The landmark formerly known as the “Versace Mansion” has been transformed into Villa By Barton G, thanks to a million dollar restoration by famed restaurateur and event planner, Barton G. Weiss, whose attention to detail would make Vermeer jealous.  Weiss held an elegant cocktail party on Friday evening to showcase the Villa’s facelift. Guests at this exclusive event enjoyed music by harpists, a pianist and string quintet and signature bites by Barton G. Among the notables in attendance: Commissioner Michael Gongora, Stephanie Sayfie Aagard and Morton Aagard, Suzie Sayfie, , Ricky Arriola, WSVN anchor Diana Diaz, Vann and Parker Thomson, Barton Weiss’ parents Norman and Eleanor Weiss, Shore Club General Manager Tim Nardi and arts patrons Lenore Toby Simmons and Rhoda Leavitt. The evening’s open house celebrated the opening of The Dining Room at The Villa By Barton G., (already one of the hottest tickets in town), as well as the opening of the boutique all-suites hotel on the property. The Dining Room features refined continental cuisine elegantly styled by Barton G. served entirely on Versace place settings and fine china and is open seven nights a week from 7 p.m. until late. 

Getting a facelift of its own is the Thursday night party at Sky Bar at Shore Club which launched its new mixed “Oasis” Thursday party last week. The party brought out a terrific mixed crowd, which, in this town, could be interpreted to mean just about anything. Every week international DJ/Producer and local favorite Oren Nizri along with DJ Pocket Change will keep partygoers dancing by the hotel’s pool or grooving to their beats on Sky Bar’s numerous lounge beds while munching on Oasis’ gourmet brick oven pizza menu provided by the hotel’s renowned AGO restaurant and sipping $8 martini specials till midnight (talk about “old school” prices!). Oasis begins at 9 p.m. and goes through 2 a.m. There’s no guest list or cover charge so go as you are and enjoy!

Keeping styles fresh and new for several decades is shoe designer Donald J. Pliner, who celebrated the 20^th anniversary of his eponymous shoe line on Saturday, March 13, at his shop in Aventura mall with an all-day event to benefit Jewish Adoption & Foster Care Options, Inc alongside his wife and creative director, Lisa.  Pliner has been designing shoes since the 60s, paying close attention to the comfort of the shoe as well as style.  A comfortable designer shoe is not an oxymoron when it comes to Donald J. Pliner.  Lisa for Donald J Pliner, made its debut during the anniversary celebration, which was attended by the Pliners’ adorable daughter, Starr, and mascot, Baby Doll.