The Current Event  

On Thursday, September 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., join Neiman Marcus Coral Gables and Miami magazine, along with host Shireen Sandoval of WSVN’s Deco Drive, for an evening of shopping and upscale revelry. Sit front row for a fashion show featuring the hottest fall trends and an exclusive preview of the new Rachel Zoe Collection. Dress in your best ensemble and enter the “Dress to Impress Rachel Zoe” competition for the chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree. I die! Sip wines by VOGA Italia and enjoy light bites by BGR The Burger Joint, La Cofradia, The Local, Red Koi Thai & Sushi Lounge and Seasons 52. The Current Event benefits the Young Patrons of Miami Science Museum. Spend $350 in Contemporary Sportswear or Dress Collections and receive an exclusive Rachel Zoe Collection handbag. To RSVP, please call 786.999.1003 or email rsvpcoralgables@neimanmarcus.com.

Violetas Boutique Hosts Grand Opening in Coral Gables

 Join Patricia Anton Himmel and Patricia Kronfle to celebrate the grand opening of their new home and décor boutique VIOLETAS. Specializing in unique home expressions, furnishings, accessories and remarkable gift items, VIOLETAS will kick-off its unveiling with a cocktail soiree on Thursday, September 22 at 7:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy an evening of shopping, featuring exclusive lines and curiosities collected from around the world, while indulging on decadent cocktails and scrumptious bites.  A portion of the evening proceeds will benefit IKF Wonderfund – a program of Jackson Memorial Foundation. To attend the event RSVP to Violetas@THEPATTONGROUPINC.com.

Miami City Ballet’s Upper Room 

Miami City Ballet’s Upper Room – a dedicated group of art & culture lovers in their 20s and 30s – kicks off MCB’s 2011-12 season with a party on Friday, September 23 at Performing Arts Exchange, 337 S.W. 8^th Street, beginning at 8:30 p.m. An exciting night of mixing and mingling with MCB dancers and other young professionals awaits: indulging on scrumptious cocktails and decadent light bites and dancing to the sounds of Spam All Stars and their unique blend of improvisational electronic elements and turntables with Latin, funk, hip hop and dub to create what they call an “electronic descarga.” The party is free for current MCB’s Upper Room members and $15 for non-members. Non-members who purchase a membership before or at the party will be waived the $15 cover. RSVP by calling 305.929.7000, ext. 1446 or email upperroom@miamicityballet.org.

Miami International Wine Fair’s 10th Anniversary After Party  

TEMPO Miami celebrates the Miami International Wine Fair’s 10th Anniversary After Party & TobaccoRum Miami preview party, in partnership with Cigar Snob magazine and sponsored by Rums of Puerto Rico on Saturday, September 24 at 9:00 p.m.  The swanky, open-to-the-public, soiree welcomes industry professionals, wine connoisseurs, cigar aficionados and rum lovers alike to a night set to the sounds of live music from Bikini Jazz, with wine and tobacco painting demonstrations by artist GAPAL.  Guests will also have the chance to sip wines from the just-wrapped Florida International Wine Challenge, sample chocolate rum cake from the famed Tortuga Rum Cake company and visit cigar and rum exhibitors to taste, test and learn to pair cigars with rums.The event will act as a preview to the first annual TobaccoRum Miami exposition, slated to take place this coming December during Art Basel. Tickets for the 10th Anniversary After Party & TobaccoRum Miami soiree are priced at $50 per person and can be purchased by visiting www.miamiwinefair.com. 

Solé On the Ocean Says “Aloha” to Summer 

Solé On the Ocean, an ultra-contemporary boutique hotel in Sunny Isles Beach, will say “Aloha” to summer with a Hawaiian-themed luau on Saturday, September 24, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at its beachfront lounge Alba Mare. In addition to getting lei-ed upon arrival, guests will celebrate the spirit of the islands – or isles – with traditional fare, live music and performances, paddle boarding, a limbo contest and a tropical swimwear presentation. Hula girls and a fire dancer will spark the festivities with colorful performances, while the Aloha Boyz strum their ukuleles and Dutch spins island beats. Party-goers will sip on Mai Tais and feast on Hawaiian-inspired fare, including a fire-roasted pig with traditional trimmings such as shrimp fried rice, mixed vegetables and Polynesian potato salad. ‘Hula’ good times with ensue with an informal fashion showcase by Poko Pano swimwear and a limbo contest, the winner of which will receive a complimentary weekend stay at Solé On the Ocean. Ark Paddleboards will also be onsite to offer both novice and experienced paddle boarders the chance to make waves on the ocean. The cost of entrance is $25 per person and includes unlimited fare, one Mai Tai and valet. Guests are invited to extend their stay from sundown to sunrise with 20% off the standard room rate, which begins at $139.00. A portion of proceeds from sales will benefit Plastics Free Ocean, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the risks of improper and excessive use of plastics to human health, wildlife and the environment. For luau and hotel reservations, call 786.923.9000 or email alba@soleoto.com. Advance purchase of admission to the luau is strongly recommended.

Papi Underwear Celebrates Hispanic Heritage 

In honor of Hispanic Heritage, Macy’s department store along with Papi Underwear has unveiled their second annual Hispanic Heritage collection.  Papi’s Hispanic Heritage collection is made in Cool Pass fabric, a poly/spandex blend that features qualities such as moisture wicking, quick dry and breathable for the utmost in comfort and protection for men, the group consists of Brazilian trunks and matching tanks and is available in an array of colors and designs that represent the flags of different Latin American countries.  Merchandise is available at www.papiinc.com, select Macy’s stores nationwide, and several other retailers across the country.  Brazilian trunks retail for $24 each and tanks retail for $29 each.