Renato Armijo is one of the fashion world’s up-and-coming creative geniuses- an artist who creates art and fashion from concept to completion. With an extensive talent for design, his work has caught the eye of international designers and socialites who desire sophistication and elegance in their clothing. Hailing from Lima, Peru, Armijo’s attention to detail is evident in every masterpiece he creates.  “My creative process begins with a song, a scene, a story, a journey that starts with something I desire or live; creating forms and shapes in my mind as I sew and feel them…sometimes I imagine a picture, a scene of a movie or a melody which transports me to a place and time that for a second inspires me to create. I enjoy expressing myself through different media; from fabrics and trimmings to canvas and acrylics.”

While attending the Miami International University of Art & Design, Armijo received the award for Best Men’s Wear Collection in the United States by the Hispanic Designers’ Association. He was also recognized by the Le Jeaunes Createurs de la Mode in Paris, where his creations were put on display at the Louvre. Upon the completion of his education, Armijo became the Assistant Creative Director for Kenneth Cole NYC Menswear.  During his time there, Armijo was honored by Kenneth Cole himself at the Fashion Group International as the overall National Award Winner.
Renato Armijo is presently the Creative and In-house Designer for Ever After Miami, a fashion label sold alongside other notable designers including Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang, at specialty retailers across the United States. Armijo shares, “The Ever After experience gives me an opportunity to have a national platform and understand women in multiple markets. As a designer, being able to create the highest level of fashion is very rewarding.” His understanding of the feminine form and his pattern making skills allow him to create unique and exceptional designs that are sought after by his very exclusive clientele. Each piece has a personality of its own, such as evening wear that is detailed with Swarovski crystals, distinctive embroidery, and advanced technique.
Armijo is currently working on two new projects, a menswear line, call Refugio, a personal venture and concept in which he plans to deliver a unique product to the menswear market and his brilliant Glamadolls fashion illustration coffee table book, where he pays homage to the amazing fashion icons who have inspired him, making the fashion industry what it is today. “I enjoy expressing myself through different media; from fabrics and trimmings to canvas and acrylics. I always find a way to merge them all together.”

This Holiday Season Armijo is creating personalized Glamadoll greeting cards- for the socialite who has it all and will settle for nothing short of perfection.  Each unique Glamadoll is made to order by Armijo to bear the likeness of the real-life glamorous girl for whom she is created.  For more information about this trailblazing artist, or to  order your Glamadoll cards today, contact:  Glamadoll@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/pages/Glamadolls/187578254642517.

Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour along with special hostess Erin Newberg cordially invited guests to meet designer Christian Siriano on Thursday, November 10. Guests arrived for a champagne reception and luscious lunch bites on the Fine Apparel area of Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour to view the stunning Fall 2011 Collection, and get a sneak peek into Spring 2012. Those in attendance mingled as they enjoyed the afternoon in the ultra chic lounge setup. Models took center stage on elevated platforms as Siriano spoke through each look featured. Known as the youngest and most popular winner of Bravo TVs “Project Runway,” Siriano featured a mix of his ready-to-wear pieces including beautiful crisp white blouses with flowy bright colored pants, along with fabulous cocktail dresses and ultra glamourous evening gowns.

By: Maryanne Salvat

“La Collaborazione” – A Unique Artistic Collaboration by Noel & Uberto Gucci

Join local artist Noel and Uberto Gucci’s opening reception for “La Collaborazione” on Thursday, November 17 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Miami Beach Botanical Garden. The event will unveil the celebrated artist and famed fashion house’s appropriately named artistic collaboration featuring two mixed media paintings that combine iconic items such as Gucci scarves, accessories and all things equestrian with Noel’s signature sweeping artwork. The event will begin at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden where Mayor Matti Bower will present a key to the city to Uberto Gucci and proclamation to Noel for his continued contributions to the city. Light bites and cocktails will be provided by City Hall The Restaurant. The event will be followed by an after party at The Raleigh from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. To RSVP to the unveiling at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, contact noel@taraink.com.

Bon Jour, High Club

Thursday, November 17 at 9:00 p.m., High Club opens its doors on Ocean Drive.. The 5,000-square-foot den– modeled after a swanky French parlor – features plush Victorian-style VIP seating, a white lacquer bar, handmade black leather-buttoned walls and record studio-quality Tannoy speakers. It is the product of Parisian nightlife impresario Gil Thevenet, who is also responsible for five other venues in France (including the original High Club in Nice) and will now embark on his first venture in the US. Guests will enjoy complimentary cocktails by Belvedere until midnight, along with house-centric beats by French turntable jockeys DJ Navy and DJ Keidy. Kindly RSVP to highclub@taraink.com.

