By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

There’s something special about birthdays: they epitomize tradition–not a year goes by that we don’t celebrate. The Globe holds a similar kind of nostalgic tradition, in fact, I can’t remember a time when it wasn’t around. And that special, Miami-iconic quality just adds a layer of connectivity to celebrations at this magical place, in which we remember the last time we stood within those walls and knew we would never forget being there again, together. This special magic was prevalent at this writer’s birthday celebration this summer, when the Globe truly lived up to its name, as jet setters from all over the world- New Zealand, Europe, the Americas (all 3 of them), Israel, South Africa and beyond gathered for an epic dance party. Influencers from the worlds of fashion, media, art, design, medicine, design, business and civic leaders enjoyed top shelf cocktails, signature bites and an international playlist by Rafael Rodriguez of Uplight Miami in the exclusive and sexy Black Room of The Globe. Guests danced for nearly 5 hours straight- stopping briefly to snap a photo or take a sip before being re-summoned to the dance floor.
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Written by Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Iris Apfel, the 96-year-old businesswoman and former interior and textile designer-turned-fashion and style icon is living her life to the fullest and simply refers to herself as an “accidental icon.” Apfel credits her iconic status to her creative approach to personal style. This caught the attention of Harold Koda, former curator of the Costume Institute at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mr. Koda, who describes Ms. Apfel’s eveningwear as having a “Fellini-esque theatricality,” curated and exhibited pieces from her extensive wardrobe and jewelry collections at THE MET in autumn of 2005, a few years following her retirement. The exhibition, Rara Avis: Selections from the Iris Apfel Collection, traveled to several other institutions, including the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, and launched Apfel into immediate stardom as well as laid the path for a staid second career. Since then, Apfel’s star has continued to rise. She has designed an accessories line for Swarovski, collaborated with MAC Cosmetics, starred alongside supermodels Karley Kloss and Toni Garrn in respective campaigns for Kate Spade and Etienne Aigner, starred in a documentary, aptly titled “Iris” and penned a new book, Iris Apfel, Accidental Icon, Musings of a Geriatric Starlet (Harper Collins). Read the rest here »

By:  Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

One of the most fun parties of the season took place on Saturday, March 17, as Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) welcomed more than 900 cultural philanthropists, artists, civic leaders, and arts supporters to its fourth annual PAMM Art of the Party presented by Valentino, the museum’s largest fundraising event of the year. The party took place in three phases, with multi-sensory experiences throughout. From the elegant Chef’s table in the galleries, to the chic and sexy supper club on the terrace to the energetic dance party that followed- the night was filled with artful company, conversations and dancing- lots and lots of dancing!

All three of the exclusive guest experiences were conceptualized by Lee Brian Schrager with culinary collaborations by STARR Catering Group and Chef Michelle Bernstein, and wines generously provided by Kim Crawford. Read the rest here »

By:  Dr. Mary Jo Almeida Shore

Every March tennis aficionados from all over the world flock to the Miami Open to see the top men and women players such as Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, Venus Williams and more compete in one of the biggest and most important tournaments. With tennis being such a global sport, having players from all over the world compete for one of the most prestigious titles on the tour and Miami already being so international, you see some of the most passionate and energetic fans. Celebrities and world-renowned figures in the entertainment and sports industries can always be found taking in the matches on stadium court under the tropical south Florida sun. 

But more spectators each year are considering the Miami Open as  a culinary destination: with over 100 dining venues/options, tennis fans and those who are merely fans of the “social side of tennis” can please their palates with flavors from around the globe.  Thanks to Great Performances, which stealthily and expertly orchestrates all of the concession and dining options at the tournament, the Miami Open has become as much about the food as about the game; catapulting the tournament’s evolution from a sports event to an annual lifestyle celebration. Read the rest here »

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Club Med truly is for families! Not only is there something for everyone in the family to do 24/7 (our kids did not even look at their phones for four days) but you will feel like part of the Club Med family from the moment you arrive. This is all thanks to the outgoing and welcoming GOs, (Gentil Organisateur/Gracious Organizers), on-site staff, who go above and beyond to get to know guests and ensure that everyone is comfortable and having a great time – ALL the TIME!

But it’s more than just for families, there are also the friends you’ll make while you’re there, thanks to the convivial ambiance, that makes it so hard to leave and so easy to plan the next trip back. Club Med guests come from all over the world, making your vacation an enriching, multicultural experience.

Club Med is geared for the type of traveler/family who likes to get out there and have fun. From the unlimited water sports, to the Circus School (including flying trapeze) to the multiple pools (including an adult pool and jacuzzi), unlimited cocktails, exercise classes, world-class dining, entertainment, golf, sports and family-friendly nightclub/ lounges and nightly-themed entertainment- there’s too much to do to stay in your room. Don’t get us wrong, the rooms are clean and comfortable- some offer two bedrooms and bathrooms- but the idea is to have a blast and enjoy the resort, not to be cooped up. For those wishing to relax, there is an L’Occitane Spa offering numerous spa services and treatments perfect for primping and pampering. Many rooms also offer waterfront terraces, ideal for taking in the unparalleled sunrises and sunsets. Read the rest here »

New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy (NWS), hosted its coveted 30^th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, Feb. 10. Presented by Gala Chairs Sarah Arison and Thomas Wilhelm, the black-tie affair raised the most funds in all of NWS history, which will go directly towards supporting its fellowship program, its work in the community and innovative programming. The evening also paid tribute to composter Leonard Bernstein in the centennial of his birth with a special performance led by Founder and Artistic Director, Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT).   Read the rest here »