has it all and will settle for nothing short of perfection.  Each unique Glamadoll is made to order by Armijo to bear the likeness of the real-life glamorous girl for whom she is created.  For more information about this trailblazing artist, or to  order your Glamadoll cards today, contact:  Glamadoll@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/pages/Glamadolls/187578254642517.

Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour along with special hostess Erin Newberg cordially invited guests to meet designer Christian Siriano on Thursday, November 10. Guests arrived for a champagne reception and luscious lunch bites on the Fine Apparel area of Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour to view the stunning Fall 2011 Collection, and get a sneak peek into Spring 2012. Those in attendance mingled as they enjoyed the afternoon in the ultra chic lounge setup. Models took center stage on elevated platforms as Siriano spoke through each look featured. Known as the youngest and most popular winner of Bravo TVs “Project Runway,” Siriano featured a mix of his ready-to-wear pieces including beautiful crisp white blouses with flowy bright colored pants, along with fabulous cocktail dresses and ultra glamourous evening gowns.