To say “Halloweekend” was outlandish, crowded, overstated, raunchy and wickedly fun is an understatement. The weekend started on Thursday night, with a prelude/kick-off event for “All Hallows Eve” at the Setai, which featured great music by Paul Sevigny, DJ Crystal and Johnny The Boy, in addition to cool tricks, such as a special show by designer, Liquid Metal and treats, such as candied apples (not necessary a good mix with alcoholic beverages). Liquid Metal pulled out all the stops. We’re talking vampires, blood, models being carried around in coffins and half naked dancers- kind of reminded us of the antics which took place at Warsaw on any given night, back in the day.
Across the street at the Catalina’s True Beach Blood party, Elaine Lancaster channeled Cher in a long jet-black wig, alongside scantily dressed vampires (seeing a recurring theme, ay?) witches and lots of Miami scenesters. The hotel was transformed into a real life haunted house. The outdoor bamboo garden boasted a maze of webs, spiders, goblins and monsters. Guests donned mostly vampire-inspired garb, supporting the party’s theme and enjoyed free Bloody Vampire shots, hallo-weenies and pumpkin chess blintzes. Special guest hosts Miami Social reality star, Ariel Stein, and socialite, Erin Newberg, served cocktails. The party’s proceeds went towards The American Heart Association.
On Saturday night, revelers who braved the heavy traffic to get to South Beach (two hours go cross McArthur Causeway, Venetian Causeway or Julia Tuttle) and the throngs of people on Lincoln Road (it took over an hour to cross the mall end to end) were treated to a host of Halloween eye candy and festivities. Many people shuttled back and forth between the Raleigh penthouse’s speakeasy, The Cat’s Meow and the neighboring Shore Club, where the “Golden Girls” of Playboy (one playmate was featured in the magazine way back in1999) held court, partying and posing for photos.
Niche media CEO, Jason Binn, Ocean Drive magazine and Ed Hardy fragrances hosted an intimate Halloween birthday party for music mogul, David Foster, at Bancroft supper club, the night before his show at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Special guests included: Chicago member, Peter Cetera, Earth, Wind and Fire’s Philip Bailey, Charice, R&B singer and songwriter, Deborah Cox, American Idol winner, Ruben Studdard, and hunky American Idol contestant, Michael Johns. At midnight, The Canadian Tenors performed their rendition of “Happy Birthday” as Binn presented Foster with a custom tiered cake shaped like a piano, followed by a speech by Foster’s longtime girlfriend, former supermodel, Yolanda Hadid.
Many partygoers chose Wynwood as their Halloween destination. Showing that a racy theme, free booze, nu disco and a gallery space in which to celebrate makes for a rockin’ great time, over 800 guests (500 over the confirmed RSVPs) showed up at the party thrown by Supermarket Creative, Gen Art and The Awarehouse. This year’s theme: “The ‘Other’ Hollywood,” had guests reeling back an 8mm roll of decadent nostalgia…70s porno chic with free-flowing 42 Below vodka and Leblon, bringing out their inner John Holmes and Linda Lovelace, in Missoni’s glamorous and excessive vintage porn set as guest DJ, Mister Drake, Son of Sound + Dirty Haze spun the best of nu disco.
Nearby, internationally renowned designer, Tui Pranich, threw a private Halloween bash at the Ice Palace Studios, featuring Thai dancers, performances and Deco Drive’s Louis Aguirre, dressed as David Hasselhoff on the microphone. Pranich, disguised as Jennifer Lopez (a.k.a. Lola), possibly drew the inspiration for his costume from his recent meeting with Lopez and Marc Anthony, for whom E! Online reports Pranich is designing their new Icon Brickell crash pad. Other stand-out guests in costumes included: Belkys Nerey as Holly Golightly, Michael Kirkland, as Andy Warhol, D. Ashlee Harrison, as Warhol muse, Edie Sedgwick, Susanne Birbragher, as Angelina Jolie and Carlos Betancourt as Venus Williams. But the best costume award, hands down (close runner up to Susan Boyle) went to, Walid Wahab, who dressed-up as Iran Issa Khan, complete with Khan’s signature, over-sized statement jewelry pieces, a sky blue pashmina, fake boobs and camera, to the delight of Khan, who was also at the party. Other notable guests included: Esther Percal, Lily Zanardi, Gingi Beltran and Sam Robin.