BLK Water Launches at Hotel Breakwater

On Friday, November 18, from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m., join Ocean Drive Magazine and Albie Manzo, famed son of Caroline Manzo of the Real Housewives of New Jersey, for the BLK Water launch party at Hotel Breakwater. The new spring water product being distributed to Miami nightlife venues as a mixer for cocktails will be hosting a VIP party to celebrate its debut. Black attire is encouraged; Cocktails courtesy of Rouge Vodka and light bites by Nine. To rsvp, visit blkWater@taraink.com.

Cotton’s 24-Hour Runway Show          

On November 19 straight through November 20, Cotton presents style icon Giuliana Rancic of E! News and E!’s Fashion Police as celebrity host of the world premiere of Cotton’s 24-Hour Runway Show with special appearances by Bill Rancic and performances by DJ Irie, DJ Ross One, DJ Joe Maz, Aulden Brown and Juan Mejia to be announced. Featuring 1,440 looks—one look per minute—to celebrate The Fabric of Our Lives ®, each hour will feature everyday 24 hour looks from “Modern Glam” to “Sunday Brunch.” The Runway Show will showcase of the latest styles highlighting the versatility of cotton for stylish looks in every moment of the day. After conducting a nationwide Cotton Style Search for everyday individuals that best exhibit personal style, Samantha Cerny was chosen to represent “Effortless Bohemian” based on her cotton versatility in her everyday life, outfit and personality. The event is open to the public and will begin at noon on Saturday and run until noon on Sunday. The show will take place on the outdoor stage at Lincoln Road between Lenox and Alton.

Volvos and Vampires

On Saturday, November 19, Warren Henry Volvo will host Volvos and Vampires in celebration of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 premier. Volvo is the featured vehicle in The Twilight Saga series. “Twi-hards” will enjoy a day of fun including a chance to preview the Volvo model featured in the new movie, movie ticket and prize giveaways including a 32” TV and iPad, food, entertainment, a blood drive and more. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best Twilight gear for a chance to win tickets to The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1, premiering nationwide on November 18 at AMC Aventura 24 on their date of choice. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions. During the month of November, Warren Henry Volvo is offering $2,500 off the new Volvo S60, Edward’s vehicle in Breaking Dawn – Part 1. For more information, call 888-856-3113 or visit www.WarrenHenryAuto.com.

Out-N-About App

 Keep your South Beach social life buzzing with Out-N-About – a new app brought to you by Lords South Beach and Out Magazine. Out-N-About (available for free on iTunes) is a digital concierge app highlighting local gay-friendly destinations, utilizing the expertise of four ‘men about town’:

NIGHTLIFE: Legendary party promoter Josh Woods shows you the best parties, bars and clubs.

SHOPPING: Kristian Laliberte, writer for Refinery 29, points you towards South Beach’s best kept retail secrets.

CULTURE: Tim Gossens uses his experience as a curator to find the best gallery openings, art fairs, and performances.

OUTDOOR: Guests can explore landmark destinations and outdoor activities with Lords Founder Brian Gorman.

Trigger at Colony Theater

Trigger a short film by South Florida native and Los Angeles-based Matt Sinnreich, will make its Miami Beach debut on Wednesday, November 23, at 7:30 p.m. at Colony Theater on Lincoln Road. Notably, one hundred percent of proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida® and Angels of East Africa. Trigger is a 30-minute short film that has been touted as an emotional and psychological rollercoaster about what it takes for one to actually pull “the trigger” and take another human’s life. Immediately captivating the audience, the film opens with a man holding a gun to a drug dealer’s head, and then regresses back through the gunman’s childhood, exposing the circumstances of how he ended up in the position, and ultimately, how fate has brought everything full-circle. At the premiere, Sinnreich, who wrote, directed, and produced the film, will announce and discuss his next project, a major motion picture to be filmed in his hometown of Miami Beach. An after party will follow at W South Beach. Tickets are $55 each and include cocktails by VeeV at the screening as well as access to the after party. For more information about the premiere, tickets, and to view the movie’s trailer, visit: www.triggermoviecharity.com.

Shareef Malnik, Gabrielle Anwar, Nancy and Al Malnik

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Last Saturday night we were thrilled once again to attend one of our favorite events every season, the Annual InterContinental Miami Make-A-Wish Ball, along with 900 A-list VIPs, socialites, philanthropists and celebrities, dressed to the nines in black and white, for this year’s Ball dubbed, “The Party of the Century” in homage to Truman Capote’s A-list-only vanity affair at New York’s Plaza Hotel in 1966.  Guests were welcomed to the black and white avant-garde masquerade at the InterContinental Hotel by “living chandeliers” and led to the white carpet, where they transcended into a glamorous, glowing realm of fantasy featuring psychedelic black and white art installations on the mezzanine which were brought to life by camouflaged performers.

