If the shows at the Tents and Paris, the fashion world’s fabulous versions of Mardi gras and Carnaval combined, have left you fashionably jetlagged (even if only in your mind), you’ll be glad to know that we’re heating up the runways right in our own backyard. To boot, at least a few of these fashion fetes and shows are designed to benefit great causes not just to wear out the strip of that Black Card. Here’s to a stimulus plan that actually works, and is oh, so much fun!

One such fashion celebration was last week’s opening of the Carolina Herrera boutique in Bal Harbour followed by her runway presentation the next day. Making a pit stop in Miami in between her shows in New York and Paris, Herrera showcased her spring 2010 collection last Thursday, October 1^st, in support of the Guardian Angels, a branch of Jackson Memorial Foundation, which hosted its 11^th Annual Guardians of the Children luncheon at the InterContinental Hotel in downtown Miami. Herrera, who exudes a regal elegance which is personified by her designs and boutiques around the world, was on-hand to present a full runway fashion show, which was inspired by the intricate forms of woven Japanese baskets. The texture of the fabrics, the prints and the interlacing in the accessories are taken from patterns found in details of these baskets. Following the spectacular fashion show, the designer made a personal visit to Holtz Children’s Hospital where she met with all of the children, reviewing the sketches of budding designers and fans, as well as autographing teddy bears for the children to enjoy.

“It was wonderful to be able to show the spring collection to the Jackson Memorial Foundation’s Guardian Angels to benefit the Holtz Children’s Hospital. Children’s charities are so important to me. After the show I was taken for a tour of Holtz Children’s Hospital and the amazing medical facilities and I had the opportunity to meet the very impressive doctors and patients they help –the children were incredible. The whole experience was something really special to me.” Read the rest of this entry »

Shoe addicts rejoice! Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland has revamped and expanded its shoe department to mirror the famous shoe salon in New York. You know the one with its own zip code. The one you visit EVERY time you’re in the Big Apple. The one where we met Lindsay Price, Molly Sims, Lorraine Bracco, Nina Garcia, Stuart Weitzman, Betsey Johnson, Nigel Barker, Gloria Reuben, Bobby Flay, Stephanie March, Perrey Reeves, Pamela Roland and Wendy Williams at the unveiling of the Wizard of Oz Ruby Slipper collection during the New York Fashion Week kick-off last season. Yes, that one. Now there’s a mini one right in our own back yard. We hear Imelda Marcos is shopping for a place in the greater Kendall area.

Dadeland’s 10022-SHOE will have shoe mavens flocking to its stunning new shoe haven, complete with three chandeliers, floating glass bubbles and over 1,000 shoes. New brands include Brian Atwood, Camilla Skovgaard and Elizabeth and James, which will join current favorites, CHANEL, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Prada and Giuseppe Zanotti, who will host a shoe signing on Saturday, October 10. Shoes are displayed like works of art (as they should be) on various posh surfaces, such as white glass, antique mirror, limestone, white Carrera marble and grey stained wood, and on modern tables from Eero Saarinen and Warren Platner. You can try on the masterpieces on stylish vintage furniture pieces and custom-designed curved banquettes.

So if Miu Mius, Valentinos, Givenchys and of course, those red-soled wonders make you simply swoon, put Dadeland’s 10022-SHOE salon on your itinerary. Oh, and be sure to give our best to Imelda. Read the rest of this entry »

Shay Todd 2010 Swimwear show poolside at the W Hotel

Read the rest of this entry »

The Webster drew quite the VIP crowd to its grand opening on Monday.  With a caviar café and three floors of stunning clothes and accessories for women and men, the Webster inaugurated its permanent locale with a soiree that was more bash than boutique opening.  It seemed everyone we’ve ever met anywhere (with the exception of those traveling abroad) braved the elements to celebrate and marvel at the pricey designer duds. Guests experienced the first tastes of Caviar Kaspia, with passed hors d ‘oeuvres including Bilinis with Taram and Chives, Mini Creamer Twice Baked Potato, Crème Fraiche, Caviar, Foie Gras on Toast and Guerande Salt and Salmon Balik Lillipop, Lemon and Chive Aioli provided by the renowned Parisian institution located on the ground floor of The Webster.   The party was only supposed to go until nine, but was still hopping after ten o’clock, due perhaps to the free flowing Grey Goose and the “Webster Cocktails” (a mix of vodka, champagne, and Remy Cointreau violets and pearls), and the fact that it was actually indoors, where temperatures are actually bearable. Among the many notable guests at the Webster grand opening: Lennox Louis, Aaron Young, Louis Morais, Danny Santiago, Nathan Browning & Rebecca de Ravenel, Red Carter, Markus Ketty, Craig Robins, Iran Issa Khan, Sam Robin, Louis Aguirre, Michy & Leticia Grendene, Jonathan & Criselda Breene, Shareef Malnik, Ugo Colombo, Gary & Dana Shear, Robert Wennet & Mario Cader-Frech, Nicole Lozano, Michelle Areces-Zandy, Ariel Stein, Hernan Arriaga, Gigi Ganatra & Alex Duff, Tommy & Michelle Pooch, Donald & Lisa Pliner, Jillian Jacobsen-Altit, Alejandro Chaban, Cynthia Olavaria, Kevin & Rebecca Bruk, Tony Goldman, Mehmet Bayraktar, Ricardo Dunin & Stefanie de la O, Juan Carlos Arcila-Duque, Walid & Susie Wahab, Brooke Soffer, Andrea Aberegg,  Laura Bucellati, Alison & Mark Zhuk, Sanford Ziff, Hello Campos, Dr. Julio Gallo, and Kelly Gold.

Thursday, May 21, Norma A. Quintero, Julie Todaro, Karen Gottlieb, Nicole Lozano, Beth Tasca, and Marilyn Wagner hosted an exclusive luncheon and fashion show at Villa Vecchia to benefit Young Patronesses of the Opera.  After lunch, guests were treated to a runway presentation of the Luca Luca fall 2009 collection, wherein 1930’s styled, red-lipped, gorgeous models graced the catwalk. Raul Melgoza, Luca Luca’s new creative director made his first Florida appearance.  Many of the attendees then placed personal orders in which a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Young Patronesses of the Opera charity.

 Living in Miami gives us gals, and fellow shoe freaks, the excellent excuse to wear gorgeous sandals throughout the year and we have J&A Shoes to thank for providing the flirty footwear.    Based in Los Angeles, J&A Shoes have been worn and adored by the likes of Gwen Stefani, Smiley Miley Cyrus, Toni Colette, and Melissa George just to name a few.   J&A Shoes manufactures three popular shoe collections that combine classic style and comfort to any wardrobe, Athena Alexander, Callisto of California, and Lia Bijou.  These are sold in Nordstrom and local favorite Shoes To You boutique located in the Bird Road Art District.