The Macallan House of Stone and STK Miami

Join STK Miami and “The Macallan House of Stone” for a Scotch tasting and a live performance by acclaimed sculpture artist Moses Nayanhongo on Thursday, December 1, at 7:00 p.m. Nayanhongo – who has showcased his works at the Louvre, amongst other art world staples – will carve his latest piece inside the chic South Beach steakhouse as guests sip Macallan 21-year-old whiskey. The event is open to the public. RSVP to stkmiami@taraink.com.

Maison Martin Margiela Presents Love, etc. 

Maison Martin Margiela will present Love, etc., an off-site installation situated near its Miami retail location, in the Miami Design District.  A cocktail reception celebrating the Maison’s first ever Line 13 exhibition during Art Basel will be held on Thursday, December 1. In conjunction with this cocktail reception for Love, etc. invited guests will also be welcomed at the Maison Martin Margiela boutique where they may preview the brands’ Spring Summer 2012 collections of apparel and accessories for men and women. Additionally, these guests will have the opportunity to preview an array of Line 13 objects, including an exclusive, limited-edition Line 13 object created solely for Art Basel 2011. The on-going exhibition will be open on Tuesday, November 29 through Saturday, December 3, each day between the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Trey Speegle at Hotel Breakwater 

Popular contemporary artist Trey Speegle will kick off Art Basel 2011 with a private rooftop party held Thursday, December 1, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Hotel Breakwater’s “Intimissi Lounge” rooftop penthouse overlooking Ocean Drive. The exclusive event, which launches his four-day “You/Me” exhibit at the hotel, will feature live body paint-by-numbers by Trey Speegle, signature “You/Me” cocktails and sounds by DJ Valdemar. Speegle’s diverse career has been characterized by a unique mix of commercial and fine art. His work combines high- and lowbrow with a nod toward Pop Art, overlaying his meticulous vintage paint-by-number images with messages. Last year, Speegle created a backdrop for Stella McCartney’s Paris runway show, as well a collection for Anthroplogie Home. His iconic YOU ARE HERE painting was recently acquired by Microsoft for the lobby of its San Francisco headquarters. Speegle is represented by Benrimon Contemporary and his work can also be seen at the gallery’s PULSE Miami art fair exhibition during Art Basel 2011, which is located at The Ice Palace in the Miami Design District. For more information on Trey Speegle, visit www.bcontemporary.com/treyspeegle or www.treyspeegle.com. 

Dine with Russell Simmons and Creed lead singer Scott Stapp for a Worthy Cause

On Friday, December 2 from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Miami residence of Chip Brady of LSN Partners, LLC, and his wife Allison Weiss Brady, please join music mogul Russell Simmons and her brother Danny Simmons, along with Creed lead singer/songwriter Scott Stapp and his wife Jaclyn Stapp, Jill Viner, Diane N. Weiss, Roe and Penny Stamps, Cheryl and Jaime Peisach, and Faquiry Diaz Cala and Amelia Balonek for an intimate fundraising dinner party to raise funds for Penn Medicine at The University of Pennsylvania. At the event Loro Piana will be presenting exclusive items from their 2011 men’s and ladies lines, with mannequins staged atop of the Brady’s gorgeous stone fountain and discretely throughout their property. At the event, ten percent of all Loro Piana sales will benefit Penn Medicine. Boca Raton-based jeweler Rosenberg Diamonds & Co. will also be having a Diamond Dig raffle with a chance to win a $4,900 diamond pendant. Special performance by singer/songwriter Brendan O’Hara. Tickets start at $500 per person. Address will be given upon RSVP. Contact weisspr@aol.com for further information.

PooL Art Fair Miami Beach

Join Frère Independent for an opening reception on Friday, December 2 from 5:00 to 10:30 p.m. for the presentation of the seventh edition of PooL Art Fair Miami Beach, slated for December 2, 3, and 4, as well as its new location at Sadigo Court, making it the closest exposition to the Miami Beach Convention Center – the epicenter of Art Basel Miami Beach. PooL is the only exhibition to present independent artists who are otherwise unrepresented during Art Basel Miami Beach. The simple, modest approach of the PooL Art Fair offers an exciting alternative to the typical art fair experience for dealers, collectors and the general public. By creating a meeting ground for outstanding artists, primarily those who do not yet have gallery representation, the fair serves as an invaluable resource for the artistic community and the general public. Contemporary art dealers, artist agents, emerging galleries, artists’ collectives and non-profit organizations are also invited to apply to participate as exhibitors. The fair selects artists whose works are original and challenging. Exhibiting artists use hotel guest rooms to display their work, creating a unique and personal setting.

Food Truck Fridays at the Adrienne Arsht Center

On Friday, December 2, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County will host an art-inspired version of its popular “Food Truck Fridays” lunchtime event in honor of Art Basel Week and the Center’s upcoming programming. Throughout the event, guests will enjoy lunch from a variety of “Burger Beast Approved” gourmet food trucks including gastroPod and Ms. Cheezious as well as a FREE performance on one of Steinway’s Pop-Up Piano Miami’s pianos by ELEW, a dynamic “Rockjazz” pianist who recently toured with Josh Groban, at 1 p.m. In addition, all “Food Truck Fridays” attendees will have the opportunity to pose for Sketchy Miami artists and receive instant, complimentary portraits. Professional street chalk artist Betty Dominguez will also be on-site to create a large, 3D mural depicting everyone’s favorite green ogre, Shrek, in preparation for the Arsht Center’s debut of SHREK THE MUSICAL on December 6 through 11. Dominguez’s “Shrek” will be on view at the Center’s Lot C parking lot through December 11. SHREK THE MUSICAL and MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET giveaways and prizes will be available in celebration of the Arsht Center’s Broadway in Miami 2011-2012 season. Admission to “Food Truck Fridays” and entertainment is free. Food is available for purchase. Special event parking is $3.00. 

