photo credit: World Red Eye

By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
“Neon or Nothing” was the theme of a party that would have been more aptly dubbed “Neon and Everything” for the copious amounts of fun it brought to Miami on a rainy August night.

TARA, Ink. principal and man-about-town, Nick D’Annunzio, well known for throwing over-the-top themed bashes (a hoedown, luau, burlesque and 1980s dance-a-thon about which we are still raving). For this year’s party, 300 of D’Annunzio’s closest friends traveled from near and far, dressing in their brightest neon, while braving a torrential summer rainstorm on Saturday, August 15 for NEON OR NOTHING NIGHT SWIM at Thompson Miami Beach.

VIPs ducked into a cabana and gathered around the The Thompson’s beautiful pool area, which had been illuminated with bright pink, blue and green lights, dynamic neon colors and disco balls, funky floats (giant ice cream sandwiches, a hamster wheel and swans) and neon bikinis and swim trunks, which hung from clotheslines. Partygoers quickly nabbed the cool swim duds and jumped into the pool at the first break in the storm.

Revelers included: Tara Solomon (Nick’s beloved partner in life and business) Dana and Gary Shear, Carlos Betancourt, Alberto Latorre, Merle and Danny Weiss, Vivianne and Cristian Del Rio, Brad Alphonso, Leann Standish, Kathryn and Bruce Orosz, Marcella Novela, Danny Jelaca, Maryam and Carlos Miranda, Flip Flacca, Matt Simon, Michael Shore, Brigette Grosjean and Max Sauer, to name a few.

DJ Leo Medina spun great dance music while guests enjoyed Dobel Tequila and signature cocktails throughout the evening. The party didn’t stop there. After midnight, the fun continued at the hotel’s 1930s House, bungalow bar from midnight to 2 a.m. with sounds by PAPERWATER.