Istituto Marangoni Miami celebrated the future of fashion in extraordinary form with La Grande Bellezza, its highly anticipated annual showcase presented May 20 at 8 p.m. at Jungle Plaza in the Miami Design District. Now in its third year, the production has evolved into far more than a student runway presentation — it has become one of Miami’s most sophisticated fashion events, operating at a level comparable to the polished showcases and emerging designer presentations seen during New York, Paris, and Milan Fashion Weeks.

From the moment guests arrived, the attention to detail was unmistakable. The custom-built set transformed Jungle Plaza into an effervescent Italian cityscape, immersing attendees in a cinematic environment inspired by the romance and grandeur of Italy while blending the vibrant American energy that defines Miami. The immersive buildout perfectly reflected the DNA of Istituto Marangoni Miami: internationally rooted, creatively ambitious, and undeniably modern.

Inspired by eternal elegance and the soul of Italian artistry, La Grande Bellezza transformed the runway into a living masterpiece. This year’s showcase celebrated the intricate textures, craftsmanship, and refined details that define Italian style while spotlighting the final collections of IMM’s graduating fashion design students. The result was an evening of exceptional creativity delivered with a level of professionalism rarely seen outside the global fashion capitals.

Unlike many emerging designer showcases that lean heavily into spectacle, IMM delivered a production grounded in precision and industry-level execution. From seamless show pacing and elevated styling to impeccable casting and technical direction, the evening carried the sophistication and discipline expected at elite international fashion presentations.

The evening was elegantly emceed by Eva Hughes, Executive Vice President of Istituto Marangoni Miami and a globally respected fashion media and luxury industry veteran. Hughes brought commanding presence, warmth, and unmistakable expertise to the production, guiding guests through the evening with the polished ease of a seasoned international fashion executive while reinforcing IMM’s growing influence within the global fashion conversation.

“In this, our third graduation showcase, we hope to continue to show the community not just how talented our student body is but how important it is to nurture and support that talent with access to top-tier instruction and industry opportunities,” said Hakan Baykam, President of Istituto Marangoni Miami. “La Grande Bellezza is a celebration of the beauty that comes to life when we provide the space for our students to birth their unique visions.”

Miami’s fashion, art, and cultural communities gathered in full force to celebrate the city’s rapidly growing creative influence. Guests included supermodel Karolina Kurkova, celebrity stylists Danny Santiago and Irma Martinez, and influencers Gabriela Medina, Jenny Lopez, Elle Ullman, Roy Teng Moure, and many more. Models were beautifully made up by the Godina Worldwide team at GWT Beauty, bringing each designer’s vision to life with editorial-level sophistication as students debuted their collections on the runway for the very first time.

The night was further elevated by a captivating live performance from Italian singer and performer Arianna Bergamaschi, whose collaborations with internationally renowned artists including Andrea Bocelli, Pitbull, Shaggy, Michael Bolton, Il Volo, Flo Rida, and will.i.am brought an unmistakably international energy to the celebration.

Supported by longtime IMM partners including Swiss luxury watch brand RADO, the presentation reinforced Miami’s emergence as a legitimate global fashion destination — one capable of delivering cultural experiences with both creative depth and world-class execution. Witnessing an inspiring display of fresh perspectives, innovative craftsmanship, and boundary-pushing aesthetics, La Grande Bellezza further positioned Miami as an internationally recognized center for creativity, design, and emerging artistic voices.

Following the show, VIP guests proceeded to the neighboring and iconic Moore Building for an intimate afterparty sponsored by LALO Tequila and Ethica Wines. The celebration continued late into the evening with decadent treats from Rosetta Bakery alongside one of the night’s standout culinary moments: made-to-order truffle pizzas by Verace Artisan Pizza, served fresh throughout the party as guests toasted an evening that seamlessly blended artistry, sophistication, and the future of fashion. La Grande Bellezza proved that Miami’s fashion scene has arrived, polished ready for the international spotlight.