La Maison franco PIANEGONDA at Aventura Mall

The La Maison franco PIANEGONDA boutique at Aventura Mall will be hosting a cocktail reception and holiday sale in celebration of its one-year anniversary on Wednesday, December 7, from 6:30 to 8:30p.m. Jewelry designer Franco Pianegonda will be making a rare personal appearance from Italy, joined by stylish hosts Kirstie Bolitho, Rosalie Borg, Alex Fields, Stuart Geller, Cynthia Graham, Erin Newberg, Carole Pumpian, Sonia Tita Puopolo, Patty Soffer and Tracey Stein. Guests will receive 20 percent off all items storewide, with a portion of sales from the event through Sunday benefiting Citizens Interested in Arts, Inc. Guests will enjoy cocktails and antipasti by Bella Luna.  La Maison franco PIANEGONDA by Franco Pianegonda is a luxury Italian jewelry brand renowned for innovative designs. It features rodiated .925 sterling silver combined with natural elements, including 18-karat gold, buffalo tusk, diamonds, gemstones and natural river pearls. Franco PIANEGONDA creations start at $450 and can be purchased at fine retailers, including Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as the flagship boutique in the Aventura Mall. For more information, visit www.francopianegonda.net or to rsvp to the event go to pianegonda@taraink.com.

Pearl Restaurant & Champagne Lounge Makes a Comeback

On Saturday, December 10, International restaurateur and lifestyle entrepreneurs Jack and Lucia Penrod are re-opening the doors to hotspot Pearl Restaurant & Champagne Lounge! The iconic venue originally opened in 1999 and later closed in 2005 and was a favorite among A-List celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Matt Damon, Paris Hilton, Janet Jackson and Sting, to name a few. Pearl returns better than ever at the same address (One Ocean Drive, Miami Beach) and will offer guests a new exquisite menu of world cuisine served with an aesthetic flair by renowned Chef Sylvain Noel complemented by an extensive cocktail, wine and champagne menu.

Dita Von Teese

Sexy burlesque performer, Dita Von Teese, made a pit stop in Miami on Thursday as part of the U.S. launch for her vintage-inspired mini bar, “My Cointreau® Travel Essentials.” She sipped Cointreau® MargaDitas at a private party at Mondrian South Beach’s Sunset Lounge and caused quite the frenzy as she made her grand entrance down the hotel lobby’s black spiral staircase wearing a silver Herve L. Leroux gown, studded Louboutin heels, vintage earrings and a Cartier ring, and then posed on the Cointreau® “orange carpet” alongside a luggage cart stacked high with vintage trunks and her limited-edition travel accessory and shared fashion, style and travel tips with guests. Von Teese spent most of the evening lounging in a corner booth with friends but often stopped her conversation to meet and pose for photos with fans.

Our favorite Modern Family star, Sofia Vergara, headlined the BeLive Gala at the Ritz Carlton Miami Beach on Thursday night.

Sofia Vergara

Real Housewives of Miami’s Lea Black joined Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Caroline Manzo, Jacqueline Laurita, and Albie Manzo at the Hotel Breakwater for the launch of blk.Water, which Manzo is representing. Manzo kept cool sipping cocktails (made with blk), and hanging with his brother, sister and New York Jets cheerleader girlfriend, much to the dismay of female onlookers.  

 Across town at WALL Miami lounge, Private Practice’s Taye Diggs (who made us swoon years ago in How Stella Got Her Groove Back) and team McLaren Formula One race car driver Jenson Button partied at the VIP hotspot, drinking and dancing with friends until 4 a.m.

Diggs and famous wife Idina Menzel from Glee stayed at the Hilton Bentley on South Beach while on tour all over South Florida promoting Diggs’ new children’s book Chocolate Me, about helping kids feel good about being unique.  The couple was seen by the Bentley pool and dining at De Rodriguez Cuba with their son Walker on Saturday, after his book signing at The Soul of South Florida Book Expo. 

Mario Lopez was seen checking into the Mondrian late on Friday night and took a few minutes to relax poolside on Saturday afternoon. Our source tells us fans were overheard whispering that they hoped “he’d take his shirt off” but had no such luck as Lopez was off to film teasers for his show Extra.

On Saturday afternoon, Alex Rodriguez went virtually unnoticed behind dark shades as he enjoyed a healthy poolside lunch at the Delano; Manny Ramirez had a late afternoon snack at Stephen Starr’s Makoto in Bal Harbour and Romero Britto dined at Asia de Cuba at Mondrian, posing for photos with fans and signing autographs.

University of Miami alums and Major League Baseball players Chris Perez (Cleveland Indians) and Jon Jay (St. Louis Cardinals) dined on Saturday at The Forge Restaurant | Wine Bar.

On Sunday afternoon Giuliana and Bill Rancic enjoyed Sunday afternoon brunch at the Mondrian. 

Last week, American Idol Season 10’s Brett Loewenstern, Mrs. United States 2011 Shannon Ford, and Miss Florida USA 2012 Karina Brez were a part of the Palm Beach Veterans Committee Veterans Day Parade in West Palm Beach.

Dwayne Wade’s private chef, Richard Ingraham cooked up specialty dishes for the Cooking up Dreams event at the Hilton Doubletree Biscayne Bay a couple of weeks ago, in support of Miami-Dade Public Schools Food and Nutrition programs.

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 of this entry »

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 of this entry »