While enjoying the Ball’s much buzzed-about hors d’oeuvre stations, which included a raw bar including lobster and stone crabs and a full sushi bar and passed delights created by InterContinental Miami’s celebrated Executive Chef Alexander Feher, guests bid on more than 125 premier items including a South African safari, children’s ride-on Mercedes SUV and Goodyear Blimp, a voice-activated interactive R2D2 replica from Star Wars; and numerous works of art and vacation packages, to name a few, raising close to $108, 000.  Following the reception, resident Ball and Miami Heat celebrity disc jockey, DJ Irie summoned everyone into the main ballroom for a decadent three-course meal of Sturgeon Mousse with Caviar, Gorgonzola Stuffed Tenderloin, and delicious desserts.

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This year, Sunglass Hut has partnered with Magda Sayeg, aka KNITTA to create limited edition sunglasses for the Sunglass Hut Artist Series. The annual program that chooses up-and-coming artists to create exclusive collectible sunglasses in support of OneSight – the charitable foundation created to help restore and preserve clear vision for underprivileged adults and children worldwide. OneSight’s outreach programs include the hand-delivery of free primary vision care, eyewear and optical sun protection to those in need.  Each pair retails for $130, $30 of which will benefit OneSight. The exclusive shades are available for purchase at www.sunglasshut.com.

Considered to be the mother of yarn bombing, KNITTA leads community-based projects to beautify urban areas around the world.  Her installations have also been featured prominently at American monuments to contemporary culture, such as The Standard Hotel, South By Southwest, and the Austin City Limits Festival. 

by: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore and Maryanne Salvat 

The Bank Nightclub

 This Thursday, November 10, join The Bank Nightclub for its grand opening to the public at 11:00 p.m.  The modern speakeasy is located Downtown at 139 NE 1^st Street in the historic Dade Commonwealth Building and features an ambiance and décor that exudes Capone-esque swagger, prohibition era-themed mixology, cocktail servers dressed as flapper girls, and an actual bank vault that doubles as a VIP room. For more information, visit www.thebankmiami.com.

MonoVisioN  at  DCOTA

Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) and Charles S. Cohen, Owner, CEO and President of Cohen Brothers Realty, are pleased to announce the Center’s newest exhibit, MonoVisioN, a selection of architectural and lifestyle photographs by distinguished photographer Scott Frances. A VIP reception celebrating the show’s opening will be held on Wednesday, November 16. MonoVisioN, available for viewing in Atrium A until Wednesday, February 15, 2012, showcases 68 large-scale works reflecting the synthesis of Frances’ interests in carefully balanced composition. This precise use of atmospheric and naturally motivated light is evidenced throughout the exhibit and in featured photographs of celebrity homes, including those of Jennifer Anistion and Estee Lauder, among others. With a journalist’s need to tell a story simply, along with his passion for the decorative arts, his imagery bridges recurring themes throughout art history.

The Divorcée Sale

Marriage may not be forever, but style is. The Divorcée Sale, the traveling shopping event where fabulous Divorcées shed their past wears to benefit a great cause, touches down in Miami at the iconic Delano, November 11 through 13. Shoppers will be whisked up to Delano’s chic penthouse where they will have the opportunity to snap up designer bags, clothes and accessories from Balenciaga, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Lanvin, YSL, Miu Miu, Burberry, Chanel, Diane von Furstenberg and more at seriously slashed prices.  Plus, 25% of proceeds benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Friday night kickoff from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. includes plenty of passed champagne and swag bags for all. The first 50 shoppers to arrive on Saturday and Sunday will also receive gift bags, so rise and shop! For more information and tickets visit  thedivorceesale.com.

 JLM’s Miami Magic Gala

 The Junior League of Miami (JLM), presents the 8^th Annual Miami Magic Gala: Diner de Têtês French Masquerade this Friday, November 11, at the InterContinental Hotel Miami, (100 Chopin Plaza) at 7 pm, bringing a night of Parisian sophistication and glamour that includes dinner, dancing and all things French (well, maybe not ALL things). Honoring the significant community leaders who, through their volunteerism, have made a considerable impact on our community, the event will also celebrate the Junior League of Miami’s 85th year of serving the Miami-Dade community. This year’s honorees include Michael Capponi, Mike Eidson and Loren Ridinger.

Wear your chicest black or white attire to this party, which will be emceed by NBC reporter Amara Sohn, and plan to enjoy an exclusive VIP reception; special awards presentation; whimsical performance provided by the Rainbow Cirque Troupe; silent auction with more than forty carefully selected items; “Rumor Has It/ FIAT” VIP lounge featuring the new Fiat model; “Superlative Awards” for most creative attire; tunes from French DJ Pierre Zon Zon; and exciting raffle prize items including, “The Art of the Sabrage: Grand Cuvee private in-home champagne party” provided by Christolfe and a Tourneau ladies watch; and a special H&H jewels raffle.  Tickets range in price from $85 to $150.  To purchase tickets, or to receive more information about JLM, visit www.jlmiami.org.

