David Neville and Marcus Wainwright of Rag & Bone

By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Rag & Bone at the Soho Beach House

Gorgeous, “skinny-bones” sashayed down the runway in beautiful “rags” modeling the latest collection by British designing duo, Marcus Wainwright and David Neville, of designer label Rag & Bone on Thursday evening at Soho Beach House. The Grey Goose vodka was as free flowing as the brightly- colored fabrics, in yellow, orange and turquoise, the perfect palate for a place where summer lasts all year.  One look even featured turquoise and orange together- perhaps in homage to the Miami Dolphins?

Over 300 guests filled the area surrounding the downstairs pool for the show, which took place on a platform atop the pool and was presented by Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour and Ocean Drive magazine. Read the rest of this entry »

Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour along with special hostess Erin Newberg cordially invited guests to meet designer Christian Siriano on Thursday, November 10. Guests arrived for a champagne reception and luscious lunch bites on the Fine Apparel area of Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour to view the stunning Fall 2011 Collection, and get a sneak peek into Spring 2012. Those in attendance mingled as they enjoyed the afternoon in the ultra chic lounge setup. Models took center stage on elevated platforms as Siriano spoke through each look featured. Known as the youngest and most popular winner of Bravo TVs “Project Runway,” Siriano featured a mix of his ready-to-wear pieces including beautiful crisp white blouses with flowy bright colored pants, along with fabulous cocktail dresses and ultra glamourous evening gowns.

Some of our favorite designs this season included Mercedes-Benz presents designer, Derek Lam; Diane von Furstenberg, DKNY, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, Milly by Michelle Smith, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Naeem Khan, and Carolina Herrera.

Derek Lam

Diane von Furstenberg

DKNY

Michael Kors

Nanette Lepore

Milly by Michelle Smith

Marc Jacobs

Ralph Lauren

Calvin Klein

Naeem Khan

Carolina Herrera

photo courtesy of getty images

Dani Stahl and Elena Kiam

by: Maryanne Salvat 

During Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012, luxury jewelry brand Lia Sophia, along with creative director Elena Kiam and Red Carpet Collection designer Dani Stahl, hosted an exclusive unveiling of the Fall/Winter 2011 Collection. Guests previewed the highly-coveted pieces while enjoying a beautiful ocean view from the 9^th floor loft at the Soho Beach House. The Special Edition and Industrielle II Red Carpet Collection designs were sophisticated and bold, staple pieces that make a statement. Attendees included: stylist Louise Roe, Victoria Secret Model and actress Alina Puscau, OK Columnist and Celebrity Chef Travis London, socialite Dana Shear, style-setter Henrietta Ronson, and, “The Hills” ,Whitney Port, who was spotted wearing the jewels during her visit to Miami. For a catalogue or more information on Lia Sophia, visit www.liasophia.com.

Criselda Breene, Susanne Birbragher, Carlos Betancourt, and Barbara Becker

Miami’s chicest fashion and design crowd gathered at the newly reopened Gucci Boutique in Bal Harbour for an exclusive cocktail party on Tuesday April 5.  The hosts: Barbara Becker, Carlos Betancourt, Susanne Birbragher and Criselda and Jonathan Breene – all decked out in Gucci – welcomed guests including Belkys Nerey, Frank Amadeo, Brian Antoni, Cathy Leff, Iran Issa-Khan, Jeri Wolfson, Jilian Sanz, John Lin, Karla Dascal, Lisa Petrillo, Mitchell “Micky” Wolfson, Jr., Rodner Figueroa, Sam Robin, Gingi Beltran, D. Ashlee Harrison and Susie Wahab. 

The new boutique, designed by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini, evokes the Art Deco era.  Men’s and women’s ready-to-wear styles, purses, shoes, jewelry and accessories as well as the newly launched children’s collection are elegantly displayed amid luxurious accents in rosewood, marble, ribbed glass and polished gold.

 In honour of its 90^th Anniversary, and to demonstrate its commitment to art preservation and restoration, Gucci is making a special contribution to The Wolfsonian–FIU to support the future installation of the Italian Double Parlor (1900-01), a rare surviving example of Italian art nouveau designed by Agostino Lauro. 

Brunello Cucinelli Boutique Grand Opening at Bal Harbour Shops

On Thursday, March 31st, Italian cashmere guru, Mr. Brunello Cucinelli, joined hosts, Leticia & Miky Grendene and Carole & Oscar Seikaly, to celebrate the grand opening of its newest boutique located at the legendary Bal Harbour Shops.

With over 200 guests, attendees included: HIH Princess Thi-Nga of Vietnam; Tennis Star – Gabriella Sabatini; News Anchor – Belkys Nerey; and Swimwear Designer – Ariel Stein; among other Miami socialites Lin Airson, Mari Alarcon-Grimalt, Laura Buccellati, Francesca Halpyrn, Fana Holtz, Lydia Touzet and Gigi & Randy Whitman gathered in the 1,600 square foot boutique for an evening of luxury, fashion and charity. A percentage of proceeds from the evening as well as the weekend were donated to the Jackson Memorial Foundation Guardian Angels benefiting Holtz Children’s Hospital.  

While enjoying hors d’oeuvres and white wines with an Italian twist, guests were able to meet and mingle with Mr. Brunello Cucinelli during his first trip to South Florida. Collections on display included the Spring/Summer 2011 men’s and women’s apparel as well as Brunello Cucinelli accessories which were displayed throughout the store. The evening was filled with the true Italian spirit that only Mr. Brunello Cucinelli could bring to Bal Harbour.