By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
Renowned international DJ, Bob Sinclar (World Hold On) along with co-owners Andre Boudou, Gregory Boudou, and Pierre Denain re-opened Amnesia Miami one of the nightlife staples from the halcyon days of South Beach, with much fan fare, light shows, confetti canons, enigmatic thrills and possibly a few spills (as the club boasts multiple levels and lots and lots of steps) over the weekend.
Amnesia Miami officially opened on Friday, October 21, after a VIP preview Thursday night, at the 136 Collins Avenue building – the same spot where Amnesia originally reigned over Miami’s night scene from 1993 -1996. Many of us, who are older than we care to admit, remember seeing Sly Stallone hanging out in the VIP room there, not to mention the infamous foam parties on Sunday afternoons. Coincidentally, we don’t remember a whole lot of other stuff that went down at “Amnesia”- probably for the best.
Amnesia Miami is sort of all in the family and cross-generational for Amnesia founder and co-owner, Andre Boudou. “I built the first Amnesia Miami 20 years ago and now, together with my son Gregory, we have combined our experiences from previous ventures around the world to enhance the Amnesia concept with all new, top of the line technology.” “After working closely with the world’s best DJs for over 20 years, I designed Amnesia with the purpose of providing the best possible room for artists to showcase their talent,” adds co-owner Gregory Boudou. Bob Sinclar adds, “With the combination of my influence and this one-of-a-kind musician’s haven, Amnesia Miami will lend itself to be the playground for the world’s most highly recognized celebrities and artists.” Sinclar took command of the turn-tables throughout the weekend, playing extended sets each night. Known for his showmanship, Sinclar commanded the stage, in front of the state-of the art enormous LED display, which includes five grand format LED screens with programmable moving capabilities. Projected throughout the night, was the statue of the Asian head which was a centerpiece in the old space.
A new twist to the all-new Amnesia Miami is that the 29,000 square foot club is now under cover- they added a roof to the multi-level space! Soggy nights and high temperatures are problems of the past! Also new to the all white venue are 150 intelligent lighting fixtures and a custom-built Funktion One sound system. Those who can resist the dance floor can relax in the surrounding 70 VIP tables, 2 private VIP sections, or second floor mezzanine, with direct views of the club’s guest DJs and performing artists.
The energy in Amnesia is absolutely intoxicating. Plan a visit. We assure you one of the most fun nights you may or may not be able to remember.
Dynasty Party at Cafeina
Cafeina owner Ivette Naranjo recently celebrated her birthday with a Dynasty-themed bash. The Wynwood lounge was transformed into the “Cafeina Manor,” where over 400 guests dressed in their best 80s glam- we are talking shoulder pads, big hair, drama- you get the picture. A few quintessential fashion accessories were provided to help set a mood of decadence and excess, along with copious amounts of caviar, champagne (served through a “living table” featuring Joan Collins) and cocktails by SVEDKA, along with music by Tom LaRoc, who played our favorite 80s tunes to go with the party’s theme. LaRoc even played the Dynasty theme song- which just added to the craziness of the evening. A big draw in the gallery was the photo booth which featured the Carrington manor via a green screen.
Johnnie Walker Double Black
On Thursday, a select group of media and VIPs got the chance to sample the House of Johnnie Walker’s latest release, the new Double Black, in the posh penthouse of the Soho Beach House. Gerry Graham, the Master of Whisky (who knew such a person existed?) led guests through a tasting to compare the original Black Label and the Double Black making note of the signature smells and tastes of each to pick up on the caramel tones and occasional spice of the Black Label and the vanilla flavor and smokiness of the Double Black. It was truly a unique and fun learning experience. Double Black is a limited edition whisky that is expected to sell out in stores by the Holidays – so pick up a bottle and check it out! Double Black will continue to be available wherever Duty Free products are sold, even after the holidays.
Magia de la Moda
Vanidades hosted its 6th annual Magia de la Moda fashion event last Wednesday at the Moore Building, during Funkshion Fashion Week. Presented by Covergirl and Pantene, the high-fashion runway show was emceed by Lourdes Stephen, co-host of Univision’s Sal y Pimienta, and showcased Cuban-American fashion designer Isabel Toledo’s Spring-Summer 2012 collection. Attendees included internationally recognized artists including Mexican actress Marlene Favela; Latin singer Alex Wayne; luxury handbag designer and founder of El Diario de la Moda Adriana Castro; Puerto Rican-American singer and songwriter Elijah King; TV host, model and actress Chiquinquirá Delgado; Mexican rock and jazz musician Alexander Otaola; Mexican actor Christian Carabias; Latin actress Patricia de Leon and actor Willy Martin. Fashion Group International honored Vanidades Editor-in-Chief Jacqueline Blanco and International Editor Mari Rodriguez Ichaso; former Regional Director of Fashion Group International Christina Martin and President & COO of Terra Group David Martin. Isabel & Ruben Toledo were presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Check back next week for more about Funkshion.
Be a Fan of Fan di Fendi
A couple of weeks ago, the Italian luxury house of Fendi celebrated the launch of its new fall fragrance – Fan di Fendi – with an intimate dinner party held at Fendi Casa in the Design District. Guests joining Jessica Barlow and Bettina Bamberger from Fendi Parfums to commemorate the unveiling of the irresistible scent included Andrea Minnucci, Elise Minton, Jilian Sanz, John Lin, Luis Rigual, Nelson Echevarria, Romina Nabhen and Sarah Mirmelli.
