Wine, Women, Shoes and Lucky Rice
By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
photo credit: World Red Eye
Wine, Women and Shoes...
…three great things that are all the greater together- especially when combined to benefit the worthiest of causes. Such was the case at the gorgeous home of Dan and Tina Carlo on Friday evening, for the official kick-off of Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation’s 3rd Annual Wine, Women and Shoes (WWS) event, presented by Roger Vivier. The elegant and sophisticated gathering took place in the Carlo’s pristine garden (in which we felt as though we were back in one of the castles in the Loire Valley), surrounding the majestic pool, where 150 well-heeled (pun intended) VIPs got a dose of Tina’s southern hospitality- as servers in hand-made raw silk jackets served seemingly endless exquisite dinner bites and cocktails from Le Basque catering. Lucy Morillo-Agnetti, President and CEO of Miami Children’s Hospital Foundation welcomed the stylish guests and thanked the gracious hosts for their warm welcome. Immediately afterward, event chairs, Criselda Breene (who was celebrating her ten year wedding anniversary with husband, Jonathan) and Carola Pimentel spoke about the expectations for the upcoming WWS event and announced that it is officially at capacity- despite being three months away! This came as no surprise, as the luncheon is truly one of the most fun and interactive events of the social season. They also acknowledged WWS High Heel Presenting Sponsor, Roger Vivier and introduced Marie Ecot, the brand’s Director of Public Relations,who was in attendance. Guests stayed at the Carlo residence late into the evening, enjoying the company of a stellar group of philanthropists.
The 3rd annual Wine, Women and Shoes event presented by Roger Vivier will take place on February 6, 2014, at the Coral Gables Country Club and will once again provide an opportunity for women of all generations to slip into their stilettos and join together for shopping and fun with the common purpose of supporting world-class care at Miami Children’s Hospital. By fun, we mean: handsome “Shoe Guys,” wine tastings, a silent auction, a fashion marketplace and a fashion show. For sponsorship opportunities or to obtain more information please visit mchf.org/winewomenshoes.
Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour Hosts Sophia Webster
Another shoe-centric gathering took place the night before as British shoe designer, Sophia Webster previewed and signed her Spring 2014 Collection at Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour. Known for her playful and bright shoes, the designer debuted her first collection last year, after working as design assistant to Nicholas Kirkwood. The night kicked off with a conversation between Webster and Silvia Karman Cubiñá, Bass Museum of Art’s Executive Director & Chief Curator about Sophia’s career and inspirations. Afterward, guests enjoyed music by DJ’s Ess & Emm and an evening of fabulous shoe shopping, to benefit the Bass Museum of Art.
LUCKYRICE 
Miami’s 2nd Annual LUCKYRICE Festival, the nation’s preeminent celebration of Asian food and cocktail culture, presented by BOMBAY SAPPHIRE East and hosted by Iron Chef, Masaharu Morimoto and Miami-favorite, Michael Schwartz, took over the Raleigh Hotel’s pool and oasis areas, combining the best of Asian-meets-Latino bites and globally spirited cocktails from over 30 of Miami’s finest chefs and mixologists on Friday night. For the second year in a row, LUCKYRICE brought together renowned chefs and mixologists from Miami’s exploding culinary scene alongside international celebrity chefs to create the ultimate Asian cocktail + culinary experience. Participating chefs/restaurants included: Masaharu Morimoto, Restaurant Michael Schwartz, Katsuya, The Bazaar by Jose Andres, Khong River House, Juvia, The Setai Grill and Phuc Yea, along with eight celebrated mixologists, who concocted 16 custom cocktails featuring BOMBAY SAPPHIRE East and other spirits.
