By: Mary Jo Almeida Shore
A Night at The Museum
Every year, the Bass Museum of Art hosts, arguably, one of the most fun nights that can be had IN an actual museum. Last Wednesday’s fundraiser was no exception, bringing together a select group of the city’s leading arts patrons, socialites and tastemakers for the museum’s annual fundraiser, “A Night at the Museum.” The 500+ guests dressed to the nines, as the event invitation suggested, “creative black tie” for the multi-room, indoor/outdoor fete which was sponsored by Vogue México and Latin-America and Escada, and offered a private preview of Vanitas: Fashion and Art– the museum’s latest exhibit which presents fashion in a transformative light- we’re talking dresses made from poppies, real butterflies, skeletons…but don’t want to give too much away. To describe it officially, Vanitas: Fashion and Art explores the theme of vanitas as expressed in avant garde ready-to-wear and haute couture as well as in contemporary paintings, sculptures, industrial design and new media. The exhibition includes work by contemporary designers and artists.” The collection is showcased through a collection of historic frames,, strategically placed to provide an interactive encounter between the art and the viewer.
The elegant guests enjoyed a night filled with free-flowing cocktails, delicious risottos and bites from Lincoln Road mainstay, Tiramisu, Chateau D’Esclans rosé at the Escada Escape Lounge and beats by DJ Mauricio Parra, and meandered throughout the Bass’ various galleries. Guests also bid on exciting silent auction items including art, and experiences and luxury items.
Vanitas: Fashion and Art is on view Thursday, March 13 through Sunday, July 20, 2014. The exhibition includes works by contemporary designers and artists such as pieces by Isaac Mizrahi, Damien Hirst and a velvet mirrored evening jacket by Elsa Schiaparelli will also be on display, alongside dresses by Yohji Yamamoto and Iris van Herpen, among others.
John Hall Nelson Hosts Mario Buatta and Geoffrey Bradfield
John Hall Nelson hosted design legends Mario Buatta and Geoffrey Bradfield at Nelson’s Hollywood, Florida showroom for an afternoon filled with fanfare and flair. Buatta, aptly named The Prince of Chintz has designed interiors for S.I. Newhouse, Malcolm Forbes, Nelson Doubleday, Henry Ford II, Barbara Walters, Mariah Carey, among others. Bradfield has decorated residences for Oliver Stone, the late King Hussein of Jordan, the estate of Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney and many Silent Celebrities, fervently guarding their privacy. Both have appeared in Architectural Digest numerous times, and have had long-runs in the AD 100, the most prestigious list of designers the world over. Partygoers, decked out in their finest, hailed from POSH Palm Beach to Miami, not to mention the seasonal luncheon ladies from Newport to New York City, and famed New York celebrity and society photographer Patrick McMullan captured them in all of their glory. Guests included Nelson’s mother Phyllis Rodgers, Maria Jose Acosta-Almeida, Pamela O’Connor, Brandi Reddick, Marnie Howard, Josette Wys Katz, Bearitz Alvarez, Whitney Donati, Stefani Lobato, Hillary Strickland, Kristina Maier, Marc Thee, Fabian Basabe, Roric Tobin, Jo Fava, Keith Carrington, Julien Victor Hakoun, Samuel Bailey, among others. The afternoon was a blast, thanks to the efforts of Michael Leondas Kirkland– another great production for mkarte! We hear that John Hall Nelson has Stephen Sills and Alexa Hampton on the horizon… We can’t wait!!!
Vizcaya’s Hat Lunch 
“Ladies who lunch” donned their most glamorous hats, fascinators and outlandish head pieces for Vizcaya Museum and Gardens’ recent Annual Preservation Luncheon, widely known as the “Hat Luncheon, now in its sixth year. The beautiful event had well-heeled ladies traipsing carefully throughout the stunning gardens and museum, in support of the efforts of the Vizcayans.
Following a late morning cocktail reception in the spectacular formal gardens, the event continued with an elegant seated lunch on the East Terrace overlooking Biscayne Bay in the Courtyard of Vizcaya’s Main House. Just before lunch, guests enjoyed a fashion presentation of Mayda Cisneros’ Spring/Summer couture collection. Adding a bit of whimsy to an already spirited afternoon, came in the form of a friendly “Hat” contest. First Place, Best all around, went to Marile Lopez; Most Fashion Forward Hat went to Bianca Kannars and third place for The Most Creative went to Diane Sepler. The winners were awarded great prizes donated which included diamond stud earrings from Maurice Jewelers, a luxurious basket of Chanel Products and a very chic handbag from Michael Kors. This year’s generous sponsors include long-time Vizcaya supporters Cathy L. Jones, Africair, and M. Victoria Cummock. The event’s Co-Chairs were, M. Victoria Cummock, Swanee DiMare, Sonia Gibson, Laura Munilla and James Murphy. Jo Malone provided a special gift to all guests.
