By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
Nick D’Annunzio’s Luau Birthday Bash
Few, if any, events during the month of August in Miami elicit the palpable excitement of Nick D’Annunzio’s annual birthday bash, which turns the average sweltering/humid summer night into one of fever-pitch fun.
This year was no exception. Co-principal of Miami Beach-based PR agency TARA, Ink., D’Annunzio celebrated his birthday with a PanAm-era luau benefiting Make-A-Wish Southern Florida on Saturday, August 10, at OCHO- the hip and very private upstairs poolside bar on the eighth floor of Soho Beach House. The oceanfront deck of OCHO was transformed to resemble 1960s Hawaii as guests, who had been “leied” upon arrival-not a bad way to start- sipped on spiked Coconut Cartel coconuts- out of actual coconuts, and Reyka Vodka and noshed on “Hawaiian” tacos and chips and guac. More than 500 guests, all dressed in-theme enjoyed entertainment by a hula dancer, who moved her hips expertly to DJ Dutch’s island-disco grooves, while Elvis’ Blue Hawaii was projected on the wall of a nearby building. For those made sleepy by the summer heat, natural Hawaiian ginger energy shots by KLEAN33 gave them the necessary boost to party on. D’Annunzio was surprised with a luscious, custom-made mango sheet cake by Cecconi’s.
Partygoers included: Tara Solomon, Nick’s fiancé and partner at TARA, Ink.; Michael D’Annunzio, Nick’s father; Dr. Alan Heldman; Carlos Betancourt; Priscilla Gaya Petro; Chris Paciello; Tony and Dionea Orcini; Brandi Reddick; Laura Buccellati; Brad Alphonso; Fabian and Martina Basabe; Carole Seikaly; Leann Standish; Tim Walker; Daniel and Marcella Novela; Alfred Spellman; Alan Randolph; Gary and Dana Shear; Cristian and Vivienne Del Rio; Pier Paolo Visconti; and Jack and Tara Benemeleh, to name a few.
In lieu of gifts, D’Annunzio asked guests to make donations to Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida- 100 percent of the party proceeds benefited the charity. This celebration marked the fifth year of D’Annunzio’s charitable birthday bashes, with past themes including The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Totally ‘80s Birthday, and Burlesque & Seduction. “Past birthday celebrations have been truly unforgettable,” says D’Annunzio, “and this year’s luau was no exception. What could be more fun than an oceanfront party with close friends and perfect weather, supporting a cause we all believe in? I feel truly blessed.” Nick was thrilled to report that the amount raised for Make-a-Wish far exceeded his expectations.
Many guests with late-night munchies made their way to the second floor Club Bar of Soho Beach House for late night bites, dancing and revelry. Joining in on the fun was Sofia Vergara, who mingled, unnoticed (except for us) among the guests.
Mini Night Out = Maximum Fun
On Friday and Saturday nights, UrbanDaddy and MINI Cooper continued their joint national event campaign, MINI Night Out, where guests had the opportunity to reserve a ride in the brand new MINI Paceman and be taken on a nightlife adventure, curated by the UrbanDaddy editors.
During MINI Night Out, Miami influencers were invited to zip around in the MINI Paceman- Party Patrol style, with a private chauffeur and gorgeous model as a guide, and check out some of the best parties in Miami, including VIP access to Miami hotspots Bar Centro at the SLS Hotel, HaVen Lounge (our favorite) and Wynwood Kitchen and Bar. Even some of Miami’s hottest DJs came to check out MINI’s new wheels including DJ Michael Woods who was spotted outside of Story nightclub in a MINI Paceman and DJ Danny Avila who hopped a ride before spinning at LIV.
For us, the best experience of a night already doused in excitement came courtesy of Urban Daddy’s dynamic, Kara Felson, who went above and beyond to make sure that guests at the packed HaVen Lounge received the ultimate VIP treatment. Of course we would be remiss if we didn’t mention HaVen’s Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage, Todd Erickson, aka “Chef Todd” (named Eater’s “Hottest Chef” )whose menu is unique, exceptional and exquisite- much like he is. Your life just isn’t complete until you’ve tried his “crackle-pop” sushi roll. Just one of the many delights in a fun-filled journey.
MINI Night Out started in Chicago then traveled to San Francisco before heading to Miami. The fun ends in New York City this week. For more information, please visit www.MININightOut.com.
Fashionably Conscious Kicks Off 
Village of Merrick Park and Neiman Marcus Coral Gables hosted a Collection Party for Fashionably Conscious, Miami’s beloved fashion fundraiser, during Neiman Marcus’ highly anticipated semi-annual Trend Event on Wednesday, August 14. The stylish event was attended by some of Miami’s most respected philanthropists, community leaders and fashion forward residents, who donated gently worn designer clothing and handbags, creating the inventory for the highly anticipated fundraising sale that will take place in September. The latest collections and must-have items for fall were showcased in a fashion show by Neiman Marcus featuring looks by Stella McCartney, Givenchy, Gucci, Tom Ford and more. Models graced the catwalk in the hottest trends including Rocker Chic, Violet Femmes, Red: The New Neutral, Lace Noir, and Animal Magnetism. Shoppers enjoyed cocktails and light bites with music by DJ LeeOr. Event hosts, who cleaned out their closets to donate to the sale included: Iva Kosovic, Ali Codina, Steven Rodriguez, Lourdes Jofré-Collett, Liza Walton, Darlene Perez, Leila Samardzich and Farah and Alex Cohen. Other notable attendees included: Daniel and Marcella Novela, Cynthia Demos, Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard, Amy Sayfie, Marvin Ross Friedman and Adrienne bon Haes, Frances Sevilla-Sacasa, Aaron Glickman, Lisa Ranawat, Nicole Porcelli and Stephanie Ansin. Check back for more exciting news about Fashionably Conscious.