Watch a video of the show here:

https://youtu.be/TfFNo7Jqcxs?si=S1zACR0FyS0vdGpZ

Photo credit for all photos: World Red Eye

At Miami’s most coveted culinary address, a handpicked crowd of tastemakers, creators, and social insiders gathered for an elevated evening inside Hell’s Kitchen, where Gordon Ramsay’s signature theatrics met the glamour of a spring soirée. The evening began with an immersive cocktail-making masterclass before unfolding into an intimate seated dinner debuting the restaurant’s newly launched Spring/Summer menu.  

Guests arrived to a scene that felt unmistakably Miami: glowing candlelight, skyline views over Biscayne Bay, and the electric energy of the restaurant’s iconic red-and-blue aesthetic inspired by the hit television series. Champagne towers and curated cocktail stations set the tone as influencers mingled over passed bites and signature pours from the bar’s newest seasonal program.  

The highlight of cocktail hour was the creation of the “Eighteen Stars” cocktail — a vibrant, passion-fruit-forward creation named in honor of Gordon Ramsay’s 18 Michelin stars. Crafted with Casamigos Reposado tequila, Cointreau, yellow pepper, passion fruit, and fresh lime, the drink delivered the perfect balance of tropical brightness and subtle heat, becoming the unofficial accessory of the night as guests toasted beneath the city lights.  

During the exclusive cocktail-making class, attendees stepped behind the bar alongside Hell’s Kitchen mixologists to learn the art of building Ramsay-inspired signature drinks. Shakers rattled, citrus perfumed the air, and guests personalized cocktails while sharing social moments worthy of the Miami scene’s most stylish feeds. The experience reflected the restaurant’s growing reputation for immersive dining events and cocktail masterclasses that blend entertainment with culinary artistry.  

As the evening transitioned into dinner, the newly unveiled Spring/Summer menu took center stage. The first standout arrival: the pan-seared scallops, delicately caramelized and served atop a silky pea purée with braised bacon lardons, pickled fennel, and rich chicken jus. Equal parts elegant and indulgent, the dish showcased the precision and refinement that have made the scallops one of Hell’s Kitchen’s most celebrated signature offerings.  

The grilled prawns followed, bringing a bright seasonal energy to the table with vibrant cilantro chimichurri and crispy Thai shallots. Fresh, bold, and unmistakably coastal, the dish embodied Miami’s tropical sophistication while still carrying the layered intensity expected from a Gordon Ramsay kitchen.  

Then came the crown jewel of the evening: the legendary Beef Wellington. Perfectly medium rare and wrapped in golden pastry, the dish arrived with potato purée, glazed root vegetables, and red wine demi-glace — a dramatic presentation that instantly commanded every table’s attention. Revered as Hell’s Kitchen’s most iconic entrée, the Wellington once again proved why it remains the defining centerpiece of the Ramsay dining experience worldwide.  

Throughout the night, guests documented every detail — from smoke-kissed cocktails to impeccably plated entrées — creating a social-media-worthy celebration of culinary luxury in the heart of Downtown Miami. More than just a dinner, the evening felt like a preview of the city’s next era of experiential dining: intimate, theatrical, fashion-forward, and deeply rooted in world-class cuisine.

For Miami’s influencer crowd, the soirée delivered exactly what the season demands — exceptional cocktails, unforgettable flavors, and a little Gordon Ramsay drama served with style.

Hell’s Kitchen is located at 333 Biscayne Boulevard Way in Downtown Miami overlooking Biscayne Bay. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11:45 AM to 10 PM, Friday until 11 PM, Saturday from 11 AM to 11 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 10 PM.  

Reservations:
Book a Table at Hell’s Kitchen Miami

https://www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com/en/us/hells-kitchen/locations/miami?utm_source=chatgpt.com

NYC’s iconic H&H Bagels is bringing the heat to South Florida with its new limited-time Honey Harissa “Hot Pickle” Cream Cheese collaboration with viral favorite Good Girl Snacks. Available throughout May, the sweet-and-spicy spread combines H&H’s signature cream cheese with Good Girl Snacks’ cult-famous Honey Harissa Pickles for the perfect balance of tang, heat, and sweetness.