Coming Up:
Make-A-Wish
One of the most highly anticipated parties of the year, The Make-A-Wish Ball takes over the InterContinental Miami (100 Chopin Plaza) this Saturday, November 7 at 7:00 p.m. This year’s theme is inspired by John Lennon’s classic song, “Imagine.” Expect over-the-top décor. Past years have included enchanted forests, with talking trees and tables, a model pouring champagne from a chandelier, an entrance through the 50 foot skirt of an opera singer and at least a few gorgeous people dangling from the ceiling. And that’s just the beginning. This ball’s got major star power. This year’s live auction emcee is none other than Pamela Anderson. No word on whether her Baywatch suit is on the auction block, but we wouldn’t be surprised, after all, Sharon Stone did auction off her Rolls Royce a couple of years ago, complete with her lacy black bra in the back seat. Ahhh, if cars could talk! For only $500 per person, $5, 000 per table of ten, you get the best cocktail reception this side of Joe’s Stone Crab, 140 items to choose from in the silent auction, dinner, live auction emceed by Pamela Anderson and a performance by Beatlemania Now.
For the second year in a row, Shareef Malnik, Michael Capponi, and Antonio Misuraca, will transform the InterContinental Miami’s Chopin Ballroom into the Make-A-Wish nightclub, where guests can party until the early morning hours. Designer, Richie Rich, will present his A*Muse line alongside Pamela Anderson, to the sounds of DJ Joe Dert, all for the price of the gala ticket. Those wishing to attend only the Make-A-Wish nightclub can purchase tickets for $100 by contacting rsvp@capponigroup.com or calling Lena Makurath at 305 695-4410.
Tables, wishes and other sponsorship opportunities can be purchased by calling 954.967.9474 extension 318 or by visiting http://sfla.wish.org/.
MOCA Mystery Dates
Also on November 7, and for a mere $175 ($125 for MOCA Shakers), you can participate in MOCA’s Mystery Dates fundraiser where your dining destination is a surprise. To pre-select a dinner location will cost an extra $100 per ticket.
The party starts at Museo Vault, (349 NW 29 Street) where guests can enjoy cocktails, music and hors d’oeuvres, and learn which surprise dinner they will attend. The locations vary from a loft in Wynwood, to a post modern home in Coral Gables, to waterfront homes in Key Biscayne and South Beach. After dinner, guests will have the opportunity to tour the hosts’ private collections. The evening will conclude with a late-night party at the W South Beach.
This is it!
Local photographer, and permanent fixture on the Miami social scene, Manny Hernandez, presents his second Miami photo exhibit titled This Is It by Manny Hernandez at the Palms Hotel and Spa (3025 Collins Avenue) on Miami Beach. The exhibit will showcase two decades of Hernandez’s work, including images from Miami 90’s scene with shots of The Bee Gees, Martha Stewart, Madonna, Gianni Versace, Celia Cruz, and Snoop Dog to name a few. The show starts on November 7, during Sleepless Night, and runs through December 6. There will be a VIP reception on November 12th from 7:00-10:00 p.m. Part of the proceeds from this exhibit will benefit the Diabetes Research Institute.
For more information, contact: 305-753-5899, email mhpixs@gmail.com or go to www.mannyhernandez.com.
Celebrity Sightings:
Friday night Christina Ricci partied at LIV for a pre-Halloween celebration.
Saturday night, a very pregnant Giselle Bundchen, dined with husband, Tom Brady, at Prime 112. On Sunday night, Gabrielle Union celebrated her birthday at LIV during Amerie’s album release.
O. J. McDuffie, former Miami Dolphins player, and Marvin Jones, formerly of the New York Jets, cheered on their respective teams at Sunny Isles hotspot The Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort’s popular Sunday Football Party hosted by former NFL pro-athletes, Bennie and Brian Blades. The brothers host the weekly Sunday football viewing parties at Kitchen 305 in support of the Bennie Blade 36 Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds for children with special needs.
Singer, Jewel, was spotted having dinner at Mr. Chow at the W South Beach on Tuesday night.
Last week, celebrity cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Fredric Brandt, and plastic surgeon, Dr. Stephan Baker, held an exclusive gathering in Coral Gables.
This weekend, Sander Kleinenberg and friend, DJ Jon Cowan fresh off their successful pure Pacha, Ibiza summer residency will take over the turntables at Mansion on Saturday, Nov 7. Word to the wise: arrive early- this show’s soon to sell out quickly.
Acclaimed DJ, and Lindsay Lohan on-again-off-again love interest, Samantha Ronson will kick off G by GUESS’ ULTIMATE REMIX DJ tour in Miami on November 13 with a live set at the Ramblas Plaza in Dolphin Mall, with a unique mix of cutting-edge sounds by local cutie, DJ Troy Kurtz, starting at 8:30 p.m. Complimentary Rockstar beverages will be served and several beach cruisers will be given away. Totally random location, but it seems like it could be a pretty good time. There is no cover charge or RSVP necessary, but space is limited.