MOCA’s Mystery Dates 

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) invites you to its annual Mystery Dates extravaganza on Saturday November 12.  The excitement begins with cocktails at the museum (770 NE 125 Street) in North Miami at 7 pm, followed by concurrent dinner parties in private homes from Golden Beach to Coral Gables. After dinner, you are invited to reconvene with other guests for a late-night dance party at The Setai, (2001 Collins Avenue). 

“What is the mystery?” you ask.  Well, you will not know the exact location of your fabulous dinner until you arrive at the cocktail.  One thing is for certain: each dinner host lives in a glamorous Miami residence and has pretty smashing taste so you should be delighted regardless of where you end up!  The dinner hosts include:  Jason Atkins, Tania and Robert Bassan, Sam Burstyn, Robert Blumenthal, Olympia de Castro & Gustavo Hernandez, Felipe Grimberg & Eduardo Ojeda, Sofia Joelsson, Gloria & Sergio Leyva, Kathryn & Dan Mikesell, Dale & Richard Newberg, Marcella & Daniel Novella, Hal Philipps, Dr. Leigh Silverston, Adriana & Michael Stein, & Billy Weisman.

Tickets are priced at $175 with a discount of $50 for MOCA Shaker and above members.  A limited number of packages of ten tickets are for sale for $1,250. For more information, about the MOCA Shakers and Mystery Dates contact MOCA at 305. 893.6211 or visit www.mocanomi.org.

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Village of Merrick Park 

 On Thursday, November 17, Village of Merrick Park kicks off the joyous season with its most beloved of events, the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. For the fourth time, Village of Merrick Park is environmentally friendly by lighting its 50-foot tree with 55,000 LED light bulbs. The Master of Ceremonies for this magical evening will be Belkys Nerey, Head News Anchor at FOX WSVN Channel 7. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m., including a musical performance by the Coral Gables High School Choir and a holiday greeting from Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and other character favorites. Throughout The Garden live entertainment including stilt walkers and jugglers will take place. Other children’s activities will include a sugar cookie decoration station provided by Williams-Sonoma and an arts & crafts station provided by Gymboree Play & Music and Pottery Barn Kids, among other exciting surprises. Gather your family around the breath-taking tree for your first memorable photograph of the season.  The tree will be lit at approximately 7:45 p.m. Bring an unwrapped gift to donate to The Voices for Children Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising funds for abused and neglected children in Miami-Dade County.   

Sofia Vergara at BeLive 

BeLive is back to celebrate its 5^th Anniversary Fundraising Gala at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach (1 Lincoln Road) on Thursday, November 17 at 7 pm.  Chairing this year’s gala is Lauren Santo Domingo and the Co-Chair (whom we’ve been told will be in attendance) is the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actress from Modern Family, Sofia Vergara. If you can pull away from Ms. Vergara, even for a moment, you may have the chance to bid on one-of-a kind items during the silent auction, such as  Wayuu Mochilas created by Internationally renowned designers. This year, BeLive welcomes designers: Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin, Herve Leger, Helmut Lang, and Theskeyns Theory to name a few. During the party, Food Network’s Simply Delicioso star, Ingrid Hoffmann, will be creating sumptuous signature cocktails.  Also expect a concert by Latin Grammy Award winner, Fonseca, a delicious dinner, live entertainment, fashion show by the Webster and much more.    Individual tickets cost $500. For more information, contact Ximena Acosta at ximena@belivecolombia.org or visit:  www.belive.com. Over the past four years, BeLive has raised over $2.5 million dollars towards the betterment of the lives of over 100, 000 Colombians.

Thanks 4 Giving with the Black Eyed Peas

This Thanksgiving honor our armed forces through a program called “Thanks 4 Giving” and also receive an added bonus to use as you wish.   The Black Eyed Peas in conjunction with Sun Life Stadium are offering a fantastic deal that will create a special night for the men and women in the military and their families to share a once in a lifetime concert experience:  the Black Eyed Peas’ final performance of 2011 with special guests Sean Kingston, Cee-Lo Green, T-Pain, Flo-Rida, Jason Derulo and hosted by Queen Latifah, Wednesday, November 23 at Sun Life Stadium (2269 NW 199 Street). Here’s how “Thanks 4 Giving” works:  you buy forty (40) 400 Level tickets for $1,000 that will be donated to the military and their families and in return, receive four (4) floor concert tickets valued at $395 at no additional charge.  What a great deal!  Use the tickets yourself or donate them- either way, you win.  To make it a “Good, Good, night for members of our troops and your fab four, visit: http://www.sunlifestadium.com/Tickets4Charity or call 305.943.1501.  This offer is not available through Ticketmaster.