We stopped by the Pinecrest location to try it for ourselves and loved it paired with an everything bagel — the savory seasoning complemented the bold honey harissa flavor perfectly. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your morning bagel order or add something different to your lunch break, this delicious treat is worth trying before it’s gone.

Founded on Manhattan’s Upper West Side in 1972, H&H Bagels has become a true New York staple, known for its classic kettle-boiled bagels and pop culture appearances in Sex and the City and Seinfeld. Meanwhile, Good Girl Snacks continues to dominate social media with its viral Hot Girl Pickles, loved for their bold flavors and better-for-you ingredients.

The Honey Harissa “Hot Pickle” Cream Cheese is available now at all H&H Bagels locations, online, and through the H&H Bagels app, Uber Eats, and DoorDash.

Sunset Harbour’s culinary landscape just leveled up. Following a string of heavy-hitting collaborations, a’Riva at Harbour Club is currently playing host to Manhattan’s celebrated Chinese Tuxedo. From May 12th – 16th, this limited-time pop-up is transforming the intimate Miami space into a contemporary Chinese banquet hall, blending New York City’s edgy sophistication with the artful ambiance of the Harbour Club.

Beyond the stunning views and the sleek, warm-lit atmosphere, the true star is a menu that reinterprets traditional flavors with bold, modern flair.

The collaboration features a curated selection of Chinese Tuxedo’s most iconic hits, complemented by a bespoke cocktail program:

• Signature Cocktails: The bar program is as inventive as the kitchen, featuring the Paradise Park (Vodka, Lychee, Yuzu), the Mott Collins (Gin, Pear, Chinese Five Spice), and the spicy, savory Bloody Angle (Tequila, Blood Orange, Sichuan, Chili).

• Dim Sum: Kick things off with the refreshing Spicy Cucumbers and Marinated Wood Ear Mushrooms in a red vinegar dressing. Other highlights include Hamachi Crudo, Shrimp Toast with XO Sauce, and the standout Crispy Eggplant.

• Noodles: Options range from Kombu Noodles with Jonah Crab to the show-stopping Whole Live Lobster Noodles.

• Seafood & Meats: Steamed Snapper, Crispy Skin Half Chicken, and the legendary Half Roast Duck.

• Vegetables: Steamed Bok Choy and Xinjiang Spiced Green Beans.

• Dessert: Mandarin Custard Crème Brûlée and Sesame Balls.

Outstanding Dishes & Culinary Highlights

While every plate delivered, several dishes redefined what we expect from Chinese cuisine in Miami:

• The “Candy” Eggplant: The Crispy Eggplant with Sichuan Peppercorn and Sesame is a revelation. It’s essentially “veggie candy”—perfectly glazed, crunchy on the outside, and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside.

• The Signature Roast Duck: Prepared in the signature Chinese Tuxedo fashion, the Half Roast Duck arrives with perfectly rendered skin and succulent, five-spice infused meat that pays homage to traditional banquet dining.

• Whole Live Lobster Noodles: Expertly prepared and visually stunning, the lobster is succulent and tossed in a rich, golden garlic butter that clings to every strand of noodle.

• Reimagined Greens: Even the sides shine. The Bok Choy features a unique burnt garlic oil, while the Green Beans are tossed in a fragrant Xinjiang spice blend that provides a smoky, addictive heat.

• The Finale: The Crème Brûlée Mandarin Custard Tart is arguably the best version of the dessert in the city—silky, citrusy, and finished with a flawless glass-like sugar crust.

What truly levels up this pop-up is the outstanding service. The staff at a’Riva navigates the complexity of the Chinese Tuxedo menu with grace, offering insightful recommendations. It is a rare “cross-cultural exchange” where the high-energy service of New York meets the relaxed luxury of Miami.

Plan Your Visit:

• Location: a’Riva at Harbour Club, 1916 Bay Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139.

• Dates: Now through Saturday, May 16th.

• Time: Dinner service begins nightly at 6:00 PM.

• Reservations: Highly recommended and can be made via Resy or by contacting the restaurant directly at 305-910-0415.

Whether you’re a fan of the NYC original or a local looking for the most compelling meal in town this week, this collaboration is a must-visit. Catch it before it’s gone!